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Shape and size of isolated bone mineralites measured using atomic force microscopy
Author(s) -
Eppell Steven J.,
Tong Weidong,
Katz J. Lawrence,
Kuhn Liisa,
Glimcher Melvin J.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of orthopaedic research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.041
H-Index - 155
eISSN - 1554-527X
pISSN - 0736-0266
DOI - 10.1016/s0736-0266(01)00034-1
Subject(s) - atomic force microscopy , microscopy , materials science , ionic bonding , phase (matter) , biophysics , biomedical engineering , nanotechnology , chemistry , optics , biology , physics , ion , medicine , organic chemistry
The inorganic phase of bone is comprised primarily of very small mineralites. The size and shape of these mineralites play fundamental roles in maintaining ionic homeostasis and in the biomechanical function of bone. Using atomic force microscopy, we have obtained direct three‐dimensional visual evidence of the size and shape of native protein‐free mineralites isolated from mature bovine bone. Approximately 98% of the mineralites are less than 2 nm thick displaying a plate‐like habit. Distributions of both thickness and width show single peaks. The distribution of lengths may be multimodal with distinct peaks separated by ∼6 nm. Application of our results is expected to be of use in the design of novel orthopaedic biomaterials. In addition, they provide more accurate inputs to molecular‐scale models aimed at predicting the physiological and mechanical behavior of bone. © 2001 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.