Details of Award
NERC Reference : NE/J018856/1
Building Biominerals: finding the tools that shape biogenic calcite and its signatures
Fellowship Award
- Fellow:
- Dr M Wolthers, University College London, Chemistry
- Grant held at:
- University College London, Chemistry
- Science Area:
- Earth
- Freshwater
- Marine
- Terrestrial
- Overall Classification:
- Earth
- ENRIs:
- Global Change
- Pollution and Waste
- Science Topics:
- Biomimetic Materials
- Biomaterials
- Palaeoenvironments
- Sediment/Sedimentary Processes
- Materials morphology
- Scanning Electron Microscopy
- Secondary Ion Mass Spectrom.
- Surface Analysis
- Interface Properties
- Materials Characterisation
- Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)
- Materials Synthesis & Growth
- Crystal Growth
- Abstract:
- In paleoclimatological studies, where the climate and Earth's surface environment are reconstructed throughout the geological past, information is often obtained from signals in fossil shells, corals and other biologically formed minerals (biominerals). These signals, or proxies, are for example trace metal concentrations or isotope ratios measured in fossils, that tell us what sea surface temperature the organism experienced during the building of its shell, or how much nutrients were available; even how much polar ice was present can be reconstructed. However, reliable application of these proxies to reconstruct past environments and climate requires sound knowledge of the processes that lead to the recording of these proxies by biominerals The first step in the uptake of trace metals by minerals occurs at the surface of those minerals and crucial in this step is the structure of that surface. Some trace metals prefer to attach to very "open" sites, while others prefer more "closed" sites. This preference for particular surface sites is one of the many factors that can affect the signal ultimately interpreted as a proxy. Organisms are highly capable of controlling the shape of the biominerals they build. By controlling this shape, they control the structure of the surface through which trace metals incorporate. We know that organic compounds such as amino acids are used by organisms as tools to shape their biominerals. In order to understand the effects these organic compounds have on the growing biomineral surface, and on the process of recording proxies during biomineral growth, I will conduct both experimental and theoretical research. The experimental line of research focuses on determining the interaction between amino acids and selected trace metals during mimicked calcite biomineralisation. Among others, I will grow calcite crystals in the presence of amino acids and trace metals. The results will quantify the extent to which biological regulation of crystal morphology may explain variations in trace metal signatures of biogenic calcites. The theoretical line of research focuses on understanding the mechanisms behind the interactions observed experimentally. Atomic-scale simulation techniques developed for calcite within the host institute are the ideal tool to obtain detailed insight into the interaction of the calcite surface with trace metals and organic molecules. Previous geochemical models I developed for calcite will be used to bridge the macroscopic, microscopic and atomic-scale results. Ultimately, all results will be merged with current physiological biomineralisation concepts into a state-of-the-art biomineralisation model. The outcome of my ambitious research project bridges between molecular level surface chemistry and macroscale geochemical modelling, validated at all stages by experimental data. Specific applications of the project are in the fields of biomineralisation and paleoclimatology.
- NERC Reference:
- NE/J018856/1
- Grant Stage:
- Completed
- Scheme:
- Advanced Fellow (FEC)
- Grant Status:
- Closed
- Programme:
- Advanced Fellow
This fellowship award has a total value of £492,488
FDAB - Financial Details (Award breakdown by headings)
| DI - Other Costs | Indirect - Indirect Costs | DI - Staff | DA - Estate Costs | DA - Other Directly Allocated | DI - T&S |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| £22,532 | £163,975 | £202,022 | £92,721 | £1,032 | £10,205 |
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