Nucleation and growth of mineral crystals in bone studied by small-angle X-ray scattering

Fratzl, Peter; Fratzl-Zelman, Nadja; Klaushofer, Klaus; Vogl, Gero; Koller, Kristian

Affiliations

¹Institut für Festkörperphysik der Universität Wien, Vienna, Austria

²Ludwig Boltzmann Research Unit for Clinical and Experimental Osteology, 4th Medical Department, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria

Abstract and keywords

The mechanism of calcification in bone and related tissues is a matter of current interest. The mean size and the arrangement of the mineral crystals are important parameters difficult to obtain by electron microscopy. Furthermore, most studies have been carried out on poorly calcified model systems or chemically treated samples. In the work presented here, native bone was studied as a function of age by a quantitative small-angle X-ray scattering method (SAXS). Bone samples (calvariae and ulnae) from rats and mice were investigated. Measurements were performed on native bone immediately after dissection for samples up to 1 mm thick. The size, shape, and predominant orientation of the mineral crystals in bone were obtained for embryonal, young, and adult animals. The results indicate that the mineral nucleates as thin layers of calcium phosphate within the hole zone of the collagen fibrils. The mineral nuclei subsequently grow in thickness to about 3 nm, which corresponds to maximum space available in these holes.

Keywords: Bone; Mineral crystals; Small-angle X-ray scattering; Hydroxyapatite; Biomineralization

Links

DOI: 10.1007/BF02556454

PubMed: 2070275

WoS: A1991FK72600006

History

Received: 1989-06-21

Revised: 1989-10-03

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