Spherulitic Growth of Coral Skeletons and Synthetic Aragonite: Nature's Three-Dimensional Printing

Coral skeletons were long assumed to have a spherulitic structure, that is, a radial distribution of acicular aragonite (CaCO₃) crystals with their c-axes radiating from series of points, termed centers of calcification (CoCs). This assumption was based on morphology alone, not on crystallography. Here we measure the orientation of crystals and nanocrystals and confirm that corals grow their skeletons in bundles of aragonite crystals, with their c-axes and long axes oriented radially and at an angle from the CoCs, thus precisely as expected for feather-like or "plumose" spherulites. Furthermore, we find that in both synthetic and coral aragonite spherulites at the nanoscale adjacent crystals have similar but not identical orientations, thus demonstrating by direct observation that even at nanoscale the mechanism of spherulite formation is non-crystallographic branching (NCB), as predicted by theory. Finally, synthetic aragonite spherulites and coral skeletons have similar angle spreads, and angular distances of adjacent crystals, further confirming that coral skeletons are spherulites. This is important because aragonite grows anisotropically, 10 times faster along the c-axis than along the a-axis direction, and spherulites fill space with crystals growing almost exclusively along the c-axis, thus they can fill space faster than any other aragonite growth geometry, and create isotropic materials from anisotropic crystals. Greater space filling rate and isotropic mechanical behavior are key to the skeleton's supporting function and therefore to its evolutionary success. In this sense, spherulitic growth is Nature's 3D printing.

A compact dispersive refocusing Rowland circle X-ray emission spectrometer for laboratory, synchrotron, and XFEL applications

X-ray emission spectroscopy is emerging as an important complement to x-ray absorption fine structure spectroscopy, providing a characterization of the occupied electronic density of states local to the species of interest. Here, we present details of the design and performance of a compact x-ray emission spectrometer that uses a dispersive refocusing Rowland (DRR) circle geometry to achieve excellent performance for the 2-2.5 keV range, i.e., especially for the K-edge emission from sulfur and phosphorous. The DRR approach allows high energy resolution even for unfocused x-ray sources. This property enables high count rates in laboratory studies, approaching those of insertion-device beamlines at third-generation synchrotrons, despite use of only a low-powered, conventional x-ray tube. The spectrometer, whose overall scale is set by use of a 10-cm diameter Rowland circle and a new small-pixel complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor x-ray camera, is easily portable to synchrotron or x-ray free electron laser beamlines. Photometrics from measurements at the Advanced Light Source show excellent overall instrumental efficiency. In addition, the compact size of this instrument lends itself to future multiplexing to gain large factors in net collection efficiency or its implementation in controlled gas gloveboxes either in the lab or in an endstation.

Intergenerational responses of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to cerium oxide nanoparticles exposure

The intergenerational impact of engineered nanomaterials in plants is a key knowledge gap in the literature. A soil microcosm study was performed to assess the effects of multi-generational exposure of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) to cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2-NPs). Seeds from plants that were exposed to 0, 125, and 500 mg CeO2-NPs/kg soil (Ce-0, Ce-125 or Ce-500, respectively) in first generation (S1) were cultivated in factorial combinations of Ce-0, Ce-125 or Ce-500 to produce second generation (S2) plants. The factorial combinations for first/second generation treatments in Ce-125 were S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-0, S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-125, S1-Ce-125/S2-Ce-0 and S1-Ce-125/S2-Ce-125, and in Ce-500 were S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-0, S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-500, S1-Ce-500/S2-Ce-0 and S1-Ce-500/S2-Ce-500. Agronomic, elemental, isotopic, and synchrotron X-ray fluorescence (XRF) and X-ray absorption near-edge spectroscopy (XANES) data were collected on second generation plants. Results showed that plants treated during the first generation only with either Ce-125 or Ce-500 (e.g. S1-Ce-125/S2-Ce-0 or S1-Ce-500/S2-Ce-0) had reduced accumulation of Ce (61 or 50%), Fe (49 or 58%) and Mn (34 or 41%) in roots, and δ15N (11 or 8%) in grains compared to the plants not treated in both generations (i.e. S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-0). Plants treated in both generations with Ce-125 (i.e. S1-Ce-125/S2-Ce-125) produced grains that had lower Mn, Ca, K, Mg and P relative to plants treated in the second generation only (i.e. S1-Ce-0/S2-Ce-125). In addition, synchrotron XRF elemental chemistry maps of soil/plant thin-sections revealed limited transformation of CeO2-NPs with no evidence of plant uptake or accumulation. The findings demonstrated that first generation exposure of wheat to CeO2-NPs affects the physiology and nutrient profile of the second generation plants. However, the lack of concentration-dependent responses indicate that complex physiological processes are involved which alter uptake and metabolism of CeO2-NPs in wheat.

