Rheology as a Mechanoscopic Method to Monitor Mineralization in Hydrogels

Biomacromolecules
Abigail U RegitskyNiels Holten-Andersen

Abstract

Biominerals have been widely studied due to their unique mechanical properties, afforded by their inorganic-organic composite structure and well-controlled growth in macromolecular environments. However, a lack of suitable characterization techniques for inorganic minerals in organic-rich media has prevented a full understanding of biomineralization. Here, we applied rheometry to study mineral nucleation and growth dynamics by measuring viscoelastic material properties of a hydrogel system during mineralization. Our proof-of-concept system consists of a gelatin hydrogel matrix preloaded with calcium ions and a reservoir of carbonate ions, which diffuse through the gel to initiate mineralization. We found that gels with diffused carbonate show an increase in low frequency energy dissipation, which scales with carbonate concentration and gel pH. Using this signal, and recognizing that mineralization occurs simultaneously with carbonate diffusion in our system, we have mechanoscopically tracked mineral growth in situ, showcasing the potential of rheometry for studying mineralization kinetics in real time.

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Citations

Jan 27, 2019·Advanced Materials·Huiqiong WuJianmin Ma
Jan 30, 2021·Nature Communications·Sungjin KimNiels Holten-Andersen

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