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Smith AJ, Figiel Ł, Wan C, McNally T. Isocyanate-functionalised graphene oxide and poly(vinyl alcohol) nacre-mimetic inspired freestanding films. NANOSCALE ADVANCES 2021; 4:49-57. [PMID: 36132941 PMCID: PMC9419025 DOI: 10.1039/d1na00792k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Nacre mimetic films based on 2-ureido-4[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy) functionalised graphene oxide (GO) and poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were readily prepared by self-assembly using a vacuum filtration method. The isocyanate (UPy) functionalisation of the PVA was confirmed from a combination of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and changes in d-spacing from X-ray diffraction (XRD) measurements and, of the GO by solid-state NMR measurements reported by the authors previously. This is the first example of nacre mimetic structures where both the nanoplatelet (GO) and polymer (PVA) components are functionalised with complimentary groups. The resulting films displayed substantial increases in Young's modulus (E) of 392% (GO1/PVA1), ultimate tensile strength (UTS, σ) of 535% (GO1/PVA1), elongation at break (ε max) of 598% (GO10/PVA5) and tensile toughness (U T) of 1789% (GO1/PVA10) compared to the un-functionalised GO analogues. The binding of UPy to both the GO and the PVA provides multiple routes by which these freestanding nacre mimetic films can dissipate applied loads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Smith
- International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), WMG, University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL UK
| | - Łukasz Figiel
- International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), WMG, University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL UK
| | - Chaoying Wan
- International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), WMG, University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL UK
| | - Tony McNally
- International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM), WMG, University of Warwick Coventry CV4 7AL UK
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2
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El-Kaliuoby MI, Amer M, Shehata N. Enhancement of Nano-Biopolymer Antibacterial Activity by Pulsed Electric Fields. Polymers (Basel) 2021; 13:1869. [PMID: 34200040 PMCID: PMC8200249 DOI: 10.3390/polym13111869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic wounds are commonly colonized with bacteria in a way that prevents full healing process and capacity for repair. Nano-chitosan, a biodegradable and nontoxic biopolymer, has shown bacteriostatic activity against a wide spectrum of bacteria. Effectively, pulsed electromagnetic fields are shown to have both wound healing enhancement and antibacterial activity. This work aimed to combine the use of nano-chitosan and exposure to a pulsed electric field to overcome two common types of infectious bacteria, namely P. aeruginosa and S. aureus. Here, bacteria growing rate, growth kinetics and cell cytotoxicity (levels of lactate dehydrogenase, protein leakage and nucleic acid leakage) were investigated. Our findings confirmed the maximum antibacterial synergistic combination of nano-chitosan and exposure against P. aeruginosa than using each one alone. It is presumed that the exposure has influenced bacteria membrane charge distribution in a manner that allowed more chitosan to anchor the surface and enter inside the cell. Significantly, cell cytotoxicity substantiates high enzymatic levels as a result of cell membrane disintegration. In conclusion, exposure to pulsed electromagnetic fields has a synergistic antibacterial effect against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa with maximum inhibitory effect for the last one. Extensive work should be done to evaluate the combination against different bacteria types to get general conclusive results. The ability of using pulsed electromagnetic fields as a wound healing accelerator and antibacterial cofactor has been proved, but in vivo experimental work in the future to verify the use of such a new combination against infectious wounds and to determine optimum treatment conditions is a must.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Motaz Amer
- Basic and Applied Science Institute, College of Engineering Arab Academy for Science, Technology and Maritime Transports, Alexandria 21544, Egypt;
| | - Nader Shehata
- The Bradley Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
- Department of Engineering Mathematics and Physics, Faculty of Engineering, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21544, Egypt
- Kuwait College of Science and Technology, Doha Area, 7th Ring Road, Safat 13133, Kuwait
- Utah Science Technology and Research (USTAR) Bio-Innovation Center, Utah State University, Logan, UT 84341, USA
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Zheng X, Xu M, Yang S, Omonov S, Huang S, Zhao J, Ruan H, Zeng M. Novel bio-inspired three-dimensional nanocomposites based on montmorillonite and chitosan. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 165:2702-2710. [PMID: 33086110 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.10.070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
In this study, inspired by nacre-like structural natural shells, novel three-dimensional (3D) nanocomposites based on natural nanoplatelets of montmorillonite (MMT) and polysaccharide of chitosan (CS) were prepared with solution intercalation and self-assembly process. The CS-intercalated-MMT nanoplatelets units acted as "bricks" and CS molecules acted as "mortar", arranging in fairly well-ordered layered structure. With addition of glutaraldehyde (GA) and Pd2+ cations, synergistic toughening and strengthening effects of covalent and ionic bonds could be achieved. The best mechanical properties of the prepared 3D nanocomposites were observed as 5.6 KJ/m2 (impact strength), 3.3 GPa (flexural modulus), and 65.8 MPa (flexural strength), respectively, which showed higher toughness but lower flexural properties than natural pearl mussel shells. Nevertheless, both the impact and flexural properties of the prepared 3D nanocomposite were much higher than the other natural shell, i.e. green grab shell. Besides conventional methods characterizations, the nacre-like structure of the artificial 3D nanocomposite was further evidenced with positron annihilation lifetime spectroscopy characterizations. This work might facilitate a versatile platform for developing green 3D bionanocomposites with fairly good mechanical properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Zheng