Correlation-Driven Insulator-Metal Transition in Near-Ideal Vanadium Dioxide Films

We use polarization- and temperature-dependent x-ray absorption spectroscopy, in combination with photoelectron microscopy, x-ray diffraction, and electronic transport measurements, to study the driving force behind the insulator-metal transition in VO_{2}. We show that both the collapse of the insulating gap and the concomitant change in crystal symmetry in homogeneously strained single-crystalline VO_{2} films are preceded by the purely electronic softening of Coulomb correlations within V-V singlet dimers. This process starts 7 K (±0.3  K) below the transition temperature, as conventionally defined by electronic transport and x-ray diffraction measurements, and sets the energy scale for driving the near-room-temperature insulator-metal transition in this technologically promising material.

Electrically driven magnetic domain wall rotation in multiferroic heterostructures to manipulate suspended on-chip magnetic particles

In this work, we experimentally demonstrate deterministic electrically driven, strain-mediated domain wall (DW) rotation in ferromagnetic Ni rings fabricated on piezoelectric [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]0.66-[PbTiO3]0.34 (PMN-PT) substrates. While simultaneously imaging the Ni rings with X-ray magnetic circular dichroism photoemission electron microscopy, an electric field is applied across the PMN-PT substrate that induces strain in the ring structures, driving DW rotation around the ring toward the dominant PMN-PT strain axis by the inverse magnetostriction effect. The DW rotation we observe is analytically predicted using a fully coupled micromagnetic/elastodynamic multiphysics simulation, which verifies that the experimental behavior is caused by the electrically generated strain in this multiferroic system. Finally, this DW rotation is used to capture and manipulate micrometer-scale magnetic beads in a fluidic environment to demonstrate a proof-of-concept energy-efficient pathway for multiferroic-based lab-on-a-chip applications.

Performance optimization of a bendable parabolic cylinder collimating X-ray mirror for the ALS micro-XAS beamline 10.3.2

The Advanced Light Source (ALS) beamline (BL) 10.3.2 is an apparatus for X-ray microprobe spectroscopy and diffraction experiments, operating in the energy range 2.4-17 keV. The performance of the beamline, namely the spatial and energy resolutions of the measurements, depends significantly on the collimation quality of light incident on the monochromator. In the BL 10.3.2 end-station, the synchrotron source is imaged 1:1 onto a set of roll slits which form a virtual source. The light from this source is collimated in the vertical direction by a bendable parabolic cylinder mirror. Details are presented of the mirror design, which allows for precision assembly, alignment and shaping of the mirror, as well as for extending of the mirror operating lifetime by a factor of ∼10. Assembly, mirror optimal shaping and preliminary alignment were performed ex situ in the ALS X-ray Optics Laboratory (XROL). Using an original method for optimal ex situ characterization and setting of bendable X-ray optics developed at the XROL, a root-mean-square (RMS) residual surface slope error of 0.31 µrad with respect to the desired parabola, and an RMS residual height error of less than 3 nm were achieved. Once in place at the beamline, deviations from the designed optical geometry (e.g. due to the tolerances for setting the distance to the virtual source, the grazing incidence angle, the transverse position) and/or mirror shape (e.g. due to a heat load deformation) may appear. Due to the errors, on installation the energy spread from the monochromator is typically a few electron-volts. Here, a new technique developed and successfully implemented for at-wavelength (in situ) fine optimal tuning of the mirror, enabling us to reduce the collimation-induced energy spread to ∼0.05 eV, is described.

