DNA-mediated morphosynthesis of calcium carbonate particles

Calcium carbonate microspheres with different surface structures were successfully prepared by the reaction of sodium carbonate with calcium chloride in the presence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) at room temperature. The as-prepared products were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry (TGA–DSC) and fourier-transform infrared spectrometry (FTIR). The effects of concentration of DNA on the morphologies of the prepared CaCO3 were investigated and discussed. The results show that the surface morphology or texture of CaCO3 microspheres can easily be adjusted by varying the concentration of DNA. A critical implication was that DNA molecules could mediate the nucleation and growth of the inorganic phase and probably induce biomineralization in the biological system. This research may provide new insight into the control of morphologies of calcium carbonate and the biomimetic synthesis of novel inorganic materials.

Graphical abstractCalcium carbonate microspheres with different surface morphology and structures are prepared by the reaction of sodium carbonate with calcium chloride in the presence of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) at room temperature.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload high-quality image (61 K)Download as PowerPoint slideResearch highlights► CaCO3 microspheres with different surface morphology and texture structures are prepared in the presence of DNA. ► DNA concentration exhibits a great influence on the surface structures of CaCO3 particles. ► A critical implication is that DNA molecules can mediate the nucleation and growth of the inorganic particles and probably induce biomineralization in the biological system. ► This research provides new insight into the morphologies control of CaCO3 and other inorganic materials.