| Citation | The control of size and morphology of micro-crystals is a major demand in the synthesis of composites with desirable physical properties for both biological and industrial use. Early studies by Mann elucidated the precise crystal features of several such biological micro- or nano-particles of minerals including bacterial magnetite, coccolith calcite, and silica in plants. Later he showed several routes to the preparation of similar synthetic materials by designing surface layers and polymers as nucleation and growth centres for micro-crystals. Very recently he has synthesised even hollow materials of simple salts such as barium sulphate. In the physical and chemical characterisation of all these materials, which is far from simple, Mann has used most tellingly a wide range of methods. Through preparative originality as well as through the detailed study of many new materials, both biological and synthetic composites, Mann has become an international authority in a new chemical field of considerable biological, medical and industrial importance. |