2008 November | Liam C. Palmer, Christina J. Newcomb, Stuart R. Kaltz, Erik D. Spoerke, and Samuel I. Stupp
This review discusses biomimetic systems for hydroxyapatite (HA) mineralization inspired by bone and enamel. It explores the biomineralization process, focusing on HA and related minerals, and their roles in bone and enamel. HA, a calcium phosphate mineral, is the primary component of bone and teeth. Biomineralization involves the formation of mineral-rich tissues through complex interactions between organic and inorganic components. The review highlights the unique properties of biogenic HA, including its smaller crystal size, carbonate substitutions, and different crystallinity compared to geological HA. It also discusses the formation of HA in synthetic systems designed to mimic bone or enamel mineralization for therapeutic applications.
Bone is a dynamic, highly vascularized tissue composed of 70% mineral (mostly HA crystals) and 30% organic components, including collagen and non-collagenous proteins (NCPs). Bone has a hierarchical structure, with multiple levels of organization, from molecular components to macroscopic structures. Collagen, the most abundant organic component in bone, provides structural support, while NCPs play roles in mineral nucleation and growth. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are responsible for bone formation and resorption, respectively.
Enamel, the hardest tissue in the body, is composed of 95-97% carbonated HA and is acellular, making it resistant to resorption. Enamel formation involves precise genetic control and protein interactions, with amelogenin being the most influential enamel matrix protein. Amelogenin self-assembles into nanospheres, which guide HA crystal growth. The review also discusses the role of other enamel matrix proteins, such as enamelin and ameloblastin, in enamel formation. The study of biomineralization provides insights into the development of synthetic materials for tissue regeneration and biomedical applications.This review discusses biomimetic systems for hydroxyapatite (HA) mineralization inspired by bone and enamel. It explores the biomineralization process, focusing on HA and related minerals, and their roles in bone and enamel. HA, a calcium phosphate mineral, is the primary component of bone and teeth. Biomineralization involves the formation of mineral-rich tissues through complex interactions between organic and inorganic components. The review highlights the unique properties of biogenic HA, including its smaller crystal size, carbonate substitutions, and different crystallinity compared to geological HA. It also discusses the formation of HA in synthetic systems designed to mimic bone or enamel mineralization for therapeutic applications.
Bone is a dynamic, highly vascularized tissue composed of 70% mineral (mostly HA crystals) and 30% organic components, including collagen and non-collagenous proteins (NCPs). Bone has a hierarchical structure, with multiple levels of organization, from molecular components to macroscopic structures. Collagen, the most abundant organic component in bone, provides structural support, while NCPs play roles in mineral nucleation and growth. Osteoblasts and osteoclasts are responsible for bone formation and resorption, respectively.
Enamel, the hardest tissue in the body, is composed of 95-97% carbonated HA and is acellular, making it resistant to resorption. Enamel formation involves precise genetic control and protein interactions, with amelogenin being the most influential enamel matrix protein. Amelogenin self-assembles into nanospheres, which guide HA crystal growth. The review also discusses the role of other enamel matrix proteins, such as enamelin and ameloblastin, in enamel formation. The study of biomineralization provides insights into the development of synthetic materials for tissue regeneration and biomedical applications.