Physicochemical Perspective Research Articles

A comprehensive study of the influence of non-covalent interactions on electron density redistribution during the reaction between acetic acid and methylamine.

A chemical reaction can be described, from a physicochemical perspective, as a redistribution of electron density. Additionally, non-covalent interactions locally modify the electron density distribution. This study aims to characterize the modification of reactivity caused by the presence of non-covalent interactions such as hydrogen bonds, in a reaction involving the formation of two bonds and the breaking of two others: CH₃COOH + NH₂CH₃ → CH₃CONHCH₃. In this work, we will follow the how a reaction mechanism involving the formation of two chemical bonds and the breaking of two other chemical bonds is affected by non-covalent interaction. To this end, the reaction force will be used to define the region of the reagents, the region of the transition state, and the region of the products. We will analyze the redistributions of electron density and electron pairs in each of the regions of the reaction mechanisms, using QTAIM and ELF, topological analyses, respectively, for the reaction between methylamine and acetic acid, in the presence of 0 to 4 water molecules. DFT calculations were carried out at the LC-ωPBE/6-311 + + G(d,p) + GD3BJ level along the intrinsic reaction coordinate of the one-step reaction leading to the formation of methylacetamide.

Impact of Long-Term Cold Storage on the Physicochemical Properties, Volatile Composition, and Sensory Attributes of Dried Jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill.).

Grey jujube (Zizyphus jujuba Mill. cv. Huizao), a prominent cultivar from Xinjiang, China, is well known for its high nutritional value and medicinal benefits. This study investigates the effects of long-term storage on the quality attributes of grey jujube, focusing on color, texture, physicochemical properties, bioactive ingredients, amino acid profiles, sensory characteristics, and volatile compounds. Over a three-year storage period, significant changes were observed, including a decline in lightness and redness of the peel, accompanied by textural modifications such as increased hardness and chewiness, primarily attributed to moisture loss. Physicochemical analyses revealed significant reductions in moisture content, sugars (particularly reducing sugars), and bioactive compounds such as vitamin C, total flavonoids, and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP). In contrast, total acidity showed a significant increase over time. Sensory evaluation indicated a substantial loss of fresh aroma and flavor, with the development of off-flavors over time. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis of volatile compounds highlighted significant transformations in aroma profiles, with notable reductions in desirable esters and increases in acetic acid concentrations. This study investigates the quality changes of grey jujubes during storage from sensory and physicochemical perspectives, aiming to provide a novel approach for differentiating between newly harvested and aged grey jujubes. Furthermore, these findings provide theoretical support for improving and optimizing storage conditions. Future research should focus on elucidating the underlying mechanisms of these changes, identifying key markers for quality control during grey jujube storage, and providing a scientific basis for distinguishing between newly harvested and aged grey jujubes, while improving storage quality.

Fostering Circular Economy: Brewing By-Products as Innovative Ingredients for Cereal Bar Formulation.

Brewer's spent grain (BSG) was used as a sustainable and healthy ingredient in two cereal bar formulations, with honey (H) and chocolate (C) used as the binding systems' characterizing ingredients. The two bars, formulated using three levels of BSG (H1: 8.5%; H2: 12.7%; H3: 21.2%; C1: 3.9%; C2: 7.7%; C3: 15.5%) and stored for 20 days, were studied from a physicochemical perspective and compared to non-enriched control bars. The analysis showed that BSG enriched the bars with minerals, B vitamins, proteins, and fibers, meeting the required contents for the "high fiber" nutritional claim. Moisture content and water activity decreased with increasing BSG quantity and storage time. Higher BSG content increased flexibility in H bars after 7 days, while decreasing water content and increasing hardness in C bars at 1 storage day. Higher BSG levels darkened the samples' color with little change during storage. In addition, a consumer sensory test was conducted. The results showed that providing information on BSG had little impact on liking, purchase intent, and sensory perception. In addition, under blind conditions, H bars were considered more natural and healthier than the C bars; however, these differences were not significant in the informed conditions. This study shows the potential use of upcycled ingredients in cereal bars and highlights the central role of the sensory experience on consumer appreciation, considering also information provision.

