Project M: investigating the effect of additives on calcium carbonate crystallisation through a school citizen science program

Abstract

Crystallisation pathways of calcium carbonate are strongly influenced by the presence of additives. Through X-ray diffraction, samples made by the Project M Scientists reveal the effect of amino acid and related additives on the crystal structures of calcite and vaterite.

Implications of intracrystalline OC17 on the protection of lattice incorporated proteins

“…A recent citizen science project also discussed the influence of amino acids and related additives on calcite and vaterite. 49 Nonetheless, research on protein incorporation in CaCO 3 specifically for high-temperature protection has not attracted enough attention. There is also a gap in our knowledge about whether incorporated proteins in CaCO 3 are structurally intact after exposure to high temperatures or after reconstitution from lattice using dissolution agents.…”