A biomimetic approach for hierarchically structured inorganic crystals through self-organization

Here, we describe a biomimetic pathway for the synthesis of hierarchically structured inorganic crystals. In artificial systems mimicking biomineralization, versatile morphogenesis was achieved with the construction of bridged nanocrystals through self-organization by controlling growth with polymeric molecules such as a gel matrix and soluble anionic polymers. The self-organized formation of bridged crystals in hierarchical architectures is a possible new paradigm for advanced materials processing which could afford new inorganic-organic nanocomposites for use as novel functional materials.