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Minerals
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Minerals Related to Biological Action and Their Potential Applications
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Minerals Related to Biological Action and Their Potential Applications

A special issue of Minerals (ISSN 2075-163X). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomineralization and Biominerals".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2023) | Viewed by 9815

Special Issue Editors

Prof. Dr. Bin Lian

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
College of Marine Science and Engineering, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210046, China
Interests: geomicrobiology; bio-weathering; microbial mineralization; carbon sink; bioremediation
Prof. Dr. Hongchen Jiang

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
Interests: geomicrobiology in extreme environments

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biogenic minerals and organism–mineral interactions are found everywhere on the Earth surface, and play an important role in the evolution of the Earth system. Studying biogenic minerals and organism–mineral interactions is not only of major scientific importance for the field of geobiology, but also of great significance for sustainable development and human health. In-depth research in this field will have a profound impact on the progress of geobiology and even medical geology, and may lead to a major breakthrough in our understanding of ecosystems, the mechanisms of environmental change, and solutions to human health problems. Minerals related to biological action and their potential applications, as a core pillar in geobiology, are attracting increasing attention from geobiology and medical geology researchers. Therefore, we are launching this Special Issue in the hopes it will inspire novel solutions aimed at achieving environmental sustainability and human health.

This Special Issue is organized into three sections:

  • Section 1: Minerals related to biological action: forming mechanisms, characteristics, and functions.
  • Section 2: Microbiological origin of minerals: formative process and mechanisms, biogeochemical analysis, and environmental effects.
  • Section 3: Mineral utilization in medicine: mineral carriers of drugs and new interpretations of mineral utilization in traditional medicine.

This Special Issue aims to reveal the biological origin of minerals and the mechanisms of mineral–biological interaction and their environmental effects and analyze mineral applications in medical research.

Prof. Dr. Bin Lian
Prof. Dr. Hongchen Jiang
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Minerals is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biogenic minerals
  • organism–mineral interaction geobiology
  • geomicrobiology
  • medical geology
  • application of minerals
  • environmental sustainability

