Mechanism of bacteriophage-induced vaterite formation

This study shows how bacterial viruses (bacteriophages, phages) interact with calcium carbonate during precipitation from aqueous solution. Using electron microscopy, epifluorescence microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and image analysis, we demonstrate that bacteriophages can strongly influence the formation of the vaterite phase. Importantly, bacteriophages may selectively bind both amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) and vaterite, and indirectly affect the formation of structural defects in calcite crystallites. Consequently, the surface properties of calcium carbonate phases precipitating in the presence of viruses may exhibit different characteristics. These findings may have significant implications in determining the role of bacterial viruses in modern microbially-rich carbonate sedimentary environments, as well as in biomedical technologies. Finally, the phage-vaterite system, as a biocompatible material, may serve as a basis for the development of promising drug delivery carriers.