Sea urchin protein provides insights into self-assembly of skeletal structures

(New York University) Calcium carbonate combined with sea urchin proteins form tiny stacks of 'bricks' that creates a structure which provides a tough, exoskeleton defense for the sea creature. NYU Dentistry research studying the protein may enable the development of tunable fracture resistant materials that one day will find its use in developing lightweight 'armor' and 'sturdier' dental composites.
Source: EurekAlert! - Medicine and Health - Category: International Medicine & Public Health Source Type: news