Characterization of Several Pellets from Agroforestry Residues: A Comparative Analysis of Physical and Energy Efficiency

The use of agroforestry biomass provides several advantages, both from an environmental point of view, in terms of the mitigation of global warming, and in terms of a circular economy for agricultural or agroforestry companies that reuse pruning residues as a source of energy. However, even if the use of energy pellets resulting from the pruning residues of various agroforestry species has excellent potential for the valorization of agricultural by-products, the physicochemical characteristics of these pellets have been scarcely studied by the scientific community. In this context, this study aims to assess the valorization potential of various lignocellulosic material residues produced during agroforestry activities. The objectives of the study include evaluating the chemical and physical characteristics of pellets produced with different mixtures of agroforestry biomass (olive, citrus, black locust, poplar, paulownia, etc.) in order to determine the optimal pellet blend from an energy and physicochemical perspective. The results of this study demonstrate that this comprehensive analysis provides valuable information on the optimization of biomass mixtures for better energy valorization, addressing both compositional and combustion-related challenges. In fact, it is observed that the addition of citrus and olive biomass to the various mixtures increases their energy potential. Furthermore, all of the pellets analyzed are found to possess an adequate and useful durability index (PDI) for their handling during storage and transport operations. This study demonstrates that olive and citrus pruning residues can be used to improve biomasses that have poor suitability in energetic, physical, and chemical terms. Further studies could be useful to understand which specific interaction mechanisms have an influence on emissions in order to optimize mixtures using different biomass sources for sustainable energy production.

Texture of emulsion-filled pea protein-potato starch gels: Effect of processing conditions and composition

From a physicochemical perspective, foods like vegan cheese and meat analogues are complex multicomponent gels. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of processing conditions and composition on the textural properties of multicomponent gels containing starch, pea protein isolate (PPI) and emulsion droplets. Mechanical properties were measured, and structural analysis was carried with CLSM and SEM. In the case of particle gels prepared with maize starch (MS), a higher shearing speed decreased Young's modulus, fracture stress and fracture strain due to break up of the starch granules. In polymer gels prepared with potato starch (PS), structure and mechanical properties were not much affected by processing conditions. The addition of emulsion droplets increased the Young's modulus of MS gels and decreased that of PS gels. In PS gels, the fracture stress decreased further for smaller oil droplets. The addition of emulsion droplets was also found to decrease adhesiveness, cohesiveness and chewiness, regardless of the matrix structure. With protein addition into PS gels, an increase in Young's modulus and a decrease in fracture strain were observed. These results show that processing conditions and composition can be used to modulate the physical properties of complex food systems.

Reactive Oxygen Species Activate a Ferritin-Linked TRPV4 Channel under a Static Magnetic Field.

Magnetogenetics has shown great potential for cell function and neuromodulation using heat or force effects under different magnetic fields; however, there is still a contradiction between experimental effects and underlying mechanisms by theoretical computation. In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in mechanical force-dependent regulation from a physicochemical perspective. The transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) cation channels fused to ferritin (T4F) were overexpressed in HEK293T cells and exposed to static magnetic fields (sMF, 1.4-5.0 mT; gradient: 1.62 mT/cm). An elevation of ROS levels was found under sMF in T4F-overexpressing cells, which could lead to lipid oxidation. Compared with the overexpression of TRPV4, ferritin in T4F promoted the generation of ROS under the stimulation of sMF, probably related to the release of iron ions from ferritin. Then, the resulting ROS regulated the opening of the TRPV4 channel, which was attenuated by the direct addition of ROS inhibitors or an iron ion chelator, highlighting a close relationship among iron release, ROS production, and TRPV4 channel activation. Taken together, these findings indicate that the produced ROS under sMF act on the TRPV4 channel, regulating the influx of calcium ions. The study would provide a scientific basis for the application of magnetic regulation in cellular or neural regulation and disease treatment and contribute to the development of the more sensitive regulatory technology.

Physicochemical Perspective of Biological Heterogeneity.

The vast majority of chemical processes that govern our lives occur within living cells. At the core of every life process, such as gene expression or metabolism, are chemical reactions that follow the fundamental laws of chemical kinetics and thermodynamics. Understanding these reactions and the factors that govern them is particularly important for the life sciences. The physicochemical environment inside cells, which can vary between cells and organisms, significantly impacts various biochemical reactions and increases the extent of population heterogeneity. This paper discusses using physical chemistry approaches for biological studies, including methods for studying reactions inside cells and monitoring their conditions. The potential for development in this field and possible new research areas are highlighted. By applying physical chemistry methodology to biochemistry in vivo, we may gain new insights into biology, potentially leading to new ways of controlling biochemical reactions.

