1. Award Title: Epitaxial Electrodeposition of Chiral Metal Oxide Films Electrochemical Biomineralization – Growth of Chiral Calcite NSF Award Numbers:
Chirality is ubiquitous in Nature. Many biomolecules, such as pharmaceuticals and chemical warfare agents are chiral. These molecules are nonsuperimposable mirror images – like your right and left hand. For example, sugars are right handed and amino acids are left-handed. The chiral biomolecules can induce chirality on a larger scale. A beautiful example is the seashell. Seashells consist of calcium carbonate (calcite) which biomineralizes into right- or left-handed spirals. Inspired by Nature, Professor Jay Switzer and his students are using electrodeposition to produce chiral architectures of calcite. Electrodeposition, like biomineralization, is a soft solution process in which inorganic materials are grown from molecular precursors. Organic molecules that adsorb on the surface of materials can have profound effects on the morphology (and chirality) of the inorganic deposits. In this study, calcite crystals with either right- or left-handed spirals are deposited in the presence of chiral molecules such as tartaric or malic acid (see figure).

2. Award Title: Epitaxial Electrodeposition of Chiral Metal Oxide Films Electrochemical Biomineralization – Growth of Chiral Calcite NSF Award Numbers:
Primary Goal Indicator: Contributions
Secondary Goal Indicator: Identifying new opportunities
This work is notable because:
The research may help to elucidate the mechanism of chiral growth during biomineralization. If the same method can be applied to deposit hydroxyapatite – the inorganic component of bones – it may be possible to produce metal bone implants which are more biocompatible. Chiral metal oxide surfaces have also been electrodeposited by the Switzer group (see, Nature 425, 490 (2003)). These materials may serve as enantiospecific heterogeneous catalysts or sensors for chiral biomolecules.
Other Indicators: No other indicators apply
Program Officer: L MADSEN
NSF Award Numbers:
Award Title: Epitaxial Electrodeposition of Chiral Metal Oxide Films
PI Name: Jay A. Switzer
Institution Name: University of Missouri-Rolla
PE Code: 1774

3. Award Title: Epitaxial Electrodeposition of Chiral Metal Oxide Films Electrochemical Biomineralization – Growth of Chiral Calcite NSF Award Numbers:

4. Award Title: Epitaxial Electrodeposition of Chiral Metal Oxide Films Electrochemical Biomineralization – Growth of Chiral Calcite NSF Award Numbers: