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Calcium and sulfur location in human nail
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology
|August 1, 1976
Summary
Calcium and sulfur are crucial for nail hardness. Calcium adsorbs onto nail surfaces via ion exchange, while sulfur distribution remains consistent, indicating its role in nail structure.
Area of Science:
- Biomineralization
- Materials Science
- Dermatology
Background:
- Nail hardness is a critical factor in nail function and integrity.
- The elemental composition of nails, particularly calcium and sulfur, is thought to influence their mechanical properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of calcium and sulfur in determining nail hardness.
- To elucidate the mechanism of calcium adsorption onto nail surfaces.
Main Methods:
- Analytical electron microscopy (AEM) was employed for elemental distribution analysis.
- Examination of keratinized tissue fragments and sections from nails.
Main Results:
- Significant adsorption of calcium onto the free surfaces of nails was observed.
- Calcium adsorption is proposed to occur through an ion exchange mechanism.
- Sulfur distribution was found to be uniform across the nail cross-section, suggesting a structural role.
Conclusions:
- Calcium and sulfur play key roles in nail hardness.
- Ion exchange is a likely mechanism for calcium adsorption on nail surfaces.
- Analytical electron microscopy is a powerful tool for analyzing elemental distribution in keratinized tissues.