Acceleration of Calcite Kinetics by Abalone Nacre Proteins

Abalone shell nacre proteins act as surfactants to promote ion attachment at calcite steps, causing acceleration of the molecular‐scale kinetics of calcite crystal growth. The proteins modify the shape of growing calcite (see Figure) through step‐specific interactions, even though the proteins are larger than the atomic‐scale steps. Understanding of crystal‐growth control by interactions with proteins may give better control of new crystalline materials.