Mimicking Nature's Crystalline Structures

摘要

Scientists and engineers have long envied nature's ability to design crystalline structures whose properties are often superior to those of similar synthetic materials. Through a process called biomineralization, proteins orchestrate the growth processes of many natural minerals into designs that confer exceptional properties. Scientists are eager to understand nature's biomineralization processes. The biological controls that determine the size, shape, and properties of crystals are key to addressing challenges as diverse as synthesizing nanostructures, characterizing climate change, treating disease, and designing new materials for national security applications.