Biomimetic synthesis of ordered silica structures mediated by block copolypeptides
Article Abstract:
Synthetic cystein-lysine block copolypeptides that mimic the properties of silicatein are described. Oxidation of the cystein sulphydryl groups enables different structures to be produced, such as hard silica spheres and well-defined columns of amorphous silica.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 2000
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Facile synthesis of block copolypeptides of defined architecture
Article Abstract:
Research has established a method of polymerization which involves organonickel initiators that suppress termination side reactions and chain-transfer. Specific block copolypeptides such as poly-benzyl-L-glutamate and poly(carbobenzyloxy-L-Lysine) can be synthesized using the technique. The technique is also applicable in a number of fields including tissue engineering and biomimetic composite formation.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1997
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Molecular mechanistic origin of the toughness of natural adhesives, fibres and composites
Article Abstract:
An investigation of the properties of the polymer adhesive in the nacre in abalone shells has used the atomic force microscope to stretch the organic molecules exposed on the surface of freshly cleaved nacre. It was established that the mechanism behind the strength and toughness of the adhesive is shown by the force-extension curves and is not dependent on the identification of the specific molecules involved. This behaviour could indicate the successive release of sacrificial inter-chain bonds holding a crosslinked multichain matrix together or the successive opening of intra-chain loops or folded domains within a single molecule.
Publication Name: Nature
Subject: Zoology and wildlife conservation
ISSN: 0028-0836
Year: 1999
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