Silica
Silicon
Silicate
Silicic Acid
Orthosilicic Acid
Zwitterion Polarity
Orthosilicate Anions
Silicate Ions
Nesosilicate
Monosilicic Acid
Quartz Powder
Bioavailability
Choline
Pantothenic Acid
Keratin
Collagen
Silica is vital for collagen, bone formation, and tissue integrity.
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Silicon dioxide (silica) in gardening soil acts as a beneficial supplement, not essential, that strengthens plant cell walls for better pest/disease resistance, heat/drought tolerance, and nutrient uptake.
Monosilicic Acid (Salicylic Acid): The best, immediately absorbable form.
Silicates (Calcium, Potassium): Common liquid supplements, easily taken up.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE): A powdery form (amorphous silica).
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Silicon Dioxide
Amorphous
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is a soft, sedimentary rock made primarily of amorphous silicon dioxide (SiO2), derived from the fossilized remains of diatoms (algae).
Origin: Formed from the silica shells (frustules) of ancient diatoms that settle at the bottom of water bodies and fossilize into soft rock.Main Component: High silica content (around 80-90% silicon dioxide).
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Amorphous silicon dioxide (a-SiO₂) has a random atomic structure, making it softer and non-crystalline, generally considered safe, while crystalline silica (c-SiO₂) has a fixed, repeating crystal lattice (like quartz or sand), creating sharp, hard particles that pose serious health risks like silicosis when inhaled as fine dust.
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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicon
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silicic_acid
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthosilicic_acid
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Orthosilicic Acid
(OSA) Formula:
(Si(OH)4})
Bioavailability: The most biologically available form of silicon, readily absorbed and used by the body.Biological Importance: Supports collagen synthesis, bone mineralization, skin elasticity, and hair/nail strength.
Forms in Nature: Found in low concentrations in water, essential for plants (especially grasses).
In Supplements: Often stabilized (e.g., with choline or vanillin) to prevent polymerization and maintain its absorbable monomeric state.
Orthosilicic acid (Si(OH)4) is the primary bioavailable form of silicon absorbed by the human body, consisting of silicon, oxygen, and hydrogen. It plays a critical role in the synthesis and stabilization of collagen and hyaluronic acid within connective tissues.
Silicon/Silica: Acts as the central structural "glue" that creates bonds between protein molecules and strengthens the collagen matrix.
Silicon is vital for bone and connective tissue, and OSA is a highly bioavailable source, enhancing calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium utilization.
stabilized forms of orthosilicic acid can interact with the intestinal epithelium, potentially supporting gut barrier integrity.
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Silica is found in nature as the mineral quartz and its polymorphs.
In most silicate minerals, silicon is tetrahedral, being surrounded by four oxides.
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How Orthosilicic Acid Affects Melanin
Orthosilicic acid (OSA), a bioavailable form of silicon, shows a dual effect on melanin, promoting its synthesis by increasing key enzyme (tyrosinase, MITF) expression in melanocytes, potentially for treating melanin deficiency.
Stimulates Production: Studies show OSA increases melanin synthesis and tyrosinase activity in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin.
Regulates Gene Expression: It boosts the expression of Microphthalmia-associated Transcription Factor (MITF) and Tyrosinase-Related Protein 1 (TRP-1), key regulators of melanin production.
Potential Therapeutic Agent: This suggests OSA could be used to combat conditions related to melanin deficiency by stimulating melanocytes.
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How Orthosilicic Acid Works
Orthosilicic acid demonstrates significant antifungal properties.
Direct Fungal Interference: Stabilized OSA can directly harm fungal cells, causing changes to their mycelium (filamentous structures) and spores, leading to inhibition.
Plant Defense Activation: It activates the plant's natural defense responses, creating a stronger barrier against fungal invasion.
Structural Reinforcement: When absorbed by plants, OSA gets deposited as silica, strengthening cell walls and making them physically harder for fungi to penetrate.
Induced Resistance: Foliar application (spraying) of OSA increases plant resistance to various fungal pathogens, including those causing powdery mildew, rice blast, and soybean rust, even at lower concentrations.