Efficient and Selective Removal of Heavy Metals and Dyes from Aqueous Solutions Using Guipi Residue-Based Hydrogel.

The presence of organic dyes and heavy metal ions in water sources poses a significant threat to human health and the ecosystem. In this study, hydrogel adsorbents for water pollution remediation were synthesized using Guipi residue (GP), a cellulose material from Chinese herbal medicine, and chitosan (CTS) through radical polymerization with acrylamide (AM) and acrylic acid (AA). The characteristics of the hydrogels were analyzed from a physicochemical perspective, and their ability to adsorb was tested using model pollutants such as Pb2+, Cd2+, Rhodamine B (RhB), and methyl orange (MO). The outcomes revealed that GP/CTS/AA-co-AM, which has improved mechanical attributes, effectively eliminated these pollutants. At a pH of 4.0, a contact duration of 120 min, and an initial concentration of 600 mg/L for Pb2+ and 500 mg/L for Cd2+, the highest adsorption capabilities were 314.6 mg/g for Pb2+ and 289.1 mg/g for Cd2+. Regarding the dyes, the GP/CTS/AA-co-AM hydrogel displayed adsorption capacities of 106.4 mg/g for RhB and 94.8 mg/g for MO, maintaining a stable adsorption capacity at different pHs. Compared with other competitive pollutants, GP/CTS/AA-co-AM demonstrated a higher absorption capability, mainly targeted toward Pb2+. The adsorption processes for the pollutants conformed to pseudo-second-order kinetics models and adhered to the Langmuir models. Even after undergoing five consecutive adsorption and desorption cycles, the adsorption capacities for heavy metals and dyes remained above 70% and 80%. In summary, this study effectively suggested the potential of the innovative GP/CTS/AA-co-AM hydrogel as a practical and feasible approach for eliminating heavy metals and dyes from water solutions.

Use quantum mechanical computational methods to investigate interactions between imidacloprid and boron nitride nanotubes

The study investigates the interaction between a boron nitride nanotube (BNNT) and an imidacloprid (IM) molecule. The structure of the BNNT is detailed, measuring 9.964 Å in diameter and 18.186 Å in length. Six interaction geometries (BNNT_IM_1 to BNNT_IM_6) between BNNT and IM are investigated, with BNNT_IM_6 showing the most thermodynamically stable interaction. The electronic interaction energies are calculated, and BNNT_IM_6 presents the lowest value (−1.89 eV), indicating a favorable interaction. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and analysis of noncovalent interactions (NCI) support the findings. BNNT_IM_6, with IM inside the nanotube, shows the highest electron sharing, explaining its superior stability. The chlorine-BNNT interaction was revealed to be a determining attractive component. The attraction/repulsion indices highlight BNNT_IM_1 as having the most attractive interaction, driven mainly by oxygen-BNNT and chlorine-BNNT interactions. The investigation emphasizes the importance of considering multiple factors, including electron density and interaction volume, in evaluating the strength of BNNT-IM interactions. This study model opens a proposal to assess the impact of functional groups, from a physicochemical perspective, of a molecule interacting with a nanotube surface.

Complimentary Computational Cues for Water Electrocatalysis: A DFT and ML Perspective

AbstractHeterogenous electrocatalysis continues to witness propagating interest in a plethora of non‐limiting electrochemical fields. Of which, water electrolysis has moved from lab‐scale systems to commercial electrolyzers albeit high dependence on historic benchmark noble‐metal based catalysts is still the status quo. Notwithstanding, advances in material groups such as single‐atom catalysts, perovskites, high‐entropy alloys, among others continue to see an increased interest toward utilization in next‐generation electrolyzers. To that end, progress in electrocatalyst discovery techniques is revolutionized through synergistically combining density functional theory (DFT) and machine learning (ML) techniques. The success of ML herein depends on numerous interlinked factors such as the algorithm employed, data availability and accuracy, with descriptors being critical to encapsulate physicochemical perspectives. Historic utilization of ML frameworks in areas other than materials discovery has left a lack of standardization toward appropriating suitable methods of high‐throughput DFT, ML approaches, and feature engineering that bridge the gap between activity‐structure‐electronic relationships. This review outlines needed considerations toward DFT calculations, important criteria during filtering out screened surfaces, and synergistic approaches toward utilizing theoretical and/or experimental datasets for formulating effective ML frameworks. Persisting challenges, perspectives, and recommendations thereof are highlighted to expedite and generalize future work pertaining to high‐volume water electrocatalysis discovery.

