High-resolution electron microscopy of octacalcium phosphate and its hydrolysis products

The hydrolysis and dehydration products of synthetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP) were studied using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). A "collapsed OCP" phase, identified by a characteristic 16.5 A reflection in its X-ray diffraction pattern, was observed when OCP was dehydrated. High resolution electron microscopy of the hydrolyzed and partially hydrolyzed reaction products also revealed local contrast features with an approximate 16.5 A periodicity. These features were consistent with a collapse of the OCP crystal structure and subsequent formation of epitaxial intergrowths of OCP and hydroxyapatite. Chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction of these samples were similar to previously reported calcium-deficient apatites. The hydrolysis of OCP to form calcium-deficient apatites is a reaction pathway which may be of importance in understanding the crystallographic changes occurring during the early stages of bone, calculus, and dental enamel formation.