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

Jump to: Review

13 pages, 1857 KiB  
Article
Preliminary Study on the Surface Modification of Lignite and Bioflotation by White-Rot Fungi Hypocrea lixii AH
by Huan He, Mingjun Cao, Di Zhan, Wencheng Xia, Songjiang Chen, Xiuxiang Tao and Zaixing Huang
Minerals 2023, 13(12), 1492; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13121492 - 28 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 964
Abstract
The efficient utilization of lignite is a crucial area of research for the sustainable management of existing coal resources. One potential technique for cost-effective and environmentally friendly coal processing is the application of microbes or their derivatives to modify the surface of lignite [...] Read more.
The efficient utilization of lignite is a crucial area of research for the sustainable management of existing coal resources. One potential technique for cost-effective and environmentally friendly coal processing is the application of microbes or their derivatives to modify the surface of lignite for bioflotation. However, the precise process of surface modification between microbes and coal remains largely unknown. In this study, we focused on the use of a white-rot fungus called Hypocrea lixii AH and its various components, including spores, hyphae, extracellular polymer substances (EPSs), and culture solution, as biosurfactants for lignite modification. By employing techniques such as zeta potential analysis, induction time measurement, contact angle measurement, and Fourier infrared spectroscopy, we investigated the changes in the surface properties of raw and modified lignite. Furthermore, we conducted a preliminary bioflotation test using biosurfactants as collectors in order to explore the potential application of fungal modification in this context. Our results revealed that all biosurfactants were effective in improving the surface properties of lignite, with the EPS demonstrating the most prominent effect, followed by the culture solution, hyphae, and spores. The zeta potential and induction time of the modified lignite decreased, indicating enhanced hydrophilicity, while the contact angle exhibited a slight increase, suggesting a minor increase in hydrophobicity. Analysis of the Fourier infrared spectra indicated that EPS treatment resulted in the highest abundance of functional groups, including carboxyl, hydroxyl, and amidogen groups. Although fungal cells were found to improve the hydrophobicity of coal, they did not exhibit a significant effect on the flotation of lignite. Nonetheless, our findings suggest that fungal cells and their derivatives have the potential to remove or transform minerals present in lignite, particularly those containing sulfur. While they may not serve as effective bio-collectors in microflotation, their capability in mineral alteration makes them valuable candidates for lignite processing with a focus on mineral reduction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Minerals Related to Biological Action and Their Potential Applications)
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24 pages, 5932 KiB  
Article
Effect of Magnesium and Ferric Ions on the Biomineralization of Calcium Carbonate Induced by Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
by Hui Zhao, Yongkui Han, Mengyi Liang, Zuozhen Han, Jusun Woo, Long Meng, Xiangqun Chi, Maurice E. Tucker, Chao Han, Yanyang Zhao, Yueming Zhao and Huaxiao Yan
Minerals 2023, 13(12), 1486; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13121486 - 26 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1386
Abstract
The discovery of cyanobacteria fossils in microbialite prompts the investigation of carbonate biomineralization using cyanobacteria. However, the impact of coexisting magnesium and iron in microbialite on carbonate biomineralization has been overlooked. Here, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was used to induce calcium carbonate in [...] Read more.
The discovery of cyanobacteria fossils in microbialite prompts the investigation of carbonate biomineralization using cyanobacteria. However, the impact of coexisting magnesium and iron in microbialite on carbonate biomineralization has been overlooked. Here, Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803 was used to induce calcium carbonate in the presence of coexisting magnesium and ferric ions. The findings demonstrate that cell concentration, pH, carbonic anhydrase activity, and carbonate and bicarbonate concentrations decreased with increasing concentrations of magnesium and calcium ions. Ferric ions yielded a contrasting effect. The levels of deoxyribonucleic acid, protein, polysaccharides, and humic substances in extracellular polymeric substances increased in the presence of separated or coexisting calcium, magnesium, and ferric ions. Magnesium ions inhibited calcium ion precipitation, whereas ferric ions exhibited the opposite effect. Protein secondary structures became more abundant and O-C=O and N-C=O contents increased with increasing ion concentrations by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that ferric ions lead to rougher surfaces and incomplete rhombohedral structures of calcite, whereas magnesium ions promoted greater diversity in morphology. Magnesium ions enhanced the incorporation of ferric ions. This work aims to further understand the effect of magnesium and ferric ions on calcium carbonate biomineralization induced by cyanobacteria. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Minerals Related to Biological Action and Their Potential Applications)
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15 pages, 2771 KiB  
Article
Biomineralization and Characterization of Calcite and Vaterite Induced by the Fungus Cladosporium sp. YPLJS-14
by Peilin Ye, Feirong Xiao and Shiping Wei
Minerals 2023, 13(10), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13101344 - 22 Oct 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1745
Abstract
Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) by the urease-producing bacteria has wide applications in the field of geology and environmental engineering. Compared to bacteria, fungi usually possess more tolerance to high salts and heavy metals, enabling MICP induced by the urease-producing fungi to [...] Read more.
Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) by the urease-producing bacteria has wide applications in the field of geology and environmental engineering. Compared to bacteria, fungi usually possess more tolerance to high salts and heavy metals, enabling MICP induced by the urease-producing fungi to be applied to harsh environments. In this study, the carbonate minerals, induced by the urease-producing fungi isolated from marine sediments, were investigated. One of the urease-producing fungi, designated as YPLJS-14, was identified with the high efficiency of precipitating calcium carbonate. The ITS sequence of YPLJS-14 revealed that it belongs to the genus of Cladosporium. The precipitates induced by this strain were characterized by XRD, SEM, TEM, SAED, and FTIR, respectively. The results show that the mineral phase of fungal precipitates is composed of calcite and vaterite. SEM, TEM, and SAED confirm that the minerals in rhombohedral morphology are calcite and the spherical minerals are vaterite. Thermogravimetric and derivative thermogravimetric (TG/DTG) analyses show that vaterite is a thermodynamically unstable mineral phase compared to calcite and easily decomposes at lower temperatures. These findings provide a foundation for understanding the mineralization mechanism of the urease-producing fungi and the potential applications in environmental engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Minerals Related to Biological Action and Their Potential Applications)
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15 pages, 2743 KiB  
Article
Study on the Combined Behaviour of Montmorillonite and Carbonate Mineralizing Bacteria on Lead Retention and Fixation
by Qunwei Dai, Weifu Wang, Fengqin Xu, Yulian Zhao, Lei Zhou, Lihui Wang and Ruiyang Jiang
Minerals 2023, 13(6), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13060763 - 31 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1385
Abstract
Heavy metal pollution management is a global environmental problem that poses a great threat to the ecological environment. Adsorption and biomineralization are considered to be the two most promising heavy metal pollution remediation techniques among the numerous available ones. In this work, a [...] Read more.
Heavy metal pollution management is a global environmental problem that poses a great threat to the ecological environment. Adsorption and biomineralization are considered to be the two most promising heavy metal pollution remediation techniques among the numerous available ones. In this work, a combined heavy metal removal system was constructed employing the adsorption of montmorillonite and the mineralization of carbonate mineralizing bacteria to expand their application potential for controlling heavy metal water pollution. Analysis of changes in pH, CO32− concentration, Pb2+ concentration in the liquid phase, and changes in microscopic morphology, mineral phase, and functional group on sedimentary minerals was done to study the retention and fixation behaviour of montmorillonite and carbonate mineralizing bacteria on Pb2+. The results show that the liquid phase pH may be slightly altered by the ions dissolved in montmorillonite. Based on the conditions of montmorillonite and carbonate mineralizing bacteria functioning separately, the elimination of Pb2+ may reach 35.31% and 45.75%, respectively. However, when montmorillonite is combined with carbonate mineralizing bacteria, which is the heavy metal removal system constructed in this study, montmorillonite can buffer part of the Pb2+ rapidly and reduce its biotoxicity. Subsequently, these buffered Pb2+ are gradually desorbed by carbonate mineralizing bacteria and removed by the effect of mineralized deposition. Results from SEM, FTIR, and XRD indicate that Pb2+ is primarily removed from the liquid phase as rod-shaped PbCO3. It is worth noting that this process is able to significantly increase the removal of Pb2+ up to 90.06%. In addition, the presence of carbonate mineralizing bacteria can increase montmorillonite’s desorption rate to over 81%, greatly enhancing its capacity for reuse. Therefore, our research work contributes to expanding the potential of montmorillonite and carbonate mineralizing bacteria in the treatment of heavy metal-polluted waters. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Minerals Related to Biological Action and Their Potential Applications)
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Review

