Investigation on growth and morphology of in vitro generated struvite crystals

Abstract

Abstract Struvite stones develop as a result of urinary tract infections by urease-producing bacteria. Here, we report the dynamics of in vitro crystallization of struvite at various pH using single diffusion gel growth technique. Sodium metasilicate gel and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate were used as a medium for growing the struvite crystals. The composition, crystalline nature, and surface morphology of the crystals were studied using FTIR spectroscopy, XRD, TGA, DSC, and SEM. The struvite crystals displayed different morphologies like dendritic, envelope and rectangular shapes at different pH. Crystal faces were different at opposite ends of the crystallographic axis of the struvite crystals. Large X-shaped crystals with dendritic growth having main trunk and branches were observed. SEM revealed the porous internal structure of struvite. The results indicate that pH has a significant effect on the morphology and growth of struvite crystals. The present study will provide evidence for the importance of pathological bio-mineralization and/or crystallization.