BIO-MIMETIC AND BIO-INSPIRED APPROACHES TO UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS OF BIOMINERALIZATION IN AVIAN EGGSHELLS

Abstract

Biomineralization helps in understanding the formation of inorganic mineral composites with fascinating properties. Eggshell is a hierarchical micro-architecture built to house a growing embryo. Such biosynthesis of functional architectures occurs in ambient conditions with excellent polymorph selectivity and directional crystal growth. This thesis focuses on the isolation, purification, identification and study of the biomineralization activity of novel proteins isolated from pigeon (Columba livia) and guinea fowl (Agelastes meleagrides) eggshells. The mechanism of formation of mineralized systems has been proposed on the basis of self-assembly of protein in solution and nucleation of specific polymorph of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) during crystallization. Following the biomimetic protocols of in vitro crystallization, attempt was made to mimic the whole eggshell formation. In addition, surface engineered composites of carbon nanotube (CNT) and CaCO3 were prepared from eggshell materials. These composites have been tested as a filler material for enhancing the mechanical properties of polymers.