Biocrystallomics as the basis of innovative biomedical technologies

Abstract

The phenomenon of biocrystallization has been recorded by researchers for over a century. At the same time, despite the presence of numerous empirical data in this area, there is no unified theoretical basis for the direction under consideration. On this basis, the purpose of the review is to systematize the concepts of biocrystallomics as a new synthetic biomedical science that considers in detail and integratively the processes of bio-associated crystallization occurring both in vitro and in vivo. In this paper historical basis and current status of Russian investigations, which associated with human and animal’s biological fluids free and initiated crystallogenesis, are shown. Main stages of building, fundamental rules and problem aspects of biocrystallography as a transformation it to biocrystallomics causes are demonstrated. The definition of this science is presented, its main tasks are characterized. The main directions of biocrystallomics are described, which include experimental biocrystallomics, crystallodiagnostics, crystallopathology, crystallotropic therapy (crystallotherapy), pharmacobiocrystallomics and crystal indication. The existing methods of studying biocrystallogenesis are considered in detail, which are grouped into 3 categories: crystalloscopic, tezigraphic and experimental crystalloscopic. Special attention is paid to the factors that determine the features of the crystallization of biological fluids, among which physical, chemical, biological and mixed are distinguished. The 5 main functions of biocrystallogenesis in biological systems are revealed: protective, nutritive-metabolic, pathogenetic, informational and synthetic-biogenic. The holistic theory of biocrystallomics and its main provisions are presented. So, biocrystallomics as a new integrative science about biocrystals is characterized, and its general ways are given.