Controlled deposition of thin films of calcium carbonate on natural and synthetic templates

Abstract

Thin films of calcium carbonate polymorphs were grown on natural and synthetic scaffolds in the presence of acidic polymers. Decalcified eggshell membrane and Nylon 66 fiber knits were used as 3D scaffolds, and acidic polymers such as polyaspartic acid, polyglutamic acid, and poly(acrylic acid) were used as control macromolecules. The Nylon 66 knits preadsorbed with acidic polymers produced thin films of calcite phase, whereas smooth vaterite or aragonite thin films were formed on the eggshell membrane. The preadsorption of the soluble macromolecules was characterized by the ATR-FTIR spectroscopy. The characterization of the mineral films was carried out using scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffraction, and energy-dispersive X-ray scattering investigations.