The hierarchical organization in biomaterials: from nanoparticles via mesocrystals to functionality

Abstract

As opposed to most human made materials, biologic structural materials employed for skeletons or teeth show a hierarchical architecture, where the components of organic macromolecules and mineral substance are inter-weaved on many length scales in order to form a composite material. In the overall skeleton the organic biopolymer fibres provide flexibility and tensile strength while the mineral provides a high elastic modulus, compressive strength, hardness and resistance to abrasion. The hierarchical composite architecture provides fracture toughness. The morphogenesis of the biomaterial as a whole and of the mineral particles is guided by the organic matrix. In this paper we use the example of rhynchonelliform brachiopods to discuss the nano- to macroscale assemblage.