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14 pages, 873 KiB  
Review
Application Prospect of Anaerobic Reduction Pathways in Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans for Mine Tailings Disposal: A Review
by Tingting Yue, Yuankun Yang, Lunzhen Li, Mingyue Su, Maosheng Wang, Yucheng Liao, Liang Jia and Shu Chen
Minerals 2023, 13(9), 1192; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13091192 - 11 Sep 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1448
Abstract
The accumulation of mine tailings on Earth, generated from the extraction, processing, and utilization of mineral resources, is a serious environmental challenge. The importance of the recovery of valuable elements and rare-earth elements, together with the economic benefits of precious and base metals, [...] Read more.
The accumulation of mine tailings on Earth, generated from the extraction, processing, and utilization of mineral resources, is a serious environmental challenge. The importance of the recovery of valuable elements and rare-earth elements, together with the economic benefits of precious and base metals, is a strong incentive to develop sustainable methods to recover metals from tailings. Currently, researchers are attempting to improve the efficiency of valuable elements and rare-earth elements recovery from tailings using bioleaching, a more sustainable method compared to traditional methods. In this work, we report the research status of the application of Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans (At. ferrooxidans) anaerobic reduction in tailings disposal. Recent advances in the anaerobic characteristics of At. ferrooxidans recovery process and technical difficulties are further described. We found that current research has made significant progress in anaerobic recovery. This is of great significance for the development of bioleaching technologies and industrial production of heavy metals in tailings. Finally, based on the perspectives and directions of this review, the present study can act as an important reference for the academic participants involved in this promising field. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Minerals Related to Biological Action and Their Potential Applications)
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11 pages, 1188 KiB  
Review
Application of Calcium Carbonate as a Controlled Release Carrier for Therapeutic Drugs
by Siying Li and Bin Lian
Minerals 2023, 13(9), 1136; https://doi.org/10.3390/min13091136 - 28 Aug 2023
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2074
Abstract
A drug carrier usually refers to a tool that can carry the effective ingredients of drugs into the human body. The drug-controlled release system prepared by a new drug carrier can allow the gradual release of the drug in the human body at [...] Read more.
A drug carrier usually refers to a tool that can carry the effective ingredients of drugs into the human body. The drug-controlled release system prepared by a new drug carrier can allow the gradual release of the drug in the human body at a stable rate, thus decreasing the frequency of administration and reducing the toxicity and side effects thereof; however, existing drug carriers generally have problems such as low drug loading, poor biocompatibility, stability, and specificity, each of which could be improved. Calcium carbonate can be used as a sustained-release carrier of active substances, with good biocompatibility, biodegradability, low cost, easy preparation, and broad application prospects. This paper reviews the synthesis and structural characteristics of calcium carbonate carrier materials and the related research progress of calcium carbonate as a controlled release carrier for therapeutic drugs, providing a reference for promoting the research and application of calcium carbonate as a drug carrier. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Minerals Related to Biological Action and Their Potential Applications)
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