Role of molecular charge and hydrophilicity in regulating the kinetics of crystal growth.

ABSTRACT: The composition of biologic molecules isolated from biominerals suggests that control of mineral growth is linked to biochemical features. Here, we define a systematic relationship between the ability of biomolecules in solution to promote the growth of calcite (CaCO3) and their net negative molecular charge and hydrophilicity. The degree of enhancement depends on peptide composition, but not on peptide sequence. Data analysis shows that this rate enhancement arises from an increase in the kinetic coefficient. We interpret the mechanism of growth enhancement to be a catalytic process whereby biomolecules reduce the magnitude of the diffusive barrier, Ek, by perturbations that displace water molecules. The result is a decrease in the energy barrier for attachment of solutes to the solid pha

SUBMITTER: Elhadj S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC1748210 | biostudies-literature | 2006 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature