Progress in the regulation of pathological crystallization

Abstract

When the biological environment deviates from a narrow range of internal balance, some substances are crystallized in body fluids and adhere to the surface of human tissues. It causes inflammation, urinary calculi, blockage of the vessel, and other issues. Also, the encrustation of medical devices makes it complicated to treat the diseases. Thus, it is urgent to improve the understanding of the crystallization thermodynamics and interfacial engineering, which has obvious interdisciplinary characteristics in the fields of chemical engineering, materials science, and medicine. This review summarizes the progress in pathological crystallization related to stone diseases. The mechanisms of pathological mineralization are elucidated through overviewing the efforts in crystallization inhibition. Small molecules, macromolecules, nanoparticles, and polymer surfaces capable of inhibiting pathological mineralization are highlighted. Strategies for designing effective inhibitors and modifying the surface of medical polymers are discussed. The main issues in the research of crystallization inhibitors are summarized, and the prospects for future research on pathological crystallization are put forward.