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SUMMARY:Formation and properties of biominerals - Professor Fabio Nudelman
 \, School of Chemistry\, University of Edinburgh   
DTSTART:20251211T113000Z
DTEND:20251211T123000Z
UID:TALK241708@talks.cam.ac.uk
CONTACT:Sharon Connor
DESCRIPTION:In Nature\, organisms from all five kingdoms are well known to
  produce a wide range of mineralized tissues combining inorganic and organ
 ic materials that are used for a large number of functions. Examples are s
 hells and coral skeletons that give protection for the animals\, magnetic 
 particles in bacteria used for navigation and vertebrate bone that provide
  mechanical support and protection for the body. In all cases\, the precip
 itation and crystallisation of the inorganic materials are controlled by t
 he cells\, resulting in mineralized tissues with extraordinary morphologie
 s and remarkable mechanical properties. Our research is aimed at understan
 ding how organisms control the formation of such mineralized tissues\, and
  how their properties arise from their structures. In this talk I will dis
 cuss our work on two model systems: unicellular marine algae called coccol
 ithophores that produce scales of calcium carbonate in the form of calcite
 \, and shells of brachiopods that are made of calcium phosphate in the for
 m of fluorapatite. On coccolithophores\, I will present our research on th
 e dynamics of calcium storage and transport inside the cell as well as the
 ir strategies to control crystal nucleation and morphology. On the brachio
 pod shells\, I will present our research on their structure and material p
 roperties\, in particular how they reversibly switch between hard and brit
 tle when dry to soft and flexible when hydrated. Such adaptability in mech
 anical properties as a function of hydration is unprecedented in biologica
 l organic inorganic composites\, and can provide inspiration for the devel
 opment of new materials for advanced applications.\n\n\n\n
LOCATION:Dept. of Chemistry\, Unilever Lecture Theatre
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