The Role of Citrate in Formation of Mineral Structure of Bone

Ceramic materials produced by various methods from calcium phosphates have long been used in orthopaedic and dental surgery. Until recently, it was generally believed that at least some of them faithfully reproduce bone minerals. Newer studies, however, have shown that hydroxyapatite in bone is closely associated with citrate molecules. This raises the yet unanswered question whether the materials used in clinical practice are optimal in relation to the tasks which they are supposed to fulfil. The description of the function of citrate in bone mineralization requires appropriate background information, which is presented in this review.