Physicochemical characterization of human cardiovascular deposits

Area of Science:

• Biomineralization
• Materials Science
• Cardiovascular Health

Background:

• Pathological cardiovascular deposits (PCD) are complex structures impacting cardiovascular health.
• Understanding the crystal chemistry of PCD is crucial for elucidating their formation and potential treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a detailed crystal chemical characterization of human pathological cardiovascular deposits.
• To investigate the formation mechanism of apatite within cardiovascular deposits.

Main Methods:

• X-ray Diffraction (XRD)
• Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR)
• Raman Spectroscopy
• Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)
• Chemical Analyses

Main Results:

• PCD are composed of non-stoichiometric, water-bearing B-type carbonated hydroxyapatite.
• PCD apatite exhibits a higher concentration of B-type carbonate ions (up to ~6 wt%) compared to other human apatites.
• Apatite on the surface of PCD is more non-stoichiometric than apatite within the deposits.

Conclusions:

• The high carbonate content significantly influences the unit cell parameters of PCD apatite.
• Variations in PCD apatite unit cell parameters are smaller due to stable blood chemical composition.
• The formation mechanisms of PCD apatite may resemble those of bone apatite.