Provider: ingentaconnect Database: ingentaconnect Content: application/x-research-info-systems TY - ABST AU - Suzuki, Michio AU - Nagasawa, Hiromichi TI - Mollusk shell structures and their formation mechanism 1 JO - Canadian Journal of Zoology PY - 2013-01-01T00:00:00/// VL - 91 IS - 6 SP - 349 EP - 366 KW - microstructure de la coquille KW - shell microstructure KW - shell matrix protein KW - coquille de mollusque KW - mollusk shell KW - protéine de la matrice de la coquille N2 - In nature, mollusk shells have a role in protecting the soft body of the mollusk from predators and from the external environment, and the shells consist mainly of calcium carbonate and small amounts of organic matrices. Organic matrices in mollusk shells are thought to play key roles in shell formation. However, enough information has not been accumulated so far. High toughness and stiffness have been focused on as being adaptable to the development of organic–inorganic hybrid materials. Because mollusks can produce elaborate microstructures containing organic matrices under ambient conditions, the investigation of shell formation is expected to lead to the development of new inorganic–organic hybrid materials for various applications. In this review paper, we summarize the structures of mollusk shells and their process of formation, together with the analysis of various organic matrices related to shell calcification. UR - M3 - doi:10.1139/cjz-2012-0333 UR - ER -