Spherulitic Crystal Growth Drives Mineral Deposition Patterns in Collagen-Based Materials
- Abstract number
- 240
- Presentation Form
- Poster
- DOI
- 10.22443/rms.mmc2023.240
- Corresponding Email
- [email protected]
- Session
- Poster Session Two
- Authors
- Dr. Elena Macias-Sanchez (4), Dr. Hab. Nadezda Tarakina (2), Mr. Danail Ivanov (2), Dr. Stephane Blouin (1), Prof. Andrea M. Berzlanovich (3), Prof. Peter Fratzl (2)
- Affiliations
-
1. Ludwig Boltzmann Institute of Osteology
2. Max Planck Society
3. Medical University of Vienna
4. University of Granada
- Keywords
Bone mineralization, FIB-SEM slide-and-view, FIB-lamellae, S/TEM, EDS mapping
- Abstract text
Despite its clinical relevance, the mechanisms of extracellular matrix mineralization remain poorly understood. Using 3D electron tomography and high-resolution electron microscopy imaging and spectroscopy, we show that mineralization proceeds through a spherulitic crystal growth process. First, aggregates of disordered crystals form in the interfibrillar spaces. Spreading of the mineral through the collagen fibrils leads to the formation of layered mineral spherulites. The structure of the collagen fibrils serves as a protein scaffold to guide the formation of a myriad of platelet-shaped crystallites that make up each of these spherulites. At their periphery, nano-sized unmineralized areas remain, leading to the formation of the characteristic lacy pattern observed in the cross-section of mature calcified tissue.
- References
Adv. Funct. Mater. 2022, 2200504. DOI: 10.1002/adfm.202200504