Gastropod nacre: Structure, properties and growth - Biological, chemical and physical basics

The biogenic polymer/mineral composite nacre is a non-brittle biological ceramic, which self-organises in aqueous environment and under ambient conditions. It is therefore an important model for new sustainable materials. Its highly controlled structural organization of mineral and organic components at all scales down to the nano - and molecular scales is guided by organic molecules. These molecules then get incorporated into the material to be responsible for properties like fracture mechanics, beauty and corrosion resistance. We report here on structure, properties and growth of columnar (gastropod) nacre with emphasis on the genus Haliotis in contrast to sheet nacre of many bivalves.

Graphical AbstractDownload full-size imageResearch Highlights► Review on biogenic polymer/mineral composite gastropod nacre for genus Haliotis in contrast to sheet nacre of many bivalves. ► This non-brittle biological ceramic self-organises in aqueous environment and under ambient conditions. ► Important model for new sustainable materials. ► Highly controlled structural organization of mineral and organic components at all scales down to the nano- and molecular scale. ► Organic matrix guides mineralisation during growth and is then responsible for fracture mechanics, beauty and corrosion resistance.