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High-resolution electron microscopy of octacalcium phosphate and its hydrolysis products

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Summary

The hydrolysis and dehydration products of synthetic octacalcium phosphate (OCP) were studied using X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, chemical analysis, and high-resolution electron microscopy (HREM). A “collapsed OCP” phase, identified by a characteristic 16.5 Å reflection in its X-ray diffraction pattern, was observed when OCP was dehydrated. High resolution electron microscopy of the hydrolyzed and partially hydrolyzed reaction products also revealed local contrast features with an approximate 16.5 Å periodicity. These features were consistent with a collapse of the OCP crystal structure and subsequent formation of epitaxial intergrowths of OCP and hydroxyapatite. Chemical analysis and X-ray diffraction of these samples were similar to previously reported calcium-deficient apatites. The hydrolysis of OCP to form calcium-deficient apatities is a reaction pathway which may be of importance in understanding the crystallographic changes occurring during the early stages of bone, calculus, and dental enamel formation.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dental Research Unit, Medical Research Council of New Zealand, P.O. Box 27007, Wellington, New Zealand

    D. G. A. Nelson

  2. Division of Chemical Physics, C.S.I.R.O., P.O. Box 160, 3168, Clayton, Victoria, Australia

    J. D. McLean

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  1. D. G. A. Nelson
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  2. J. D. McLean
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Nelson, D.G.A., McLean, J.D. High-resolution electron microscopy of octacalcium phosphate and its hydrolysis products. Calcif Tissue Int 36, 219–232 (1984). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02405321

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