Characterization of Chromium Bioremediation Products in Flow-Through Column Sediments Using Micro-X-ray Fluorescence and X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Microbially mediated reductive immobilization of chromium is a possible remediation technique for sites contaminated with Cr(VI). This study is part of a broader effort investigating the biogeochemical mechanisms for Cr(VI) reduction in Hanford 100H aquifer sediments using flow-through laboratory columns. It had previously been shown that reduced chromium in the solid phase was in the form of freshly precipitated mixed-phase Cr(III)-Fe(III) (hydr)oxides, irrespective of the biogeochemical conditions in the columns. In this study, the reduced Cr phases in the columns were investigated further using spectroscopy to understand the structure and mechanisms involved in the formation of the end products. Several samples representing potential processes that could be occurring in the columns were synthesized in the laboratory and characterized using X-ray absorption near edge structure (XANES) and X-ray scattering. The XANES of Cr(III) particles in the columns most closely resembled those from synthetic samples produced by the abiotic reaction of Cr(VI) with microbially reduced Fe(II). Microbially mediated Cr-Fe reduction products were distinct from abiotic Cr-Fe (hydr)oxides [CrFe(OH)] and organically complexed Cr(III) sorbed onto the surface of a mixed ferrihydrite-goethite mineral phase. Furthermore, analyses of the abiotically synthesized samples revealed that even the end products of purely abiotic, iron-mediated reduction of Cr(VI) are affected by factors such as the presence of excess aqueous Fe(II) and cellular matter. These results suggest that CrFe(OH) phases made under realistic subsurface conditions or in biotic cultures are structurally different from pure Cr(OH) or laboratory-synthesized CrFe(OH). The observed structural differences imply that the reactivity and stability of biogenic CrFe(OH) could potentially be different from that of abiotic CrFe(OH).

Sub-nanosecond signal propagation in anisotropy-engineered nanomagnetic logic chains

Energy efficient nanomagnetic logic (NML) computing architectures propagate binary information by relying on dipolar field coupling to reorient closely spaced nanoscale magnets. Signal propagation in nanomagnet chains has been previously characterized by static magnetic imaging experiments; however, the mechanisms that determine the final state and their reproducibility over millions of cycles in high-speed operation have yet to be experimentally investigated. Here we present a study of NML operation in a high-speed regime. We perform direct imaging of digital signal propagation in permalloy nanomagnet chains with varying degrees of shape-engineered biaxial anisotropy using full-field magnetic X-ray transmission microscopy and time-resolved photoemission electron microscopy after applying nanosecond magnetic field pulses. An intrinsic switching time of 100 ps per magnet is observed. These experiments, and accompanying macrospin and micromagnetic simulations, reveal the underlying physics of NML architectures repetitively operated on nanosecond timescales and identify relevant engineering parameters to optimize performance and reliability.

Closely-spaced anisotropically-engineered single-domain nanomagnets may be exploited to encode and transmit binary information. Here, Gu et al. use time-resolved X-ray microscopy to image signal propagation at the intrinsic nanomagnetic switching limit in permalloy nanomagnet chains.

Asymmetric pathways in the electrochemical conversion reaction of NiO as battery electrode with high storage capacity

Electrochemical conversion reactions of transition metal compounds create opportunities for large energy storage capabilities exceeding modern Li-ion batteries. However, for practical electrodes to be envisaged, a detailed understanding of their mechanisms is needed, especially vis-à-vis the voltage hysteresis observed between reduction and oxidation. Here, we present such insight at scales from local atomic arrangements to whole electrodes. NiO was chosen as a simple model system. The most important finding is that the voltage hysteresis has its origin in the differing chemical pathways during reduction and oxidation. This asymmetry is enabled by the presence of small metallic clusters and, thus, is likely to apply to other transition metal oxide systems. The presence of nanoparticles also influences the electrochemical activity of the electrolyte and its degradation products and can create differences in transport properties within an electrode, resulting in localized reactions around converted domains that lead to compositional inhomogeneities at the microscale.

Roles of rhizobial symbionts in selenium hyperaccumulation in Astragalus (Fabaceae)

PREMISE OF THE STUDY

Are there dimensions of symbiotic root interactions that are overlooked because plant mineral nutrition is the foundation and, perhaps too often, the sole explanation through which we view these relationships? In this paper we investigate how the root nodule symbiosis in selenium (Se) hyperaccumulator and nonaccumulator Astragalus species influences plant selenium (Se) accumulation.

METHODS

In greenhouse studies, Se was added to nodulated and nonnodulated hyperaccumulator and nonaccumulator Astragalus plants, followed by investigation of nitrogen (N)-Se relationships. Selenium speciation was also investigated, using x-ray microprobe analysis and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS).

