Bio-Mineralization

Question 1

Define the terms bio-mineralization, bio-minerals, biogenic minerals and biomimetic materials. Mention some extraordinary effects obtained in biogenic minerals.

Answer 1

• Bio-mineralization: Process where living organisms convert elements obtained from its local environment into minerals
• Bio-minerals/biogenic minerals: Minerals produced by process above
• Biomimetic materials: Synthetic minerals created to mimic natural bio-minerals

Question 2

List/explain typical minerals that classify as bio-minerals. Which three cationic species are most frequently found in this type of minerals. What is the typical organic constituents in this type of minerals, and how are they integrated to the matrix?

Answer 2

• Carbonates, hydroxides, oxides, metals etc
• Ca, Fe, Si
• Proteins (collagen, …) and chitin (glukose derivative)

Question 3

Which two fundamental different processes of bio-mineralization are referred to in Weiner and Dove? Describe them briefly

Answer 3

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Question 4

Describe the chiton radular teeht formation, include into your discussion the propagation of the growth from the initiation of the tooth to a fully developed tooth. What can we say about the materials strength of these teeth? Explain.

Answer 4

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Question 5

What are magnetotactic bacteria and what is a magnetosome?

Answer 5

• Magnetotactic bacteria: Bacteria responding to a magnetic field
• Magnetosome: Chains of magnetic nanoparticles inside a cell

Question 6

What is the so-called VerWey transition in magnetite? Discuss possible reasons why this transition is observed in magnetosome magnetite whereas it is so far not reported for colloidal synthesized magnetite nanoparticles.

Answer 6

A structural phase transition in Fe3O4 associated with changes in magnetic, electric and thermal properties

Question 7

What are glass sponges?

What is their inorganic component, what is it produced from and what are special with their materials properties?

Answer 7

• Glass sponge: Living organisms with skeleton formed from small rods or long fibers of SiO2, produced from silicic acid extracted from sea water.

Question 8

Comment on Mother Nature’s ability to produce materials a we see in nacre, chiton teeth, glass sponges and magnetotactic bacteria relative to what we can do in the laboratory. What can be the reason for the superior quality of natural materials?

Answer 8

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