In order to understand the systematic fabrication of hierarchical structures found in biominerals, the process nature uses in the biosynthesis of systems with complex morphology and precise internal molecular organization must be mimicked. The multi-component organic supramolecular system reported here is a kinetically controlled model that demonstrates the three stages of biomineralization: supramolecular pre-organization, interfacial molecular recognition, and cellular processing.

Three molecular components are used in this system: acetic acid (HOAc), benzene, and Kemp's Triacid (l,3,5-Trimethylcyclohexane-l,3,5-tricarboxylic acid or KTA). KTA and HOAc cocrystallize as hydrogen bonded aggregates of KTA dimers capped by four HOAc molecules. KTA and benzene co-crystallize with benzene acting as spacers between one dimensional hydrogen bonded rod-like structures of KTA. Growth of microcrystalline KTA/benzene was initiated by immersing single crystals of KTA/HOAc in 1 mL of benzene for 10-120 sec. The product was isolated on filter paper and mounted with carbon tape on an aluminum stub. The samples were coated with ∼10 nm of 60/40 Au/Pd prior to imaging at 15 kV in a DS-130/LaB6 SEM or at 5kV in a DS-130FE SEM.