Non-Stoichiometric Amorphous Calcium Carbonate Forms in Macromolecular Condensates via Interphase Diffusion.

ABSTRACT: Transient amorphous phases are known as functional precursors in the formation of crystalline materials, both in vivo and in vitro. A common route to regulate amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) crystallization is via direct interactions with negatively charged macromolecules. However, a less explored phenomenon that can influence such systems is the electrostatically driven formation of Ca-macromolecule dense phases. In this study, it is shown how Ca-macromolecule condensates that form via liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) can be used to control the formation of metastable ACC via diffusion-based mass transport. Contrary to the solid-like ACC particles that form in the dilute phase via rapid nucleation and growth, the condensate ACC gradually forms via carbonate diffusion into the dense

SUBMITTER: Paul D 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11899510 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature