Purification, characterization and in vitro mineralization studies of proteins extracted from crayfish, Thenus orientalis and seastar, Pisaster giganteus

Abstract

Purification and characterization of proteins that were taken from crayfish shell and seastar ossicles were discussed. In vitro crystal growth experiments involving both the crude fractions and the pure fraction isolated from both species induced polycrystalline calcite aggregates. A comparative study has also been done to determine the effect of magnesium ions on the crystallization experiments involving the protein extracts from both species. Various spectroscopic techniques were used to determine the morphology of the crystals formed. An attempt to determine the effects of magnesium ions and low temperatures on crystallization has also been done. This is the first case that the syntheses of amorphous spherical calcium carbonate crystals have been reported. The probable mechanism of the formation of such crystals has also been highlighted.