Acceleration of Calcite Kinetics by Abalone Nacre Proteins

Abstract

Abalone shell nacre proteins act as surfactants to promote ion attachment at calcite steps, causing acceleration of the molecular-scale kinetics of calcite crystal growth. The proteins modify the shape of growing calcite (see Figure) through step-specific interactions, even though the proteins are larger than the atomic-scale steps. Understanding of crystal-growth control by interactions with proteins may give better control of new crystalline materials.