[Interface science in formation of biominerals and biomolecules]

Abstract

The prototype for the minerals in bone and teeth is usually considered to be the basic calcium phosphate hydroxyapatite (HA), containing impurities, such as carbonate and structural defects. It has been proposed that the biological apatite is formed via precursor phases, such as octacalcium phosphate (OCP). The initial precursors maturate with aging and may alter its surface property depending on the proceeding of the hydrolysis into HA regarding adsorption affinity for various biomolecules existing around the forming biominerals. The maturation of the biominerals could be modulating the process of additional mineralization after the initial mineral deposition happened within the hard tissues.