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alternative Technologies for Fine Chemicals Process, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Mengdie Xu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alternative Technologies for Fine Chemicals Process, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Shuai Yang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alternative Technologies for Fine Chemicals Process, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Shakhzodjon Omonov
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alternative Technologies for Fine Chemicals Process, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Shuaijian Huang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alternative Technologies for Fine Chemicals Process, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alternative Technologies for Fine Chemicals Process, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China
| | - Huajun Ruan
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alternative Technologies for Fine Chemicals Process, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China; Zhejiang Fenix Health Technology Co., Ltd., Zhuji 311804, China
| | - Minfeng Zeng
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Alternative Technologies for Fine Chemicals Process, College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Shaoxing University, Shaoxing 312000, China.
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Kelnar I, Zhigunov A, Kaprálková L, Krejčíková S, Dybal J. Synergistic effects in Methylcellulose/Hydroxyethylcellulose blend: Influence of components ratio and graphene oxide. Carbohydr Polym 2020; 236:116077. [PMID: 32172890 DOI: 10.1016/j.carbpol.2020.116077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/25/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A specific feature of water-soluble polysaccharides is formation of organized structures in solutions. This study deals with an unexpected effect of 2-hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) on structure and mechanical performance of methylcellulose (MC) films. The values of modulus with 5 and 10 % HEC content exceed those of the linear model, which indicates synergistic effect consisting in formation of ordered structures. However, higher content of HEC leads to worse properties corresponding to contribution of its lower parameters. The structural transformations are confirmed by XRD and polarized-light microscopy. Ability of HEC to support formation of ordered structures in MC solutions is indicated by rheology. Important fact is that low graphene oxide (GO) content has a high reinforcing effect on neat MC or HEC, but its presence in blends is accompanied by elimination of HEC-induced structural transformations. The results confirm complex effect of blending and GO on structure and properties of the MC/HEC system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Kelnar
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Praha, Czech Republic.
| | - Alexander Zhigunov
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Ludmila Kaprálková
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Sabina Krejčíková
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Dybal
- Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Heyrovského nám. 2, 162 06 Praha, Czech Republic
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Shi F, Li J, Sun J, Huang H, Su X, Wang Z. Sodium hexametaphosphate modulated fluorescence responsive biosensor based on self-assembly / disassembly mode of reduced-graphene quantum dots / chitosan system for alkaline phosphatase. Talanta 2020; 207:120341. [DOI: 10.1016/j.talanta.2019.120341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Revised: 09/03/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Zienkiewicz-Strzałka M, Deryło-Marczewska A, Skorik YA, Petrova VA, Choma A, Komaniecka I. Silver Nanoparticles on Chitosan/Silica Nanofibers: Characterization and Antibacterial Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 21:E166. [PMID: 31881739 PMCID: PMC6981428 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21010166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
A simple, low-cost, and reproducible method for creating materials with even silver nanoparticles (AgNP) dispersion was established. Chitosan nanofibers with silica phase (CS/silica) were synthesized by an electrospinning technique to obtain highly porous 3D nanofiber scaffolds. Silver nanoparticles in the form of a well-dispersed metallic phase were synthesized in an external preparation step and embedded in the CS/silica nanofibers by deposition for obtaining chitosan nanofibers with silica phase decorated by silver nanoparticles (Ag/CS/silica). The antibacterial activity of investigated materials was tested using Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The results were compared with the properties of the nanocomposite without silver nanoparticles and a colloidal solution of AgNP. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of obtained AgNP against Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) ATCC25923 and Escherichia coli (E. coli) ATCC25922 was determined. The physicochemical characterization of Ag/CS/silica nanofibers using various analytical techniques, as well as the applicability of these techniques in the characterization of this type of nanocomposite, is presented. The resulting Ag/CS/silica nanocomposites (Ag/CS/silica nanofibers) were characterized by small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The morphology of the AgNP in solution, both initial and extracted from composite, the properties of composites, the size, and crystallinity of the nanoparticles, and the characteristics of the chitosan fibers were determined by electron microscopy (SEM and TEM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Małgorzata Zienkiewicz-Strzałka
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, sq. Maria Curie-Skłodowska 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Anna Deryło-Marczewska
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, sq. Maria Curie-Skłodowska 3, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Yury A. Skorik
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoi pr. VO 31, St. Petersburg 199004, Russia;
| | - Valentina A. Petrova
- Institute of Macromolecular Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Bolshoi pr. VO 31, St. Petersburg 199004, Russia;
| | - Adam Choma
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.C.); (I.K.)
