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Analysis of Minerals Produced by hFOB 1.19 and Saos-2 Cells Using Transmission Electron Microscopy with Energy Dispersive X-ray Microanalysis
Published on: June 24, 2018
Minerals form a continuum phase in mature cancellous bone.
Po-Yu Chen1, Damon Toroian, Paul A Price
1Materials Science and Engineering Program, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093-0411, USA. pochen@ucsd.edu
Calcified Tissue International
|January 29, 2011
Summary
Researchers developed a new method to study bone's mineral structure, revealing sheet-like mineral formations. This finding helps understand bone's hierarchical organization and material properties.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Bone Biology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Bone is a complex composite material.
- It comprises a protein phase (type I collagen) and a mineral phase (carbonated apatite).
- Understanding bone's hierarchical structure is crucial for regenerative medicine and material design.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the hierarchical structure of mineral in mature bone.
- To develop a method for complete deproteinization without altering bone structure.
- To propose a model for mature bone's composite structure.
Main Methods:
- Developed a novel deproteinization technique for bone samples.
- Confirmed deproteinization completion using protein analysis.
- Utilized stereoscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) for structural analysis across multiple length scales (submillimeter to nanometer).
Main Results:
- The deproteinization method preserved the fine trabecular architecture and microstructural features of bone.
- Bone minerals were observed to form fused, sheet-like structures integrated with collagen fibrils.
- Well-organized hierarchical pore systems were identified.
- Mineral sheets exhibited deformation behavior, indicating strong crystallite connections.
- The mineral structure showed consistency with commercially available deproteinized bone (Bio-Oss®).
Conclusions:
- A novel method for studying bone mineral hierarchy was established.
- Mature bone mineral forms coherent sheet-like structures integrated with collagen.
- A two-phase interpenetrating composite model for mature bone is proposed.
- Findings contribute to understanding bone's mechanical properties and biomimetic material development.
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