Cryogenic electron tomography reveals the template effect of chitosan in biomimetic silicification

Abstract

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.