| | - Iwona Komaniecka
- Department of Genetics and Microbiology, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland; (A.C.); (I.K.)
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Khan MU, Siddiqui S, Siddiqui ZN. Novel Ionic Liquid-Functionalized Chitosan [DSIM][AlCl 3] x -@CS: Synthesis, Characterization, and Catalytic Application for Preparation of Substituted Pyrazine Derivatives. ACS OMEGA 2019; 4:7586-7595. [PMID: 31459852 PMCID: PMC6648620 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.9b00301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Pyrazines are renowned heterocyclic compounds that have played an important role in drug design and are part of many polycyclic compounds of biological and industrial significance. In this article, a novel chitosan-immobilized ionic liquid, [DSIM][AlCl3] x -@CS, has been synthesized easily at ambient temperature and used for catalyzing the synthesis of a series of biologically relevant pyrazine derivatives. The catalyst is well characterized by various techniques such as Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, solid-state 13C MAS nuclear magnetic resonance, scanning electron microscopy/energy-dispersive X-ray, elemental mapping, transmission electron microscopy, powder X-ray diffraction, and thermal gravimetric analyses. The advantageous features of the present energy-sustainable methodology include high yield of product (>99%), shorter reaction time periods, and recyclability of the catalyst.
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8
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Ge M, Wang X, Du M, Liang G, Hu G, S M JA. Effects on the Mechanical Properties of Nacre-Like Bio-Hybrid Membranes with Inter-Penetrating Petal Structure Based on Magadiite. MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2019; 12:E173. [PMID: 30621056 PMCID: PMC6337425 DOI: 10.3390/ma12010173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2018] [Revised: 12/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Rigid biological systems are increasingly becoming a source of inspiration for the fabrication of the advanced functional materials due to their diverse hierarchical structures and remarkable engineering properties. As a bionic biomaterial with a clear layered structure, excellent mechanical properties, and interesting rainbow colors, nacre has become one of the most attractive models for novel artificial materials design. In this research paper, the tough and strong nacre-like bio-hybrid membranes with an interpenetrating petals structure were fabricated from chitosan (CS) and magadiite (MAG) clay nanosheets through the gel-casting self-assembling method. The analyses from X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and observations of water droplets on membranes indicated that the nacre-like hybrid membranes had a layered compact structure. Fourier transforms infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) analyses suggested that the CS molecular chains formed chemical bonds and hydrogen bonds with MAG layers. The inter-penetrating petal layered structure had a good effect on the mechanical properties of a nacre-like bio-hybrid membranes and the tensile strength of the hybrid membranes could reach at 78.6 MPa. However, the transmission analyses of the results showed that the hybrid membranes still had a certain visible light transmittance. Finally, the hybrid membranes possessed an intriguing efficient fire-shielding property during exposure to the flame of alcohol burner. Consequently, the great biocompatibility and excellent mechanical properties of the bio-hybrid membranes with the special interpenetrating petals structure provides a great opportunity for these composites to be widely applied in biomaterial research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingliang Ge
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
- PCFM and GDHPPC Labs, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Xubin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Mingyi Du
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Guodong Liang
- PCFM and GDHPPC Labs, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510275, China.
| | - Guoqing Hu
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
| | - Jahangir Alam S M
- Key Laboratory of Polymer Processing Engineering of Ministry of Education, National Engineering Research Center of Novel Equipment for Polymer Processing, School of Mechanical & Automotive Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510640, China.
