Bone mineral: update on chemical composition and structure

Structural water in carbonated hydroxylapatite and fluorapatite: confirmation by solid state (2)H NMR

Water is well recognized as an important component in bone, typically regarded as a constituent of collagen, a pore-filling fluid in bone, and an adsorbed species on the surface of bone crystallites. The possible siting and role of water within the structure of the apatite crystallites have not been fully explored. In our experiments, carbonated hydroxyl- and fluorapatites were prepared in D(2)O and characterized by elemental analysis, thermal gravimetric analysis, powder X-ray diffraction, and infrared and Raman spectroscopy. Two hydroxylapatites and two fluorapatites, with widely different amounts of carbonate were analyzed by solid state (2)H NMR spectroscopy using the quadrupole echo pulse sequence, and each spectrum showed one single line as well as a low-intensity powder pattern. The relaxation time of 7.1 ms for 5.9 wt% carbonated hydroxylapatite indicates that the single line is likely due to rapid, high-symmetry jumps in translationally rigid D(2)O molecules, indicative of structural incorporation within the lattice. Discrimination between structurally incorporated and adsorbed water is enhanced by the rapid exchange of surface D(2)O with atmospheric H(2)O. Moreover, a (2)H resonance was observed for samples dried under a variety of conditions, including in vacuo heating to 150°C. In contrast, a sample heated to 500°C produced no deuterium resonance, indicating that structural water had been released by that temperature. We propose that water is located in the c-axis channels. Because structural water is observed even for apatites with very low carbonate content, some of the water molecules must lie between the monovalent ions.

Ultrastructural and mineral phase characterization of the bone-like matrix assembled in F-OST osteoblast cultures

Cell cultures are often used to study bone mineralization; however, not all systems achieve a bone-like matrix formation. In this study, the mineralized matrix assembled in F-OST osteoblast cultures was analyzed, with the aim of establishing a novel model for bone mineralization. The ultrastructure of the cultures was investigated using scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mineral phase was characterized using conventional and high-resolution TEM, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and solid-state (31)P and (1)H nuclear magnetic resonance. F-OST osteoblast cultures presented a clear nodular mineralization pattern. The chief features of the mineralizing nodules were globular accretions ranging from about 100 nm to 1.5 μm in diameter, loaded with needle-shaped crystallites. Accretions seemed to bud from the cell membrane, increase in size, and coalesce into larger ones. Arrays of loosely packed, randomly oriented collagen fibrils were seen along with the accretions. Mineralized fibrils were often observed, sometimes in close association with accretions. The mineral phase was characterized as a poorly crystalline hydroxyapatite. The Ca/P atomic ratio was 1.49 ± 0.06. The presence of OH was evident. The lattice parameters were a = 9.435 Å and c = 6.860 Å. The average crystallite size was 20 nm long and 10 nm wide. Carbonate substitutions were seen in phosphate and OH sites. Water was also found within the apatitic core. In conclusion, F-OST osteoblast cultures produce a bone-like matrix and may provide a good model for bone mineralization studies.

Calcium orthophosphates: occurrence, properties, biomineralization, pathological calcification and biomimetic applications

The present overview is intended to point the readers' attention to the important subject of calcium orthophosphates. This type of materials is of special significance for human beings, because they represent the inorganic part of major normal (bones, teeth and antlers) and pathological (i.e., those appearing due to various diseases) calcified tissues of mammals. For example, atherosclerosis results in blood vessel blockage caused by a solid composite of cholesterol with calcium orthophosphates, while dental caries and osteoporosis mean a partial decalcification of teeth and bones, respectively, that results in replacement of a less soluble and harder biological apatite by more soluble and softer calcium hydrogenphosphates. Therefore, the processes of both normal and pathological calcifications are just an in vivo crystallization of calcium orthophosphates. Similarly, dental caries and osteoporosis might be considered an in vivo dissolution of calcium orthophosphates. Thus, calcium orthophosphates hold a great significance for humankind, and in this paper, an overview on the current knowledge on this subject is provided.

