Template-associated crystallization of organically modified CaCO3 via dual-membrane double migration technique: impact of voltage and temperature

Research output: Contribution to journalResearch articleContributedpeer-review

Contributors

Abstract

Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3) is of great interest when considering it as a biomaterial or biomaterial additive due to its high capability to release calcium ions. It is interesting to explore the synthesis of template-associated CaCO3 using a biomimetic approach to facilitate its use in tissue-engineered scaffolds that follow biological models. For this reason, we designed a setup for the growth of CaCO3 crystals on an organic template molecule, denatured collagen (gelatin). The experiments used a modified double migration technique designed to facilitate ion migration within the template molecule as a gel barrier (layer). The setup involved two reservoirs where ions were guided into the gelatin layer under the influence of an applied voltage. The process was further optimized by systematically varying both the temperature and applied voltage. Within the layer, the ions undergo mineralization, resulting in the formation of CaCO3 polymorphs. The findings indicate that the process of CaCO3 mineralization on organic template molecules was significantly influenced by temperature and voltage. The optimal conditions for CaCO3 formation were achieved under influence of voltage at 1 V. The selected temperatures for the mineralization were 4 ⁰C, 20 °C (room temperature), and 50 °C. It was found that low temperatures favour calcite formation, while at 50 °C, all three polymorphs, calcite, vaterite, and aragonite, were observed. This shows that controlled temperature and voltage-driven ion migration can be employed to tailor the crystallization of CaCO3 in the presence of the organic template molecule, enabling the synthesis of biomimetic minerals.

Details

Original languageEnglish
Article number139
JournalDiscover Materials
Volume5
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - 22 Jul 2025
Peer-reviewedYes

External IDs

Scopus 105011293711

Keywords

Keywords

  • Biomimetic approach, Biomineralization, Calcium carbonate, Double diffusion, Gelatin