- Department of Robotics & Mechatronics Engineering, University of Dhaka, Dhaka 1000, Bangladesh.
- Department of Computer Science & Engineering, Jessore University of Science and Technology, Jessore 7408, Bangladesh.
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Postnova I, Silant'ev V, Sarin S, Shchipunov Y. Chitosan Hydrogels and Bionanocomposites Formed through the Mineralization and Regulated Charging. CHEM REC 2018; 18:1247-1260. [PMID: 29791784 DOI: 10.1002/tcr.201800049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
The account presents survey of our systematic studies on chitosan. Only this polysaccharide bears cationic charges, possesses antimicrobial activity and wound healing ability that make it highly appropriate for using in medicine, biomedical engineering, cosmetics, food, packaging. However, its application meets with severe limitation. Chitosan belongs to polysaccharides that do not jellify solutions. Main approaches are based on the chemical modifications and cross-linking, but these treatments impairs therewith the biocompatibility and biological activity of chitosan. We have developed approaches in which monolithic hydrogels are fabricated via the mineralization of polysaccharide by method of green sol-gel chemistry and via the formation of polyelectrolyte complex with oppositely charged counterparts in the regime of its charging by means of regulated acidification. The latter approach was also extended for the preparation of chitosan bionanocomposites and films with nanoparticles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Postnova
- Institute of Chemistry, Far East Department, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia.,Far-Eastern Federal University, Vladivostok, 690091, Russia
| | - Vladimir Silant'ev
- Institute of Chemistry, Far East Department, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Sergei Sarin
- Institute of Chemistry, Far East Department, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
| | - Yury Shchipunov
- Institute of Chemistry, Far East Department, Russian Academy of Sciences, Vladivostok, 690022, Russia
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Ha CS. Polymer Based Hybrid Nanocomposites; A Progress Toward Enhancing Interfacial Interaction and Tailoring Advanced Applications. CHEM REC 2017; 18:759-775. [DOI: 10.1002/tcr.201700030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Sik Ha
- Department of Polymer Science and Engineering.; Busan 46241 Korea
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Gerhard EM, Wang W, Li C, Guo J, Ozbolat IT, Rahn KM, Armstrong AD, Xia J, Qian G, Yang J. Design strategies and applications of nacre-based biomaterials. Acta Biomater 2017; 54:21-34. [PMID: 28274766 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The field of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine relies heavily on materials capable of implantation without significant foreign body reactions and with the ability to promote tissue differentiation and regeneration. The field of bone tissue engineering in particular requires materials capable of providing enhanced mechanical properties and promoting osteogenic cell lineage commitment. While bone repair has long relied almost exclusively on inorganic, calcium phosphate ceramics such as hydroxyapatite and their composites or on non-degradable metals, the organically derived shell and pearl nacre generated by mollusks has emerged as a promising alternative. Nacre is a naturally occurring composite material composed of inorganic, calcium carbonate plates connected by a framework of organic molecules. Similar to mammalian bone, the highly organized microstructure of nacre endows the composite with superior mechanical properties while the organic phase contributes to significant bioactivity. Studies, both in vitro and in vivo, have demonstrated nacre's biocompatibility, biodegradability, and osteogenic potential, which are superior to pure inorganic minerals such as hydroxyapatite or non-degradable metals. Nacre can be used directly as a bulk implant or as part of a composite material when combined with polymers or other ceramics. While nacre has demonstrated its effectiveness in multiple cell culture and animal models, it remains a relatively underexplored biomaterial. This review introduces the formation, structure, and characteristics of nacre, and discusses the present and future uses of this biologically-derived material as a novel biomaterial for orthopedic and other tissue engineering applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Mussel derived nacre, a biological composite composed of mineralized calcium carbonate platelets and interplatelet protein components, has recently gained interest as a potential alternative ceramic material in orthopedic biomaterials, combining the integration and mechanical capabilities of calcium phosphates with increased bioactivity derived from proteins and biomolecules; however, there is limited awareness of this material's potential. Herein, we present, to our knowledge, the first comprehensive review of nacre as a biomaterial. Nacre is a highly promising yet overlooked biomaterial for orthopedic tissue engineering with great potential in a wide variety of material systems. It is our hope that publication of this article will lead to increased community awareness of the potential of nacre as a versatile, bioactive ceramic capable of improving bone tissue regeneration and will elicit increased research effort and innovation utilizing nacre.
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