KEY RESULTS

Nodulation enhanced biomass production and Se to S ratio in both hyperaccumulator and nonaccumulator plants. The hyperaccumulator contained more Se when nodulated, while the nonaccumulator contained less S when nodulated. Shoot [Se] was positively correlated with shoot N in Se-hyperaccumulator species, but not in nonhyperaccumulator species. The x-ray microprobe analysis showed that hyperaccumulators contain significantly higher amounts of organic Se than nonhyperaccumulators. LC-MS of A. bisulcatus leaves revealed that nodulated plants contained more γ-glutamyl-methylselenocysteine (γ-Glu-MeSeCys) than nonnodulated plants, while MeSeCys levels were similar.

CONCLUSIONS

Root nodule mutualism positively affects Se hyperaccumulation in Astragalus. The microbial N supply particularly appears to contribute glutamate for the formation of γ-Glu-MeSeCys. Our results provide insight into the significance of symbiotic interactions in plant adaptation to edaphic conditions. Specifically, our findings illustrate that the importance of these relationships are not limited to alleviating macronutrient deficiencies.

Divergent aquifer biogeochemical systems converge on similar and unexpected Cr(VI) reduction products

In this study of reductive chromium immobilization, we found that flow-through columns constructed with homogenized aquifer sediment and continuously infused with lactate, chromate, and various native electron acceptors diverged to have very different Cr(VI)-reducing biogeochemical regimes characterized by either denitrifying or fermentative conditions (as indicated by effluent chemical data, 16S rRNA pyrotag data, and metatranscriptome data). Despite the two dramatically different biogeochemical environments that evolved in the columns, these regimes created similar Cr(III)-Fe(III) hydroxide precipitates as the predominant Cr(VI) reduction product, as characterized by micro-X-ray fluorescence and micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure analysis. We discuss two conflicting scenarios of microbially mediated formation of Cr(III)-Fe(III) precipitates, each of which is both supported and contradicted by different lines of evidence: (1) enzymatic reduction of Cr(VI) to Cr(III) followed by coprecipitation of Cr(III) and Fe(III) and (2) both regimes generated at least small amounts of Fe(II), which abiotically reduced Cr(VI) to form a Cr-Fe precipitate. Evidence of zones with different levels of Cr(VI) reduction suggest that local heterogeneity may have confounded interpretation of processes based on bulk measurements. This study indicates that the bulk redox status and biogeochemical regime, as categorized by the dominant electron-accepting process, do not necessarily control the final product of Cr(VI) reduction.

Oxygen spectroscopy and polarization-dependent imaging contrast (PIC)-mapping of calcium carbonate minerals and biominerals

X-ray absorption near-edge structure (XANES) spectroscopy and spectromicroscopy have been extensively used to characterize biominerals. Using either Ca or C spectra, unique information has been obtained regarding amorphous biominerals and nanocrystal orientations. Building on these results, we demonstrate that recording XANES spectra of calcium carbonate at the oxygen K-edge enables polarization-dependent imaging contrast (PIC) mapping with unprecedented contrast, signal-to-noise ratio, and magnification. O and Ca spectra are presented for six calcium carbonate minerals: aragonite, calcite, vaterite, monohydrocalcite, and both hydrated and anhydrous amorphous calcium carbonate. The crystalline minerals reveal excellent agreement of the extent and direction of polarization dependences in simulated and experimental XANES spectra due to X-ray linear dichroism. This effect is particularly strong for aragonite, calcite, and vaterite. In natural biominerals, oxygen PIC-mapping generated high-magnification maps of unprecedented clarity from nacre and prismatic structures and their interface in Mytilus californianus shells. These maps revealed blocky aragonite crystals at the nacre-prismatic boundary and the narrowest calcite needle-prisms. In the tunic spicules of Herdmania momus, O PIC-mapping revealed the size and arrangement of some of the largest vaterite single crystals known. O spectroscopy therefore enables the simultaneous measurement of chemical and orientational information in CaCO3 biominerals and is thus a powerful means for analyzing these and other complex materials. As described here, PIC-mapping and spectroscopy at the O K-edge are methods for gathering valuable data that can be carried out using spectromicroscopy beamlines at most synchrotrons without the expense of additional equipment.

