A review on polyphosphate coacervates—structural properties and bioapplications

Functional importance of coacervation to convert calcium polyphosphate nanoparticles into the physiologically active state

“…A series of coacervation studies of Na-polyP with divalent (e.g., Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ ) but also trivalent (e.g. Al 3+ ) cations have been performed and published [ 61 , 62 ], mainly focusing on material science. Here we focus on a biomimetically engineered NP fabrication process that is also used in nature to deposit polyP in cell organelles, specifically in the acidocalcisomes [ 16 ].…”

“…In this design pattern, it is proposed that in a statistical ion-binding process, two polymers are linked in a cooperative manner via Ca 2+ . However, when focusing on the polyP-driven coacervation process, Ca 2+ is a vital member of a two-reactant coacervation process alongside polyP [ 61 ]. Thereby, Ca 2+ is not a simple linker but an essential partner pretending a polymer.…”

Inorganic Polymeric Materials for Injured Tissue Repair: Biocatalytic Formation and Exploitation

“…A polyP coacervate is also obtained after addition of metal ions to soluble polyP at neutral pH and an approximately stoichiometric phosphate:metal ion ratio, while the amorphous polyP nanoparticles are formed from polyP under alkaline conditions in the presence of an excess of these ions [87]. The coacervate formation proceeds via a phase separation of a more viscous liquid phase, which contain the fraction of the longer polyP molecules, and a less viscous liquid phase with the fraction of the shorter polyP molecules [88,89]. The adaptable matrix thus formed offers optimal conditions for the ingrowth and embedding of cells and their differentiation/proliferation [87].…”

Novel, degradable, and cytoactive bone cements based on magnesium polyphosphate and calcium citrate

“…ultraphosphates). 13,15,16 In the presence of divalent cations (such as Mg 2+ and Ca 2+ ) with a small ionic radius, sodium polyphosphate solution will induce coagulation, and form polyphosphate coacervate. 17 Although polyphosphate coacervates exhibit low solubility in aqueous solutions, they are prone to hydrolyze and degrade to form phosphates.…”