Water Vapor Condensation in Nanoparticle Films: Physicochemical Analysis and Application to Rapid Vapor Sensing

Nanomaterial-based humidity sensors hold great promise for water vapor detection because of their high sensitivity and fast response/recovery. However, the condensation of water in nanomaterial films remains unclear from a physicochemical perspective. Herein, the condensation of water vapor in silica nanoparticle films was physicochemically analyzed to bridge the abovementioned gap. The morphology of surface-adsorbed water molecules was characterized using infrared absorption spectroscopy and soft X-ray absorption spectroscopy, and the effect of RH on the amount of adsorbed water was observed using a quartz crystal microbalance. The adsorbed water was found to exist in liquid- and ice-like states, which contributed to high and low conductivity, respectively. The large change in film impedance above 80% RH was ascribed to the condensation of water between the nanoparticles. Moreover, RH alteration resulted in a colorimetric change in the film’s interference fringe. The obtained insights were used to construct a portable device with response and recovery times suitable for the real-time monitoring of water vapor. Thus, this study clarifies the structure of water adsorbed on nanomaterial surfaces and, hence, the action mechanism of the corresponding nanoparticle-based sensors, inspiring further research on the application of various nanomaterials to vapor sensing.

EFFECT OF POTASSIUM HYDROXIDE CONCENTRATION AS A CATALYST ON THE YIELD OF COCONUT OIL (Cocos nucifera) TRANSESTERIFICATION

Research has been carried out on the effect of potassium hydroxide catalyst concentration on the yield of coconut oil (Cocos nucifera) transesterification and continued to characterize the reaction results. The concentration of potassium hydroxide used was 1, 2, and 3% by weight of coconut oil with ethanol as the reactant. The data processing used was the one-way analysis of variation and its characterization from a physicochemical perspective, followed by the analysis of gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GCSM) and infrared spectrophotometry. Based on the data processing results, potassium hydroxide concentrations of 1, 2, and 3% did not affect the yield of the transesterification reaction of coconut oil, and the results were 74.5264%, 71.9330%, and 69.0420%. The characterization results show that the physicochemical properties of the reaction products, such as acid number, density, and viscosity, comply with the Indonesian National Standard (SNI) for biodiesel. The results of the GCMS analysis showed that nine peaks were dominated by ethyl laurate.

Ultrasonic synergistic slightly acidic electrolyzed water processing to improve postharvest storage quality of Chinese bayberry

In the postharvest storage of Chinese bayberry, microbial loads and exogenous contaminants pose significant challenges, leading to rapid decay and deterioration in quality. This study introduced a synergistic approach, combining ultrasonics and slightly acidic electrolyzed water (US + SAEW), to enhance the postharvest storage quality of Chinese bayberry. This approach was benchmarked against conventional water washing (CW), standalone ultrasonic (US), and slightly acidic electrolyzed water (SAEW) processing. Notably, compared to CW, the US + SAEW method enhanced iprodione and procymidone removal rates by 69.62 % and 72.45 % respectively, improved dirt removal efficiency by 122.87 %, repelled drosophila melanogaster larvae by 58.33 %, and curtailed total bacterial, mold & yeast growth by 78.18 % and 83.09 %. Furthermore, it postponed the appearance of sample decay by 6 days, compared to 4 days for both US and SAEW alone. From a physicochemical perspective, compared to CW-treated samples, US + SAEW processing mitigated weight loss and color deviations, retained hardness, amplified the sugar-acid ratio, augmented activities of phenylalanine ammonia-lyase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase enzymes, suppressed polyphenol oxidase activity and malondialdehyde synthesis, and preserved total phenolic, anthocyanin, and antioxidant levels. These findings underscore the potential of US + SAEW as a strategic tool to preserve the quality of Chinese bayberry during postharvest storage.

An Investigation into the Performance and Mechanisms of Soymilk-Sized Handmade Xuan Paper at Different Concentrations of Soymilk.

