Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H)

Calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) is the principal binding phase formed during the hydration of Portland cement, responsible for the strength and integrity of concrete and other cement-based materials. It is an amorphous or poorly crystalline hydrated compound with variable composition depending on the calcium-to-silicon (Ca/Si) ratio. C-S-H can also be synthesized for use as a hydrogel (calcium silicate hydrogel), and has been explored as a substrate for tissue engineering and organoid culture due to its bioactivity and ion-release properties. In these contexts, the stiffness and ion release of the hydrogel can influence cell signaling pathways, such as YAP and Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which are relevant for cellular development and tissue formation. C-S-H is not a discrete biological macromolecule or target, but rather a class of hydrated mineral phases central to construction materials and emerging biomaterial applications.

Other names

calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H)CSHcalcium silicate hydrogel

Not applicable. However, as a biomaterial, bioactive calcium silicate hydrogel may promote biological effects such as modulation of hydrogel stiffness and release of Ca2+ and Si ions which stimulate cellular pathways in tissue engineering contexts (e.g., affecting Wnt/β-catenin signaling in organoids)