LAUSR

Abstract Biomineralization of calcium-based biominerals is influenced by organic molecules containing oxygen donor atoms. In this work, we were able to synthesize and stabilize the least stable crystalline phase of CaCO3, vaterite, using the biologically useful organic molecule curcumin as the template. The vaterite phase formed was stable in solution at least for 18 h. A comparative study with chemically similar molecule quercetin, a flavonoid, was performed. Though quercetin as a template could not stabilize the vaterite phase, an interesting observation was made in terms of the morphology of the calcite particles obtained. A dumbbell-shaped morphology, different from the usual rhombohedral morphology of the calcite crystals was obtained under ambient conditions. The maturation of the CaCO3 crystals in solution with time was studied to observe the changes in terms of phase and morphology of the particles. Additionally, extended studies were performed to investigate the influence of the change in parameters such as; template concentration, the sequence of addition, temperature and ionic strength on the phase, morphology and size of the particles in the presence of both the templates.