The strength of a calcified tissue depends in part on the molecular structure and organization of its constituent mineral crystals in their organic matrix
There is no author summary for this article yet. Authors can add summaries to their articles on ScienceOpen to make them more accessible to a non-specialist audience.
Abstract
High-voltage electron-microscopic tomographic (3D) studies of the ultrastructural
interaction between mineral and organic matrix in a variety of calcified tissues reveal
different crystal structural and organizational features in association with their
respective organic matrices. In brittle or weak pathologic or ectopic calcifications,
including examples of osteogenesis imperfecta, calciphylaxis, calcergy, and dermatomyositis,
hydroxyapatite crystals occur in various sizes and shapes and are oriented and aligned
with respect to collagen in a manner which is distinct from that found in normal calcified
tissues. A model of collagen-mineral interaction is proposed which may account for
the observed crystal structures and organization. The results indicate that the ultimate
strength, support, and other mechanical properties provided by a calcified tissue
are dependent in part upon the molecular structure and arrangement of its constituent
mineral crystals within their organic matrix.