In this study, we demonstrate a novel method for preparing crystallized mesoporous titania by using a low-temperature synthesis technique in the presence of cationic surfactant. XRD patterns showed that the titania particles obtained had both hexagonal structure and a wall with anatase crystalline structure. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) observation and corresponding electron diffraction pattern confirmed that the calcined particles are crystallized mesoporous titania.

Mineralization is the most fundamental process in vertebrates. It is predominantly mediated by osteoblasts, which secrete mineral precursors, most likely through matrix vesicles (MVs). These vesicular structures are calcium and phosphate rich and contain organic material such as acidic proteins. However, it remains largely unknown how intracellular MVs are transported and secreted. Here, we use scanning electron-assisted dielectric microscopy and super-resolution microscopy for assessing live osteoblasts in mineralizing conditions at a nanolevel resolution. We found that the calcium-containing vesicles were multivesicular bodies containing MVs. They were transported via lysosome and secreted by exocytosis. Thus, we present proof that the lysosome transports amorphous calcium phosphate within mineralizing osteoblasts.

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Mesoporous titania particles having anatase-type crystalline wall were prepared using a low-temperature crystallization technique. Crystalline mesoporous titania was obtained through the sol−gel process of titanium oxysulfate sulfuric acid hydrate (TiOSO4·xH2SO4·xH2O) at 333 K in the presence of cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (C16TAB), a cationic surfactant. The mesoporous titania with hexagonal structure was formed according to the following mechanism. Nuclei of ultrafine titanium hydroxide oxide (TiO(OH)2) were formed from TiOSO4 on the periphery of the surface of cationic C16TAB micelles at the primary stage of sol−gel reaction. Then, heat treatment at 333 K induced the transformation of the particle wall from TiO(OH)2 to anatase nanocrystal, which resulted in the formation of mesoporous titania with a crystalline wall. Moreover, the presence of bromide ion (Br-), the counterion of C16TAB, was shown to suppress the collapse of mesostructure by retarding the transition from anatase to rutile.

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