Ceramic Synthesis Inspired by Living Organisms
　Bone and shell are organic-inorganic nanohybrids composed of proteins and ceramics such as calcium phosphate and calcium carbonate. Living organisms synthesize these organs under ambient conditions. Such process with low energy consumption is highly eco-friendly. We attempt to fabricate various functional ceramics under the ambient conditions through aqueous process.

Cross-section of abalone shell .	Structure of human bone.
Precipitation of ceramics on a polymer film in an aqueous condition.	Hydroxyapatite nanoparticles deposited on a polypeptide film.
Apatite formation mechanism induced by carboxyl groups.

Papers

• T. Ichibouji, T. Miyazaki, E. Ishida, A. Sugino and C. Ohtsuki, "Apatite Mineralization Abilities and Mechanical Properties of Covalently Cross-linked Pectin Hydrogels,"Mater. Sci. Eng. C, 29, 1765-1769 (2009).
• A. Sugino, T. Miyazaki and C. Ohtsuki, "Apatite-forming Ability of Polyglutamic Acid Hydrogels in Body Environment," J. Mater. Sci. Mater. Med., 19, 2269-2274 (2008).
• T. Miyazaki, C. Ohtsuki, Y. Akioka, M. Tanihara, J. Nakao, Y. Sakaguchi and S. Konagaya, "Apatite Deposition on Polyamide Films Containing Carboxyl Group in a Biomimetic Solution," J. Mater. Sci.: Mater. Med., 14, 569-574 (2003).