Cryogenic electron tomography reveals the template effect of chitosan in biomimetic silicification.
Chitosan (CS) can mediate the formation of spherical, tabulate, and unique starfruit-like silica in the presence of phosphate ions (Pi). CryoTEM and cryoET were used to examine the CS aggregates in the hydrated state. 3D starfruit-like CS/Pi aggregates were reconstructed, which unambiguously confirmed the templating effect of CS/Pi in biomimetic silicification.
Leng
Boxun
B
Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers of Ministry of Education, Advanced Materials Laboratory, Department of Macromolecular Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China.
Shao
Zhengzhong
Z
Bomans
Paul H H
PH
Brylka
Laura J
LJ
Sommerdijk
Nico A J M
NA
de With
Gijsbertus
G
Ming
Weihua
W
D032701:Biomimetics / Q000379:methods*; D002236:Carbohydrate Conformation; D048271:Chitosan / Q000737:chemistry*; D055032:Electron Microscope Tomography; D008958:Models, Molecular; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D013997:Time Factors
D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D048271:Chitosan