A role for iron and oxygen chemistry in preserving soft tissues, cells and molecules from deep time

The persistence of original soft tissues in Mesozoic fossil bone is not explained by current chemical degradation models. We identified iron particles (goethite-αFeO(OH)) associated with soft tissues recovered from two Mesozoic dinosaurs, using transmission electron microscopy, electron energy loss spectroscopy, micro-X-ray diffraction and Fe micro-X-ray absorption near-edge structure. Iron chelators increased fossil tissue immunoreactivity to multiple antibodies dramatically, suggesting a role for iron in both preserving and masking proteins in fossil tissues. Haemoglobin (HB) increased tissue stability more than 200-fold, from approximately 3 days to more than two years at room temperature (25°C) in an ostrich blood vessel model developed to test post-mortem 'tissue fixation' by cross-linking or peroxidation. HB-induced solution hypoxia coupled with iron chelation enhances preservation as follows: HB + O2 > HB - O2 > -O2 >> +O2. The well-known O2/haeme interactions in the chemistry of life, such as respiration and bioenergetics, are complemented by O2/haeme interactions in the preservation of fossil soft tissues.

Sorption and redox reactions of As(III) and As(V) within secondary mineral coatings on aquifer sediment grains

Important reactive phenomena that affect the transport and fate of many elements occur at the mineral-water interface (MWI), including sorption and redox reactions. Fundamental knowledge of these phenomena are often based on observations of ideal mineral-water systems, for example, studies of molecular scale reactions on single crystal faces or the surfaces of pure mineral powders. Much less is understood about MWI in natural environments, which typically have nanometer to micrometer scale secondary mineral coatings on the surfaces of primary mineral grains. We examined sediment grain coatings from a well-characterized field site to determine the causes of rate limitations for arsenic (As) sorption and redox processes within the coatings. Sediments were obtained from the USGS field research site on Cape Cod, MA, and exposed to synthetic contaminated groundwater solutions. Uptake of As(III) and As(V) into the coatings was studied with a combination of electron microscopy and synchrotron techniques to assess concentration gradients and reactive processes, including electron transfer reactions. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray microprobe (XMP) analyses indicated that As was primarily associated with micrometer- to submicrometer aggregates of Mn-bearing nanoparticulate goethite. As(III) oxidation by this phase was observed but limited by the extent of exposed surface area of the goethite grains to the exterior of the mineral coatings. Secondary mineral coatings are potentially both sinks and sources of contaminants depending on the history of a contaminated site, and may need to be included explicitly in reactive transport models.

Aging results in copper accumulations in glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells in the subventricular zone

Analysis of rodent brains with X-ray fluorescence (XRF) microscopy combined with immunohistochemistry allowed us to demonstrate that local Cu concentrations are thousands of times higher in the glia of the subventricular zone (SVZ) than in other cells. Using XRF microscopy with subcellular resolution and intracellular X-ray absorption spectroscopy we determined the copper (I) oxidation state and the sulfur ligand environment. Cu K-edge X-ray absorption near edge spectroscopy is consistent with Cu being bound as a multimetallic Cu-S cluster similar to one present in Cu-metallothionein. Analysis of age-related changes show that Cu content in astrocytes of the SVZ increases fourfold from 3 weeks to 9 months, while Cu concentration in other brain areas remain essentially constant. This increase in Cu correlates with a decrease in adult neurogenesis assessed using the Ki67 marker (both, however, can be age-related effects). We demonstrate that the Cu distribution and age-related concentration changes in the brain are highly cell specific.

Properties of disorder-engineered black titanium dioxide nanoparticles through hydrogenation

The recent discovery of “black” TiO₂ nanoparticles with visible and infrared absorption has triggered an explosion of interest in the application of TiO₂ in a diverse set of solar energy systems; however, what a black TiO₂ nanoparticle really is remains a mystery. Here we elucidate more properties and try to understand the inner workings of black TiO₂ nanoparticles with hydrogenated disorders in a surface layer surrounding a crystalline core. Contrary to traditional findings, Ti³⁺ here is not responsible for the visible and infrared absorption of black TiO₂, while there is evidence of mid-gap states above the valence band maximum due to the hydrogenated, engineered disorders. The hydrogen atoms, on the other hand, can undergo fast diffusion and exchange. The enhanced hydrogen mobility may be explained by the presence of the hydrogenated, disordered surface layer. This unique structure thus may give TiO₂, one of the most-studied oxide materials, a renewed potential.

