Development of Organic/Inorganic Fusion Materials through Molecular-Controlled Processes

Abstract

Biominerals such as nacre of shell, teeth, and bones are organic/inorganic hybrids, which have significant optical and mechanical properties due to their highly controlled hierarchical and complex structures. These structures are formed in mild conditions and their formation processes are controlled by macromolecular templates of peptides and polysaccharides. Herein we report our recent studies on the development of inorganic/organic fusion hybrids through molecular-controlled processes inspired by biomineralization. The novel composite materials with regular patterned surfaces and macroscopic orientation were prepared on functional synthetic polymer templates.