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Bone contains a relatively small number of cells entrenched in a matrix of collagen fibers that provide an adherent surface for inorganic salt crystals. Both components of the matrix, organic and inorganic, contribute to the unusual properties of bone. Without collagen, bones would be brittle and shatter easily. Without mineral crystals, bones would flex and provide little support. This can be observed by an experiment: when the minerals of a bone are dissolved by soaking the bone in...
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Water-mediated structuring of bone apatite.

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Water orients apatite crystals in bone through an amorphous calcium phosphate-like layer. This finding reveals a new structuring role for water in bone biomineralization, extending current models.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomineralization
  • Materials Science
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Organic molecules in vertebrate extracellular matrix are known to structure apatite mineral in calcifying tissues.
  • The precise mechanisms governing apatite crystal organization in bone remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of water in the structural organization of apatite crystals in bone.
  • To elucidate the mechanism by which water influences apatite crystal orientation.

Main Methods:

  • Solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy.
  • Wide-angle X-ray scattering (WAXS).
  • Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (Cryo-TEM).

Main Results:

  • Water was demonstrated to orient apatite crystals via an amorphous calcium phosphate-like layer.
  • This disordered layer was observed to coat the crystalline core of bone apatite.
  • The findings suggest this layer is similar to those found in other calcified biominerals.

Conclusions:

  • Water plays a significant structuring role in bone biomineralization, beyond organic molecules.
  • An extended local model of bone biomineralization incorporating water's role is proposed.
  • The amorphous calcium phosphate-like layer is key to water-mediated apatite crystal orientation.