Modulating effect of acorn barnacle C-type lectins on the crystallization of calcium carbonate

The modulating effect of invertebrate C-type lectins on the crystallization of calcium carbonate was investigated. The multiple C-type lectins, named BRA-1, -2 and -3, isolated from the acorn barnacle Megabalanus rosa inhibited the nucleation and growth of calcium carbonate crystals. Among BRA, BRA-2 most efficiently inhibited the crystal nucleation of aragonite and calcite at the concentrations of >3.3 and >26 μg/mL, respectively. The inhibitory activities of BRA were enhanced by the addition of various biomolecules such as D-glucosamine, D-galactosamine, chitosan oligosaccharides, L-arginine and L-aspartic acid. Although the crystals of aragonite and calcite were formed in the presence of lower concentrations of BRA, the shape and size of the crystals were changed. These results further indicate the participation of the lectins in biomineralization.