Kaplan, CihanNoorduin, Wim L.Li, LingSadza, RoelFolkertsma, LauraAizenberg, JoannaMahadevan, L.2018-07-162017Kaplan, C. Nadir, Wim L. Noorduin, Ling Li, Roel Sadza, Laura Folkertsma, Joanna Aizenberg, and L. Mahadevan. 2017. “Controlled Growth and Form of Precipitating Microsculptures.” Science 355 (6332) (March 30): 1395–1399. doi:10.1126/science.aah6350.0036-8075http://nrs.harvard.edu/urn-3:HUL.InstRepos:37235479Controlled self-assembly of three-dimensional shapes holds great potential for fabrication of functional materials. Their practical realization requires a theoretical framework to quantify and guide the dynamic sculpting of the curved structures that often arise in accretive mineralization. Motivated by a variety of bioinspired coprecipitation patterns of carbonate and silica, we develop a geometrical theory for the kinetics of the growth front that leaves behind thin-walled complex structures. Our theory explains the range of previously observed experimental patterns and, in addition, predicts unexplored assembly pathways. This allows us to design a number of functional base shapes of optical microstructures, which we synthesize to demonstrate their light-guiding capabilities. Overall, our framework provides a way to understand and control the growth and form of functional precipitating microsculptures.en-USJournal Article2018-07-15201710.1126/science.aah6350