Phase transformation of calcium phosphates in the presence of glutamic acid

This work describes a phase-transformation pathway of calcium phosphate in the presence of glutamic acid. The route follows the order starting from amorphous calcium phosphate and brushite, then octacalcium phosphate (OCP), and finally hydroxyapatite (HAp). The preferred growth direction of the intermediate OCP and the final HAp phases lies along the c axis. On the basis of our scanning electron microscopy, X-ray powder diffraction, and 31P solid-state NMR data, we suggest that the transformation is via the dissolution–reprecipitation process, which is facilitated in the presence of glutamic acid. The effect on the transformation kinetics is rationalized by the disruption of the water layer bound on the crystal surface.

Strongly bound citrate stabilizes the apatite nanocrystals in bone

Nanocrystals of apatitic calcium phosphate impart the organic-inorganic nanocomposite in bone with favorable mechanical properties. So far, the factors preventing crystal growth beyond the favorable thickness of ca. 3 nm have not been identified. Here we show that the apatite surfaces are studded with strongly bound citrate molecules, whose signals have been identified unambiguously by multinuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) analysis. NMR reveals that bound citrate accounts for 5.5 wt% of the organic matter in bone and covers apatite at a density of about 1 molecule per (2 nm)(2), with its three carboxylate groups at distances of 0.3 to 0.45 nm from the apatite surface. Bound citrate is highly conserved, being found in fish, avian, and mammalian bone, which indicates its critical role in interfering with crystal thickening and stabilizing the apatite nanocrystals in bone.

The role of prenucleation clusters in surface-induced calcium phosphate crystallization

Unravelling the processes of calcium phosphate formation is important in our understanding of both bone and tooth formation, and also of pathological mineralization, for example in cardiovascular disease. Serum is a metastable solution from which calcium phosphate precipitates in the presence of calcifiable templates such as collagen, elastin and cell debris. A pathological deficiency of inhibitors leads to the uncontrolled deposition of calcium phosphate. In bone and teeth the formation of apatite crystals is preceded by an amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP) precursor phase. ACP formation is thought to proceed through prenucleation clusters--stable clusters that are present in solution already before nucleation--as was recently demonstrated for CaCO(3) (refs 15,16). However, the role of such nanometre-sized clusters as building blocks for ACP has been debated for many years. Here we demonstrate that the surface-induced formation of apatite from simulated body fluid starts with the aggregation of prenucleation clusters leading to the nucleation of ACP before the development of oriented apatite crystals.

Amorphous calcium (ortho)phosphates

Amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs) represent a unique class of biomedically relevant calcium orthophosphate salts, having variable chemical but essentially identical glass-like physical properties, in which there is neither translational nor orientational long-range ordering of the atomic positions. Normally, ACPs are the first solid phases, precipitated after a rapid mixing of aqueous solutions containing ions of Ca(2+) and PO₄³⁻; however, other production techniques are known. Interestingly, ACPs prepared by wet-chemical techniques were found to have a relatively constant chemical composition over a relatively wide range of preparation conditions, which suggests the presence of a well-defined local structural unit, presumably with the structure of Ca₉(PO₄)₆ - so-called Posner cluster. However, the presence of similar clusters in ACPs produced by other techniques remains uncertain. All ACPs are thermodynamically unstable compounds and, unless stored in dry conditions or doped by stabilizers, spontaneously tend to transform to crystalline calcium orthophosphates, mainly to calcium apatites. This solution instability of ACPs and their easy transformation to crystalline phases are of a great biological relevance. Specifically, the initiating role ACPs play in matrix vesicle biomineralization raises the importance of ACPs from a mere laboratory curiosity to that of a key intermediate in skeletal calcification. In addition, due to significant chemical and structural similarities with calcified mammalian tissues, as well as excellent biocompatibility and bioresorbability, all types of ACPs are very promising candidates for the manufacture of artificial bone grafts. This review summarizes the current knowledge on the occurrence, preparation, composition, structure, major properties and biomedical applications of ACPs. To assist readers in looking for the specific details on ACPs, a great number of references have been collected and systematized.