Spatial distribution and speciation of arsenic in peat studied with Microfocused X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy

Arsenic binding by sulfhydryl groups of natural organic matter (NOM) was recently identified as an important As sequestration pathway in the naturally As-enriched minerotrophic peatland Gola di Lago, Switzerland. Here, we explore the microscale distribution, elemental correlations, and chemical speciation of As in the Gola di Lago peat. Thin sections of undisturbed peat samples from 0-37 cm and 200-249 cm depth were analyzed by synchrotron microfocused X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) spectrometry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy (μ-XAS). Additionally, peat samples were studied by bulk As, Fe, and S K-edge XAS. Micro-XRF analyses showed that As in the near-surface peat was mainly concentrated in 10-50 μm sized hotspots, identified by μ-XAS as realgar (α-As4S4). In the deep peat layer samples, however, As was more diffusely distributed and mostly associated with particulate NOM of varying decomposition stages. The NOM-associated As was present as trivalent As bound by sulfhydryl groups. Arsenopyrite (FeAsS) and arsenian pyrite (FeAsxS2-x) of <25 μm size, which have escaped detection by bulk As and Fe K-edge XAS, were found as minor As species in the peat. Bulk S K-edge XAS revealed that the deep peat layers were significantly enriched in reduced organic S species. Our findings suggest an authigenic formation of realgar and arsenopyrite in strongly reducing microenvironments of the peat and indicate that As(III)-NOM complexes are formed by the passive sorption of As(III) to NOM. This reaction appears to be favored by a combination of abundant reduced organic S and comparatively low As solution concentrations preventing the formation of secondary As-bearing sulfides.

Selenium biotransformations in an engineered aquatic ecosystem for bioremediation of agricultural wastewater via brine shrimp production

An engineered aquatic ecosystem was specifically designed to bioremediate selenium (Se), occurring as oxidized inorganic selenate from hypersalinized agricultural drainage water while producing brine shrimp enriched in organic Se and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for use in value added nutraceutical food supplements. Selenate was successfully bioremediated by microalgal metabolism into organic Se (seleno-amino acids) and partially removed via gaseous volatile Se formation. Furthermore, filter-feeding brine shrimp that accumulated this organic Se were removed by net harvest. Thriving in this engineered pond system, brine shrimp ( Artemia franciscana Kellogg) and brine fly (Ephydridae sp.) have major ecological relevance as important food sources for large populations of waterfowl, breeding, and migratory shore birds. This aquatic ecosystem was an ideal model for study because it mimics trophic interactions in a Se polluted wetland. Inorganic selenate in drainage water was metabolized differently in microalgae, bacteria, and diatoms where it was accumulated and reduced into various inorganic forms (selenite, selenide, or elemental Se) or partially incorporated into organic Se mainly as selenomethionine. Brine shrimp and brine fly larva then bioaccumulated Se from ingesting aquatic microorganisms and further metabolized Se predominately into organic Se forms. Importantly, adult brine flies, which hatched from aquatic larva, bioaccumulated the highest Se concentrations of all organisms tested.

Asymmetric catalysis at the mesoscale: gold nanoclusters embedded in chiral self-assembled monolayer as heterogeneous catalyst for asymmetric reactions

Research to develop highly versatile, chiral, heterogeneous catalysts for asymmetric organic transformations, without quenching the catalytic reactivity, has met with limited success. While chiral supramolecular structures, connected by weak bonds, are highly active for homogeneous asymmetric catalysis, their application in heterogeneous catalysis is rare. In this work, asymmetric catalyst was prepared by encapsulating metallic nanoclusters in chiral self-assembled monolayer (SAM), immobilized on mesoporous SiO2 support. Using olefin cyclopropanation as an example, it was demonstrated that by controlling the SAM properties, asymmetric reactions can be catalyzed by Au clusters embedded in chiral SAM. Up to 50% enantioselectivity with high diastereoselectivity were obtained while employing Au nanoclusters coated with SAM peptides as heterogeneous catalyst for the formation of cyclopropane-containing products. Spectroscopic measurements correlated the improved enantioselectivity with the formation of a hydrogen-bonding network in the chiral SAM. These results demonstrate the synergetic effect of the catalytically active metallic sites and the surrounding chiral SAM for the formation of a mesoscale enantioselective catalyst.