Biological mineralization of tissues in living organisms relies on proteins that preferentially
nucleate minerals and control their growth. This process is often referred to as “templating,”
but this term has become generic, denoting various proposed mineral–organic interactions
including both chemical and structural affinities. Here, we present an approach using self-
assembled networks of elastin and fibronectin fibers, similar to the extracellular matrix. When
induced onto negatively charged sulfonated polystyrene surfaces, these proteins form fiber …

We have previously shown that fibrillogenesis of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins like
Fibronectin and Elastin can be induced when adsorbed on charged polymer surfaces.
These self assembled fiber networks reach sizes of dimensions similar to natural ECM. Here
we present a study of biomineralization on these protein fibers, achieved using CaCO 3
through Kitano & Flow cell methods. The mechanical properties were measured usingShear
Modulation Force Microscopy (SMFM) as part of early stage mineralization studies. Results …