title: Structures of Biological Minerals in Dental Research.
abstract: Structural features of some calcium phosphates of biological interest are described. Structure of hydroxyapatite (OHAp), considered as the prototype for the inorganic component of bones and teeth is discussed with respect to the kinds and locations of ionic substitutions. Octacalcium phosphate (OCP), is a probable precursor in biological mineralization. OCP has a layer type structure, with one layer quite similar to that of OHAp and the other, a hydrated layer consisting of more widely spaced Ca, and PO4 ions and the water molecules. The closeness of fit in the apatitic layers of OCP and OHAp accounts for the epitaxial, interlayered mixtures formed by these compounds and the in situ conversion of OCP to OHAp. Possible roles of OCP in biological mineralization are discussed.
authors: American Dental Association Health Foundation, Paffenbarger Research Center, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001 USA.
authors: M
authors: M
authors: Mathew
authors: American Dental Association Health Foundation, Paffenbarger Research Center, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-0001 USA.
authors: S
authors: S
authors: Takagi
keywords: biominerals; calcium phosphates; crystal structure; fluorapatite; glaserite; hydroxyapatite; octacalcium phosphate