Crystallization ripening and erosion of calcium oxalate under the effect of bacteria and a polymer materials surface

Abstract

As typical examples of pathological biomineralization, urinary stones and stent encrustation have been associated with bacteria, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this study, the effect of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus aureus on the nucleation and growth of calcium oxalate crystals both in solution and on material surfaces in vitro was investigated. Both bacteria can promote calcium oxalate crystallization, and E. coli shows a prominent ability to boost the nucleation and growth rate. Interestingly, we discovered an Ostwald ripening phenomenon after the initial nucleation on the material surfaces, where larger particles emerge upon the disappearance of small nuclei particles, evident in the case of S. aureas. Over an extended period of time, erosion and disintegration of the crystals was observed when bacteria were involved. Based on these understandings, we developed a new functional surface by synthesizing an antibacterial polypeptoid in-house and utilizing polyurethane as the substrate material. This surface exhibits a synergistic effect that inhibits the formation of calcium oxalate crystals. This study helps to elucidate the role of bacteria in calcium oxalate biomineralization and supports further development of treatment approaches such as anti-encrustation polymer materials.