Springer, Applied Physics A: Materials Science and Processing, 7(126), 2020
DOI: 10.1007/s00339-020-03728-7
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AbstractMolluscan shells are an example of a mineral-based biocomposite material, and most studies to date have focused on understanding their biomineralization mechanisms. Meanwhile, large amounts of these shells are produced as waste globally by seafood which is used by other industries as a source of biogenic calcium carbonates. In this study, we propose a simple methodological approach for isolation ofConchixes, the organic scaffolds that resemble the size and shapes of mollusks shells, using gentle EDTA-based demineralization of the shells. Such mineral-free biological materials have been extracted from selected representatives of marine and fresh water bivalves, as well as from marine and terrestrial gastropods under study. Key pathways to practical applications of molluscanconchixeswith regards to pharmacy, cosmetics, feed and feed additives, biomedicine and bioinspired materials science are also discussed.