Invaluable paper relics that embody a rich traditional culture have suffered damage, requiring urgent restoration. In this context, the utilization of soymilk as a sizing agent holds great significance and reverence. This study investigates the use of soymilk as a sizing agent for Xuan paper and evaluates its effects on various properties and the long-term behavior of the paper. The findings reveal that the application of soymilk as a sizing agent for Xuan paper imparts distinct properties, including hydrophobicity, improved mechanical properties, and unique chromaticity. These characteristics-arising from the papillae on the surface of the Xuan paper, the protein folding of the soy protein, and hydrogen-bonding interactions between the soy protein and paper fibers-play a crucial role in shaping the paper's unique attributes. From a physicochemical perspective, the aging process leads to multiple changes in paper properties. These changes include acidification, which refers to a decrease in pH, as well as a decline in mechanical strength, an increase in chromaticity, and a decrease in the degree of polymerization (DP) of the paper. The Ekenstam equation is employed to predict the lifespan of the paper, showing longer lifespans for Sheng Xuan paper and a negative correlation between soymilk concentration and lifespan in soymilk-sized paper. Our work provides valuable insights for the preservation and maintenance of paper, highlighting the potential benefits and challenges of using soymilk for surface sizing.

An inclusive physico-chemical perspective on food waste: Textural and morphological structure

In recent years, thanks to their advantages such as low cost, easy availability, reusability as adsorbent materials, and high metal ion removal capacities in aqueous solutions, food waste attract the attention of researchers. In this study, almond shell (AS), peanut shell (PS), walnut shell (WS), and pumpkin seed hull (PSH) were characterized using analytical methods such as Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) Spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM)/Energy dispersed X-ray (EDX), and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET). The surface morphologies, functional groups, surface area, and pore size of AS, PS, WS, and PSH were evaluated together, and their specific properties were revealed. According to EDX analysis, %C and %O content is high for all biosorbents. Using FTIR analysis, carboxylic (–COOH), amines (N–H) and hydroxyl groups (–OH) in the structure of AS, WS, PS, and PSH were determined. Pore morphologies were determined as mesopore (2<d < 50 nm) and macropore (>50 nm) for AS, PS, WS, and PSH. Surface areas for AS, PS, WS and PSH were determined as 6.20, 4.12, 3.98 and 2.74 m2/g, respectively. In addition, using the Principal Component Analysis (PCA) model, the effect levels of AS, PS, WS, and PSH on the adsorption process were determined by FTIR and EDX data sets. With the increasing interest in environmental preservation, it is anticipated that low-cost food waste-based biosorbents will be utilized in various applications in the future.

Dual mechanical impact of β-escin on model lipid membranes

Understanding the mechanical behavior of biological membranes is of paramount importance in cell biophysics and in developing new biomaterials for medicine. In this study, we delve into the mechanical impact of β-escin, commonly referred to as escin, a naturally occurring biosurfactant derived from the seeds of the horse chestnut tree. To examine the modulable interaction between escin and dimyristoylphosphatidylcholine (DMPC), which is an archetypical fluid phospholipid and an essential constituent of the cellular fluid membrane, we have used artificial models based on the liquid crystal structure, such as bilayer vesicles and Langmuir monolayers. We have focused on the energetic and kinetic aspects of escin insertion when transversally adsorbed or longitudinally integrated within these model membranes. By employing surface microscopies of epifluorescence and Brewster angle reflectivity, we have elucidated the structural phase behavior of hybrid escin–phospholipid membranes, which exhibit dual mechanical properties characterized by high rigidity and reduced fluidity. Notably, at low temperatures, we observe a soft, glassy rheological behavior reminiscent of liquid crystalline ordered phases, which turns into a fluid-like viscoelasticity resembling more disordered phases at physiological temperatures. The hybrid membranes behave in one way or another as both are driven by an adsorption potential well imposed by escin cohesivity. These intriguing findings are discussed from a physicochemical perspective, highlighting their potential for future pharmacological designs and biomedical applications that exploit the dual mechanical impact of escin on biological membranes.

Tunable Double-Network GelMA/Alginate Hydrogels for Platelet Lysate-Derived Protein Delivery.

