Research in this unit

The Laboratory of Crystallographic Studies is dedicated to the study of nucleation and growth of crystals from dissolution. The laboratory uses the knowledge generated by these fundamental studies in the design and optimization of applied processes for obtaining crystals as well as for understanding the processes of crystallization, crystalline aggregation and pattern formation in natural and technological environments. The research developed in the laboratory combines fundamental and applied science with a strong dissemination and didactic component.

Objectives

a) Nucleation and growth under diffusive mass transport. We investigate the crystallization behaviour in the absence of convection conditions; including gels, capillaries, porous media and microgravity. By eliminating the chaotic convective component it is possible to design experimental methods (called “counter-diffusion”) where the input of material is predictable and self-regulating. Counter-diffusion methods have been patented by the laboratory and used for the development of devices (some commercial) for the crystallization of compounds both on land and in microgravity, as well as extensive know-how for the optimisation of crystal quality and size.

b) Formation of self-organized patterns in natural media. We investigate how the coupling of mass transport and precipitation in diffusion-reaction systems produce self-organized patterns of interest in natural media and technological processes. These patterns include biomorphs, chemical gardens, viscous dendrification, fractal dendrites, Liesegang rings… The resulting self-organized patterns are tangible objects, fully or partially crystalline, that can be used as indicators of forming conditions in, for example, geological media or as nanomaterials with specific properties.

c) Biomineralization and biomimetic materials. There are two main ways through which life creates useful mineral structures: self-organization processes and crystal growth control making use of additives or organic substrates. In the laboratory we investigated both routes for the understanding of processes leading to the formation of biomaterials (e.g. fish otoliths), the implementation of these processes in the laboratory to obtain biomimetic materials (e.g. self-organized apatite ceramics) and the understanding of mineral morphogenetic processes potentially involved in the origin of life or in the detection of primitive life on earth (e.g. biomorphs).

d) Crystallography of pharmaceuticals compounds and biomacromolecules. The experience in crystallization by counter-diffusion techniques allows the laboratory to obtain quality crystals and optimal size for its study by X-ray diffraction both in the laboratory and in large synchrotron facilities. This advantage is specially advantageous in structural biology and pharmacology studies that require the structural analysis of difficult-to-crystallize compounds. The experience in sample characterization by X-ray diffraction is, at the same time, essential for the identification of structural and textural properties and of crystal defects produced in the other lines of research.

e) Provision of added value services in crystallization and crystallography. The Laboratory has coordinated the creation of an integrated research platform and services in Crystallization and Crystallography (“The Crystalization Factory” Consolider/Ingenio-2010) with the following objectives: generating practical know-how for the science of crystallization and crystallography, create added value for companies and research groups that require technological solutions in these fields, and promote the training of scientific and technical personnel to ensure a leadership position in crystallization and crystallography.