Fluorapatite-Gelatine Nanocomposites : Intrinsic Electric Dipole Field driven Biomimetic Mineralization

Fluorapatite-gelatine nanocomposites serve as model system for mineralization steps of teeth and bone. The biomimetic composites show a hierarchical structural shape development starting from a hexagonal prismatic seed via dumbbell states and ending up with slightly notched spheres. This complex morphogenesis is caused by protein fibrils which are integrated into the nanocomposite superstructure. As evidenced by electron holography an intrinsic electric dipole field is generated by parallel alignment of nanocomposite subunits. The developing intrinsic electric field is then responsible for the formation and integration of the fibril pattern.