Kinetics of 1H --> 31P cross-polarization in human trabecular bone

Bloch-decay and cross-polarization (CP) 31P nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra of healthy human trabecular bone were acquired under magic-angle spinning (MAS) at 3 kHz. A single peak at 3.1 ppm was detected. Variable-contact time 1H --> 31P CP experiments revealed three signal components growing at various rates. The fast, moderate and slow components were assigned and assessed in P atom % to proton-rich (24%), hydroxyapatite (58%) and proton-deficient (18%) phosphate domains, respectively. Examination of CP kinetics is useful for the chemical characterization of bone tissue.