Researchers have discovered a mechanism that controls the formation and function of plate-like nanocrystals that play a critical role in bone composition. The research is published in the journal Biomaterials.

Apatite crystal showing electron density around atoms. Image credit: Arun Nair.

Bone is composed of protein collagen and mineral in the form of plate-like nanocrystals.

Previous research has shown that the mineral crystallites play a critical role in proper bone function and physiology.

Their nanometer size renders them nearly flawless, which contributes to bone strength.

Though scientists have known that nanocrystal size and morphology are critical to the proper mechanical and physiological functioning of bone, the mechanism that controls these properties has been unclear.

Our research suggests, for the first time, that a chemical substitute, in absence of protein or other organic substances, affects the crystallite morphology of bone mineral, said co-author Dr. Arun Nair, assistant professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

These are nanometer-sized crystallites, but still, the finding provides a much better understanding of the processes that control size and shape of particles that make up bone.

Mimicking biochemical processes, Dr. Nair and his colleagues from the United States, France and the United Kingdom synthesized apatite nanocrystals with carbonate.

Apatite is a group of phosphate minerals, the researchers explained.

The nanocrystals exhibited morphologies similar to those seen in natural bone mineral.

The teams discovery could lead to the creation of a synthetically produced biomaterial to replace bones.

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Alix C. Deymier et al. 2017. Protein-free formation of bone-like apatite: New insights into the key role of carbonation. Biomaterials 127: 75-88; doi: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2017.02.029

This article is based on text provided by the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville.

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