Carbon frameworks as scaffolding for self-assembly to bio-organic structures

Bettina Heinz

doi:10.1117/12.375067

30 December 1999 Carbon frameworks as scaffolding for self-assembly to bio-organic structures

Bettina Heinz

Proceedings Volume 3755, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology II; (1999) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.375067
Event: SPIE's International Symposium on Optical Science, Engineering, and Instrumentation, 1999, Denver, CO, United States

Abstract

Carbon spheres and tubes form readily under a variety of physical-chemical conditions. They can mimic elementary life forms as well as fossilized organisms. However, they may still be connected to living systems either as proto- structures for future life or as rudimentary forms of past life. This paper suggests that carbon frameworks allow by virtue of their scaffolding properties the self-assembly to expanded structures, eventually leading to biosystems such as simple viruses and other microorganisms. This development is not limited to terrestrial environments, although solvents molecules such as water and coordinating metal ions are essential vehicles for morphogenesis.

Citation Download Citation

Bettina Heinz "Carbon frameworks as scaffolding for self-assembly to bio-organic structures", Proc. SPIE 3755, Instruments, Methods, and Missions for Astrobiology II, (30 December 1999); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.375067

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