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Simulating arterial wall calcification in vitro: biomimetic crystallization of calcium phosphates under controlled
1Solid State Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Bochum, 44780 Bochum, Germany. matthias.epple@ruhr-uni-bochum.de
Objectives:
A method to simulate the biological and pathological crystallization of calcium phosphate in vitro is presented.
Background:
The pathological crystallization of calcium phosphates during atherosclerosis is still poorly understood as it depends on a variety of external factors, e.g., the presence of biological molecules that act as crystallization promoters or inhibitors.
Methods:
A computer-controlled double-diffusion device is presented that permits crystallization under constant external conditions (constant pH, constant concentrations of Ca2+ and PO4(3-)).
Results:
The crystallization of hydroxyapatite occurs in a well-defined way. The presence of additives (cholesterol, magnesium) distinctively alters the morphology of the crystals.
Conclusions:
The simulation of pathological crystallization as in atherosclerosis is possible if the external conditions are kept strictly constant during the experiment. In order to obtain a meaningful insight into biological crystallization, this approach is essential as otherwise the external conditions change continuously during the experiment. The effect of additives can be conveniently studied.