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Biogenic Synthesis of Calcium-Based Powders from Marine Mollusk Shells: Comparative Characterization and
Adriana-Gabriela Schiopu1, Mihai Oproescu2, Alexandru Berevoianu3,4
1Faculty of Mechanics and Technology, Pitesti University Centre, National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest, 110040 Pitesti, Romania.
Materials (Basel, Switzerland)
|July 30, 2025
Summary
Marine mollusk shells, rich in calcium carbonate, can be converted into valuable calcium oxide powders. These powders demonstrate antimicrobial properties, effectively inactivating bacteria and offering potential for waste valorization and circular economy applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biotechnology
- Environmental Science
Background:
- Marine mollusk shells represent a sustainable, renewable source of calcium-based materials.
- Valorization of marine shell waste is crucial for circular economy initiatives.
- Biogenic calcium carbonate (CaCO3) offers a sustainable alternative for material synthesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characterization and antimicrobial potential of calcium oxide (CaO) powders derived from various marine mollusk shells.
- To evaluate the influence of biogenic origin on the thermal stability and material properties of calcined shell powders.
- To assess the efficacy of these powders against common bacterial strains.
Main Methods:
- Calcination of five marine shell species (Chamelea gallina, Mya arenaria, Rapana venosa, Mytilus edulis, Pecten maximus) at 900 °C.
- Characterization using X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Particle Size Distribution (PSD), and zeta potential analysis.
- Evaluation of antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis via direct contact method.
Main Results:
- XRD confirmed dominant CaO presence with residual calcite and portlandite; FTIR supported carbonate decomposition and Ca-O bond formation.
- SEM revealed diverse species-specific microstructures (15–37 μm particle size); thermogravimetric analysis showed species-dependent decomposition.
- All powders achieved complete inactivation of E. coli, while E. faecalis required longer exposure (3.3 h).
- Zeta potential indicated low colloidal stability, with Rapana venosa and Pecten maximus showing better performance.
Conclusions:
- Marine mollusk shell-derived CaO powders are viable functional materials with significant antimicrobial potential.
- The biogenic origin influences thermal stability and CaO yield, highlighting species-specific properties.
- Shell waste valorization into antimicrobial powders supports environmental sustainability and circular economy principles.
