6533b855fe1ef96bd12afebd

RESEARCH PRODUCT

Enzyme-based biosilica and biocalcite: biomaterials for the future in regenerative medicine

Heinz C. SchröderXiaohong WangWerner E. G. M�ller

subject

Mammalschemistry.chemical_classificationbiologyBiocompatible MaterialsBioengineeringNanotechnologyRegenerative MedicineCathepsinsRegenerative medicineCalcium CarbonatePorifera3. Good healthEnzymeSponge spiculechemistryBiochemistryCarbonic anhydrasebiology.proteinAnimalsBone formationGlassCarbonic AnhydrasesBiotechnologyBiomineralization

description

The oldest animals on Earth, sponges, form both the calcareous and the siliceous matrices of their spicules enzymatically. Until recently, it has been neglected that enzymes play crucial roles during formation of these biominerals. This paradigm shift occurred after the discovery that the enzyme silicatein, which catalyzes the polycondensation of silica, and the enzyme carbonic anhydrase (CA), which catalyzes the formation of bicarbonate (HCO3(-)/CaCO3), produce solid amorphous bioglass or biocalcite. This suggests that in mammals, biosilica and biocalcite can act anabolically during hydroxyapatite (HA) synthesis and bone formation. Biosilica and biocalcite are thus promising candidates for the fabrication of biomaterials for regenerative medicine.

yearjournalcountryeditionlanguage
2013-10-05Trends in Biotechnology
10.1016/j.tibtech.2014.05.004http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tibtech.2014.05.004