Nano-cluster composite structure of calcitic sponge spicules--a case study of basic characteristics of biominerals

Spicules of calcareous sponges are elaborately shaped skeletal elements that nonetheless show characteristics of calcite single-crystals. Our atomic force microscopic and transmission electron microscopic investigation of the triradiate spicules of the sponge Pericharax heteroraphis reveals a nano-cluster structure with mostly well-aligned small crystal domains and pockets with accumulated domain misalignments. Combined high-resolution and energy-filtering transmission electron microscopy revealed carbon enrichments located in between crystal domain boundaries, which strongly suggests an intercalated network-like proteinaceous organic matrix. This matrix is proposed to be involved in the nano-clustered calcite precipitation via a transient phase that may enable a 'brick-by-brick' formation of composite and yet single-crystalline spicules with elaborate morphologies. This composite cluster structure reduces the brittleness of the material by dissipating strain energy and deflecting crack propagation from the calcite cleavage planes, but the lattice symmetry and anisotropic growth properties of calcite still play a major role in the morphogenesis of these unusual calcite single-crystals. Our structural, crystallographic, textural, and chemical analysis of sponge spicules corroborates the view that nano-clustered crystal growth, induced by organic matrices, is a basic characteristic of biomineralisation that enables the production of composite materials with elaborate morphologies.