Lamellar organic–inorganic architecture via classical screw growth

The fabrication of organic–inorganic composites with well-defined lamellar internal structure is of great interest in current materials society. Inspired by the biomineralization of nacre, we found that an organic–inorganic lamellar hybrid can be achieved spontaneously and readily using classical screw growth, which is well-described by Burton–Cabrera–Frank (BCF) theory for solution crystal growth. Herein, we demonstrate that a combination of calcium phosphate and sodium bis(2-ethylhexyl) sulfosuccinate in the presence of bovine serum albumin leads to hybrid crystals with nacre-like structure via the conventional crystallization strategy. Accordingly, solution techniques for crystallization regulation can be used readily to control product habits. This study demonstrates how the BCF mechanism is of relevance in biomimetic composition generation. Such a biomimetic approach may aid in creating novel organic–inorganic composites through classical pathways.