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The nature of bone carbonate
Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research
|November 1, 1977
Summary
The carbonate ion (CO3=) is integral to bone mineral structure, not a contaminant. Recent findings suggest octacalcium phosphate carbonate (OCPC) is key to bone formation and stability.
Area of Science:
- Biomineralization
- Bone Physiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- The precise role of the carbonate ion (CO3=) in bone mineral has been debated for over a century.
- Previous models considered carbonate as a separate phase, adsorbed ion, or contaminant, diverging from its essential role.
Purpose of the Study:
- To clarify the role of the carbonate ion (CO3=) in the formation and structure of bone mineral.
- To investigate the synthesis of carbonate-apatite under physiological conditions.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of reactions involved in the formation of carbonate-apatite.
- Evaluation of octacalcium phosphate carbonate (OCPC) as a model for bone mineral.
Main Results:
- Bone mineral synthesis involves hydrolysis of calcium phosphate to octacalcium phosphate, then conversion to octacalcium phosphate carbonate (OCPC).
- Carbonate ions (CO3=) replace phosphate ions (PO4= or HPO4=) in forming OCPC.
- OCPC model explains bone mineral solubility, composition variations, maturation, and carbonate loss.
Conclusions:
- Octacalcium phosphate carbonate (OCPC) is a satisfactory definition for bone mineral.
- The carbonate ion (CO3=) plays a crucial, integrated role in bone mineral structure and function.
- Understanding OCPC formation is vital for explaining bone composition and pathological changes.