Design and Synthesis of Organic/Inorganic Hybrid Materials Inspired by Biomineralization: Morphology Control of Calcium Carbonate Thin Films using Polymers and Mg²⁺ Ions

Abstract

Biominerals such as nacre of shells, teeth, and bones are organic/inorganic hybrids with complex structures that possess high functionality. In biomineralization, the interactions between biomacromolecules and inorganic ions are essential for the precise control of mineralization. This review focuses on the development of organic/inorganic hybrid materials using polymers through an approach inspired by biomineralization. We have developed the formation of thin-film CaCO₃ by using insoluble polymer matrices in the presence of poly(acrylic acid). Here, the combination of experimentation and molecular simulation is also introduced. Molecular dynamics (MD) simulation of the CaCO₃ precursor suggests that the transition of amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) to crystals is suppressed in the presence of Mg²⁺ ions. These studies provide useful ideas for the development of hybrid materials through biomimetic approaches.