Evidence of noncentrosymmetry of human tooth hydroxyapatite crystals.
Herein, we investigate human single hydroxyapatite crystals (enamel and dentine) by convergent-beam electron diffraction (CBED) and automated electron-diffraction tomography (ADT). The CBED pattern shows the absence of the mirror plane perpendicular to the c axis leading to the P63 space group instead of the P63 /m space group considered for larger-scale crystals, this is confirmed by ADT. This experimental evidence is of prime importance for understanding the morphogenesis and the architectural organization of calcified tissues.
Institut für Physikalische Chemie, Johannes-Gutenberg-Universität, Mainz Welderweg11, 55099 Mainz (Germany).
Enrico
E
Mugnaioli
José
J
Reyes-Gasga
Ute
U
Kolb
Joseph
J
Hemmerlé
Étienne  F
É
Brès
D000328:Adult; D003743:Dental Enamel / Q000737:chemistry*; D003804:Dentin / Q000737:chemistry; D017886:Durapatite / Q000737:chemistry*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D006878:Hydroxides / Q000737:chemistry; D008297:Male; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D013052:Spectrometry, X-Ray Emission; D014961:X-Ray Diffraction
D006878:Hydroxides; C031356:hydroxide ion; D017886:Durapatite
atomic structures; biomineralization; human tooth crystals; noncentrosymmetry; piezoelectricity