Nano-analytical characterization of endogenous minerals in healthy placental tissue: mineral distribution, composition and ultrastructure
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Published on: September 10, 2018
Alexandre H C Anthis1, Elena Tsolaki, Louis Didierlaurent
1Laboratory for Particles Biology Interactions, Department Materials Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014, St Gallen, Switzerland. inge.herrmann@empa.ch.
Abstract:
Despite its crucial role, the placenta is the least understood human organ. Recent clinical studies indicate a direct association between placental calcification and maternal and offspring health. This study reveals distinct characteristics of minerals formed during gestational ageing using cutting-edge nano-analytical characterization and paves the way for investigations focused on the identification of potential markers for disease risks in a clinical setting based on atypical placental mineral fingerprints.
