ABSTRACT
Many organisms incorporate inorganic solids into their tissues to improve functional and mechanical properties. The resulting mineralized tissues are called biominerals. Several studies have shown that nacreous biominerals induce osteoblastic extracellular mineralization. Among them, Pinctada margaritifera is well known for the ability of its organic matrix to stimulate bone cells. In this context, we aimed to study the effects of shell extracts from three other Pinctada species (Pinctada radiata, Pinctada maxima, and Pinctada fucata) on osteoblastic extracellular matrix mineralization, by using an in vitro model of mouse osteoblastic precursor cells (MC3T3-E1). For a better understanding of the Pinctada-bone mineralization relationship, we evaluated the effects of 4 other nacreous mollusks that are phylogenetically distant and distinct from the Pinctada genus. In addition, we tested 12 non-nacreous mollusks and one extra-group. Biomineral shell powders were prepared, and their organic matrix was partially extracted using ethanol. Firstly, the effect of these powders and extracts was assessed on the viability of MC3T3-E1. Our results indicated that neither the powder nor the ethanol-soluble matrix (ESM) affected cell viability at low concentrations. Then, we evaluated osteoblastic mineralization using Alizarin Red staining and we found a prominent MC3T3-E1 mineralization mainly induced by nacreous biominerals, especially those belonging to the Pinctada genus. However, few non-nacreous biominerals were also able to stimulate the extracellular mineralization. Overall, our findings validate the remarkable ability of CaCO3 biomineral extracts to promote bone mineralization. Nevertheless, further in vitro and in vivo studies are needed to uncover the mechanisms of action of biominerals in bone.
Subject(s)
Animal Shells , Calcification, Physiologic , Calcium Carbonate , Osteoblasts , Pinctada , Animals , Mice , Osteoblasts/metabolism , Osteoblasts/drug effects , Pinctada/metabolism , Calcium Carbonate/metabolism , Calcium Carbonate/chemistry , Calcium Carbonate/pharmacology , Calcification, Physiologic/drug effects , Animal Shells/chemistry , Cell Survival/drug effects , Cell Line , Extracellular Matrix/metabolism , Nacre/metabolism , BiomineralizationABSTRACT
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) are widely recognized as a promising technology for mitigating climate change. CO2 mineralization using Ca-rich fluids and high-concentration CO2 gas has been studied extensively. However, few studies have reported CO2 mineralization with atmospheric CO2, owing to the difficulty associated with its low concentration. In seawater, the biomineralization process promotes Ca accumulation and CaCO3 precipitation, assisted by specific organic matter. In this study, we examined the conversion of atmospheric CO2 into CaCO3 in seawater using shell powders (Pinctada fucata, Haliotis discus, Crassostrea gigas, Mizuhopecten yessoensis, Turbo sazae, and Saxidomus purpurata). Among the six species, the shell powder of S. purpurata showed the highest rate of CaCO3 formation and recovery of CaCO3. NaClO treatment test revealed that the organic matter in the shells enhanced the CO2 mineralization. All materials used in this study, including atmospheric CO2, seawater, and shells, are economically feasible for large-scale applications. Using shell powder for CO2 mineralization in seawater embodies an innovative technological advancement to address climate change.