Molecular interactions between zoledronic acid and bone: An in vitro Raman microspectroscopic study

The aim of this study was to investigate molecular interactions between a bisphosphonate (BP), zoledronic acid, and bone tissue by the use of Raman microspectroscopy. In this way, samples of hydroxyapatite (HA), as a bone model, and Wistar rat femurs were soaking in zoledronic acid solutions. Sample surfaces were studied by Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy and Raman spectroscopy. The amount of zoledronic acid incorporated onto the samples and the inorganic phosphate released in solution were determined by (31)P NMR spectroscopy. Total carbonate content in solution was evaluated by inorganic carbon analyser. After impregnation new Raman bands with frequencies close to characteristic peaks of zoledronic acid (in particular phosphate moieties and imidazole ring of the R2 side-chain) were observed on both types of samples. Physico-chemical parameters of the bone were also significantly modified (P<0.0001). The mineral to organic ratio and the carbonate to phosphate ratio decreased and the crystallinity increased. Released inorganic phosphate and carbonate were detected in the solutions. The Raman shift of the bands corresponding to the phosphate groups and the imidazole ring of the BP highlight their implication in the binding to the mineral. The detection of released inorganic phosphate and carbonate in solution, the modifications of the mineral to phosphate ratio and the carbonate to phosphate ratio reveal that BP decrease the amount of inorganic phosphate and limit the dissolution of bone mineral. The increase of the crystallinity after BP binding shows a re-organisation of the lattice with a higher symmetry. Thus, it seems that zoledronic acid has an important contribution on the increase of crystallinity. The use of Raman spectrometry brings new and complementary information on the impact of zoledronic acid on bone composition at molecular level. Raman spectrometry could help to understand by which way BPs improve bone strength and decrease fracture risk.

Amorphous Calcium Phosphates

Amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs) represent a unique class of biomedically relevant calcium orthophosphate salts, in which there are neither translational nor orientational long-range orders of the atomic positions. Nevertheless, the constancy in their chemical composition over a relatively wide range of preparation conditions suggests the presence of a well-defined local structural unit, presumably, with the structure of Ca9(PO4)6 – so-called Posner’s cluster. ACPs have variable chemical but rather identical glass-like physicochemical properties. Furthermore, all ACPs are thermodynamically unstable compounds and, unless stored in dry conditions or doped by stabilizers, spontaneously they tend to transform to crystalline calcium orthophosphates. Although some order within general disorder is the most distinguishing feature of ACPs, the solution instability of ACPs and their easy transformation to crystalline phases might be of a great biological relevance. Namely, the initiating role ACPs play in matrix vesicle biomineralization raises the importance of this phase from a mere laboratory curiosity to that of a key intermediate in skeletal calcification. Furthermore, ACPs are very promising candidates to manufacture artificial bone grafts.

Molecular determinants of extracellular matrix mineralization in bone and blood vessels

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Mineralization imparts important biomechanical and other functional properties to bones and teeth. Ectopic pathologic mineralization, however, occurring in soft tissues such as blood vessels, kidneys, articular cartilage and also in body fluids, including urine and synovial fluid, is generally debilitating, often painful and typically is destructive of compromised tissue. Here we review new findings on direct molecular determinants of mineralization operating locally at the level of the extracellular matrix, with a focus on bone and blood vessels.

RECENT FINDINGS

Accumulating evidence indicates important key roles for secreted noncollagenous proteins in regulating mineralization, wherein they also contribute structurally to the scaffolding properties of the extracellular matrix. Mineral-binding proteins contain conserved acidic peptide domains (often highly phosphorylated), which bind strongly to calcium within the apatitic mineral phase of bone and calcified blood vessels to regulate crystal growth. Other recent work has underscored the importance of the small-molecule mineralization inhibitor pyrophosphate in inhibiting tissue mineralization - an inhibition released through its enzymatic cleavage by tissue-nonspecific alkaline phosphatase. Recent findings on mechanisms involved in matrix vesicle-mediated mineralization are also discussed.

