Effect of extrapallial protein of Mytilus californianus on the process of in vitro biomineralization of chitosan scaffolds

Abstract

Biomineralization is the process by which diverse organisms have the capacity to create heterogeneous accu- mulations, derived from organic and inorganic compounds that induce the process of mineral formation. An example of this can be seen an extrapallial protein (EP) of Mytilus californianus, which is responsible for carrying out the biomineralization process. In order to determine their ability to perform the biomineralization process, EP protein was absorbed and mixed in chitosan scaffolds which were tested in simulated physiological fluid. The materials were analyzed by FTIR spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy-energy-dispersive electron X-ray spectroscopy andX-ray diffraction. Results confirmed that the EP protein stimulates the rapid growth of biological apatite on the chitosan scaffolds. The mixing method favored more the apatite growth as well as the formation of second nucleation sites than the immersion method.