Aniket Gade, Julia Nadrowska, Joanna Trzcińska-Wencel, Marek Wiśniewski, Rajesh Raut, Mahendra Rai, Patrycja Golińska
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Introduction: Biomineralization is a key biological process by which organisms form mineralized structures, with calcium carbonate being one of the most abundant naturally occurring biominerals. The development of synthetic analogs, particularly calcium carbonate microspheres (CaCO3-MS), holds potential for various applications, including as carrier materials.
Methods: In this study, CaCO3-MS were synthesized using a precipitation method, both with and without casein. Ammonium, sodium, and potassium carbonate were evaluated as precipitating agents to optimize microsphere formation. The physical properties of the resulting microspheres were characterized using nitrogen adsorption analysis, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) analysis, diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFT), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis.
Results: Ammonium carbonate was the most effective precipitating agent, yielding well-formed microspheres. Casein-assisted CaCO3-MS exhibited a higher specific surface area (65 m2/g) than CaCO3-MS synthesized without casein (47 m2/g). The casein-containing microspheres also demonstrated a more uniform spherical morphology, increased pore volume, higher surface energy, enhanced hydrophilicity, and approximately double the water adsorption capacity. However, both variants showed similar adsorption-desorption kinetics.
Discussion: The presence of casein significantly improved the structural and functional properties of CaCO3-MS, making them more suitable for use as carrier materials. Furthermore, the described method enables the large-scale, surfactant-free synthesis of uniformly sized microspheres, enhancing its practical applicability.
期刊介绍：
The translation of new discoveries in medicine to clinical routine has never been easy. During the second half of the last century, thanks to the progress in chemistry, biochemistry and pharmacology, we have seen the development and the application of a large number of drugs and devices aimed at the treatment of symptoms, blocking unwanted pathways and, in the case of infectious diseases, fighting the micro-organisms responsible. However, we are facing, today, a dramatic change in the therapeutic approach to pathologies and diseases. Indeed, the challenge of the present and the next decade is to fully restore the physiological status of the diseased organism and to completely regenerate tissue and organs when they are so seriously affected that treatments cannot be limited to the repression of symptoms or to the repair of damage. This is being made possible thanks to the major developments made in basic cell and molecular biology, including stem cell science, growth factor delivery, gene isolation and transfection, the advances in bioengineering and nanotechnology, including development of new biomaterials, biofabrication technologies and use of bioreactors, and the big improvements in diagnostic tools and imaging of cells, tissues and organs.
In today`s world, an enhancement of communication between multidisciplinary experts, together with the promotion of joint projects and close collaborations among scientists, engineers, industry people, regulatory agencies and physicians are absolute requirements for the success of any attempt to develop and clinically apply a new biological therapy or an innovative device involving the collective use of biomaterials, cells and/or bioactive molecules. “Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology” aspires to be a forum for all people involved in the process by bridging the gap too often existing between a discovery in the basic sciences and its clinical application.
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