Published online by Cambridge University Press: 15 February 2011
The effects of various non-collagenous bone matrix bio-chemicals on the deposition of calcium phosphate on hydroxyapatite surfaces have been studied. Guanidine-HCI bone extract, guanidine-EDTA bone extract and phosphatidylserine all showed an overall inhibitory effect on calcification. Phosphoserine promoted secondary nucleation but hindered crystal growth. Serum albumin altered the lattice structure of the crystals, thus inducing a significant calcium deficiency. This structural change also resulted in a different fracture behaviour.