Hydrogels (gels) are attractive tools for tissue engineering and regenerative medicine due to their potential for drug delivery and ECM-like composition. In this study, we use rheology to characterize GelMA/alginate gels loaded with human platelet lysate (PL). We then characterize these gels from a physicochemical perspective and evaluate their ability to transport PL proteins, their pore size, and their rate of degradation. Finally, their biocompatibility is evaluated. We describe how alginate changes the mechanical behavior of the gels from elastic to viscoelastic after ionic (calcium-mediated) crosslinking. In addition, we report the release of ~90% of PL proteins from the gels and relate it to the degradation profile of the gels. Finally, we evaluated the biocompatibility of the gels. Thus, the developed gels represent attractive substrates for both cell studies and as bioactive materials.

Community Structure of Phytoplankton in The Bongkok River of Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan

Located around the Mangrove Production and Protection Forest in Tanjung Harapan Village, Kubu Raya Regency, the Bongkok River quality needs to be studied to determine the quality of the river. This study aims to determine the physicochemical quality of water and the community structure of phytoplankton in the Bongkok River during the dry and rainy seasons. The survey method was used at three stations and 9 observation points in both seasons. Phytoplankton types are identified up to the species level. The physicochemical factors observed included temperature, transparency, water flow, pH, salinity, dissolved oxygen, dissolved carbon dioxide, and levels of nitrate and phosphate. The community structure is seen from the abundance, diversity, uniformity, and dominance index values. From a physicochemical perspective, the Bongkok River is a brackish water type with relatively low levels of phosphate and nitrate nutrients and high dissolved CO2, but dissolved oxygen is still good enough to support aquatic life. There are 41 phytoplankton species from 6 classes, including Bacillariophyceae, Chlorophyceae, Cyanophyceae, Dinophyceae, Euglenaphyceae, and Xanthophyceae. The phytoplankton abundance in the dry season is higher than in the rainy season but is still at a low to moderate level. The phytoplankton diversity in the Bongkok River is in the medium category (2.46 – 2.67) but has a high evenness (0.72-0.89) and low dominance (0.11-0.18). Overall, the water conditions in the Bongkok River are sufficient to support the life of aquatic biota. However, the abundance of phytoplankton is still at a low to moderate level, especially during the rainy season.

Entropic repulsion of cholesterol-containing layers counteracts bioadhesion

Control of adhesion is a striking feature of living matter that is of particular interest regarding technological translation1–3. We discovered that entropic repulsion caused by interfacial orientational fluctuations of cholesterol layers restricts protein adsorption and bacterial adhesion. Moreover, we found that intrinsically adhesive wax ester layers become similarly antibioadhesive when containing small quantities (under 10 wt%) of cholesterol. Wetting, adsorption and adhesion experiments, as well as atomistic simulations, showed that repulsive characteristics depend on the specific molecular structure of cholesterol that encodes a finely balanced fluctuating reorientation at the interface of unconstrained supramolecular assemblies: layers of cholesterol analogues differing only in minute molecular variations showed markedly different interfacial mobility and no antiadhesive effects. Also, orientationally fixed cholesterol layers did not resist bioadhesion. Our insights provide a conceptually new physicochemical perspective on biointerfaces and may guide future material design in regulation of adhesion.

Reconsidering the role of albumin towards amorphous calcium phosphate-based calciprotein particles formation and stability from a physico-chemical perspective

The formation of calciprotein particles (CPPs) in serum is a physiological phenomenon fundamental to prevent the rise of ectopic calcifications. CPPs are colloidal hybrid particles made of amorphous calcium phosphate stabilized by a protein, fetuin-A. Since albumin is the most abundant protein present in serum, we aimed at understanding if it plays a synergic action together with fetuin-A towards CPPs formation and stability.CPPs were prepared using a constant fetuin-A concentration (5 µM) and different concentrations of albumin (0–606 µM). The stability of CPPs, their crystallization and sedimentation were followed in situ by combining turbidimetry, precipitation analysis and dynamic light scattering. The morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy and cryo-transmission electron microscopy, while crystallinity was inspected by infrared spectroscopy. The effect of albumin on the amount of formed CPPs was also studied, as well as the amount of protein adsorbed on CPPs.We found that albumin is not able to prolong the lifetime of the amorphous phase, but it is very effective in delaying the sedimentation of CPPs after crystallization. Albumin also significantly decreases the amount and size of CPPs when present in their synthetic medium, likely playing a fundamental role in our organism together with fetuin-A towards the stabilization of CPPs.