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Heterogeneous nucleation of calcium phosphates on solid surfaces in aqueous solution
W Wu1, H Zhuang, G H Nancollas
1Department of Chemistry, State University of New York at Buffalo 14260, USA.
Journal of Biomedical Materials Research
|April 1, 1997
Summary
Calcium phosphate nucleation occurs on specific surfaces like mica and treated polymers, but not on hydrophobic ones. Surface chemistry, particularly Lewis base parameters, dictates heterogeneous nucleation of calcium phosphates.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Surface Chemistry
- Biomaterials
Background:
- Heterogeneous nucleation is crucial for biomaterial development.
- Calcium phosphates are key components in bone and teeth.
- Understanding surface interactions is vital for controlling material deposition.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate calcium phosphate nucleation on various solid surfaces.
- To correlate surface properties with nucleation behavior.
- To identify optimal surfaces for hydroxyapatite nucleation.
Main Methods:
- Studied nucleation on PMMA, FEP, silicone rubber, and mica.
- Characterized surfaces using contact angle measurements.
- Analyzed nucleation sites via scanning electron microscopy.
Main Results:
- Nucleation observed on mica, RFGD-treated PMMA, and RFGD-treated FEP.
- High Lewis base surface tension parameters correlated with nucleation.
- No nucleation occurred on untreated PMMA, FEP, or silicone rubber surfaces.
Conclusions:
- Surface properties, specifically Lewis base parameters, govern calcium phosphate nucleation.
- Treated surfaces with appropriate chemistry promote heterogeneous nucleation.
- Hydrophobic surfaces with low Lewis acid-base interactions inhibit nucleation.