SUMMARY

Mechanistic details are emerging that describe a scenario wherein the combined actions of mineral-binding noncollagenous matrix peptides/proteins within a scaffolding of collagen (and also elastin in blood vessels), phosphatases and matrix vesicles all contribute importantly to promoting or limiting mineralization.

Amorphous calcium phosphates: synthesis, properties and uses in biomaterials

This review paper on amorphous calcium phosphates (ACPs) provides an update on several aspects of these compounds which have led to many studies and some controversy since the 1970s, particularly because of the lack of irrefutable proof of the occurrence of an ACP phase in mineralised tissues of vertebrates. The various synthesis routes of ACPs with different compositions are reported and the techniques used to characterise this phase are reviewed. We focus on the various physico-chemical properties of ACPs, especially the reactivity in aqueous media, which have been exploited to prepare bioactive bone substitutes, particularly in the form of coatings and cements for orthopaedic applications and composites for dental applications.

Octacalcium phosphate: osteoconductivity and crystal chemistry

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP), which is structurally similar to hydroxyapatite (HA), is a possible precursor of bone apatite crystals. Although disagreement remains as to whether OCP comprises the initial mineral crystals in the early stage of bone mineralization, the results of recent biomaterial studies using synthetic OCP indicate the potential role of OCP as a bone substitute material, owing to its highly osteoconductive and biodegradable characteristics. OCP tends to convert to HA not only in an in vitro environment, but also as an implant in bone defects. Several lines of evidence from both in vivo and in vitro studies suggest that the conversion process could be involved in the stimulatory capacity of OCP for osteoblastic differentiation and osteoclast formation. However, the osteoconductivity of OCP cannot always be secured if an OCP with distinct crystal characteristics is used, because the stoichiometry and microstructure of OCP crystals greatly affect bone-regenerative properties. Osteoconductivity and stimulatory capabilities may be caused by the chemical characteristics of OCP, which allows the release or exchange of calcium and phosphate ions with the surrounding of this salt, and its tendency to grow towards specific crystal faces, which could be a variable of the synthesis condition. This paper reviews the effect of calcium phosphates on osteoblastic activity and bone regeneration, with a special emphasis on OCP, since OCP seems to be performing better than other calcium phosphates in vivo.

The resorption of nanocrystalline calcium phosphates by osteoclast-like cells

Nanocrystalline calcium phosphates containing carbonate have a high similarity to bone mineral. The reactions of bone cells (primary osteoblasts and osteoclast-like cells) on these materials as well as on sintered beta-tricalcium phosphate and hydroxyapatite (HA) confirmed a good biocompatibility of the nanocrystalline samples. However, osteoclastic differentiation was constrained on the carbonate-rich samples, leading to a small number of osteoclast-like cells on the materials and few resorption pits. The grain size of the calcium phosphate ceramics (nano vs. micro) was less important than expected from to physico-chemical considerations. When comparing the nanocrystalline samples, the highest resorption rate was found for nano-HA with a low carbonate content, which strongly stimulated the differentiation of osteoclast-like cells on its surface.

Solid-state P-31 NMR study of octacalcium phosphate incorporated with succinate

Octacalcium phosphate (OCP) is an important model compound in the study of biomineralization. The octacalcium phosphate-succinate (OCPS) compound is prepared and characterized by (31)P solid-state NMR spectroscopy. Taking advantage of the fact that the crystal structures of OCP and OCPS are very similar, an NMR strategy based on the (31)P homonuclear double-quantum spectroscopy is developed to assign all the peaks observed in the (31)P magic-angle spinning spectrum of OCPS. On the basis of our experimental data, the molecular formula of OCPS is determined to be Ca(7.81)(HPO(4))(1.82)(PO(4))(3.61)(succinate)(0.56).zH(2)O, where z<or= 0.5. We find that mainly the phosphorus species at the P5 site will be displaced when succinate ions are incorporated to form the OCPS lattice. The stability of OCPS is significantly higher than OCP with respect to the hydrolysis reaction at high pH conditions. We conclude that the hydration layer of OCP is playing the key role in the structural transformation of OCP.