Atomic scale chemical tomography of human bone

Area of Science:

• Biomineralization
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Human bone is a complex hierarchical material.
• Understanding nanoscale structure and composition is crucial for biomineralization research.
• Simultaneous characterization of bone's 3D structure and chemical integrity at the nanoscale is challenging.

Purpose of the Study:

• To reveal human bone structures at the atomic level.
• To provide a 3D chemical map of bone's organic and inorganic constituents.
• To explore the role of elements like Sodium (Na) at the mineral-collagen interface.

Main Methods:

• Correlative transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atom probe tomography (APT).
• First-time application of APT to human bone.
• Simultaneous structural and chemical analysis at the atomic scale.

Main Results:

• Atomic-level visualization of human bone structure.
• Detection of local chemical gradients and trace elements like Magnesium (Mg).
• Co-localization of Na with the interface between bone mineral and collagen fibrils.

Conclusions:

• APT offers unprecedented insights into bone's hierarchical organization and chemical heterogeneity.
• Findings suggest Na-rich organics play a key role in connecting mineral and collagen.
• APT is a promising technique for advancing biomineralization research.