Enamel biomineralization

Engstrom A, Finean JB (1953) Low-angle X-ray diffraction of bone. Nature 171 564 Fincham AG, Luo W, Moradian-Oldak J, Paine ML, Snead ML, Zeichner-David M (2000) Enamel biomineralization the assembly and disassembly of the protein extracellrrlar matrix. In Development, Function and Evolution of Teeth. Teaford MF, Smith MM, Fergnson MWJ (eds) Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, p 37-61... 

Cheng, Z.J. et al. (2009) Disturbed enamel biomineralization in coll-caPPR mouse incisor. Calcif. Tissue Int, 84 (6), 494-501. 

Bone and teeth in mammals and bony fishes all rely on calcium phosphates in the form of hydroxyapatite [Ca5(P04)30H]2, usually associated with around 5% carbonate (and referred to as carbonated apatite). The bones of the endoskeleton and the dentin and enamel of teeth have a high mineral content of carbonated apatite, and represent an extraordinary variety of structures with physical and mechanical properties exquisitely adapted to their particular function in the tissue where they are produced. We begin by discussing the formation of bone and then examine the biomineralization process leading to the hardest mineralized tissue known, the enamel of mammalian teeth. 

The inorganic phase of bones or teeth is mainly hydroxyapatite (HA), and deviation in Ca/P ratio from common HA (Ca/P = 1.667) is explained by the presence of amorphous phosphates3). The biogenetic HA resembles in size crystals of HA prepared by precipitation from aqueous solutions. The chemical composition of biominerals is similar to HA. However, crystals in bone, dentine and enamel can vary... 

Phosphates are found in soft organic tissues as phosphate esters, and in hard tissues, notably bones and teeth, as solid calcium orthophosphates see Biomineralization). Hard tissues are composites of Apatite and an organic matrix collagen in bone, dentin, and dental cement, and keratin in dental enamel. The Apatite phases are defective with Ca/P ratios of 1.6-1.8 and can incorporate other cations (Na+, K+, Mg +) or anions (F , d , COs ", citrate). 

Bres EF, Steuer P, Voegel J-C, Frank RM, Cuisinier FJG (1993b) Observation of the loss of the hydroxyapatite six-fold symmetry in a human fetal tooth enamel crystal. J Micros 170 147-154 Brown WE (1966) Crystal growth of bone mineral. Clin Orthopaedics 44 205-220 Brown WE, Eidelman N, Tomazic B (1987) Octacalcium phosphate as a prectrrsor in biomineral formation. Adv Dent Res 1 306-313... 

The Biomineralization section begins with a summary of the current state of research on bone, dentin and enamel phosphates, a topic that crosses disciplines that include mineralogical, medical, and dental research. The following two chapters treat the stable isotope and trace element compositions of modern and fossil biogenic phosphates, with applications to paleontology, paleoclimatology, and paleoecology. 

A probable example of vectorial crystal aggregation can be found in the biomineralization of calcium phosphate. With the exception of enamel apatite, the vast majority of the microscopic (0.1 /um) crystals of vertebrate apatite are observed to be embedded in an extracellular, largely collagenous, matrix. These crystallites are arranged at a late... 

Amelogenins are tissue-specific proteins of developing dental enamel. Regarding the biomineralization of the teeth, amelogenins seem to have an important role as... 

An authoritative text on biominerals with an excellent review of the properties of enamel and dentin. An excellent supplement to this handbook. 

Tooth is another calcified phase in human and other vertebrates. Unlike bone, teeth consist of at least two different biominerals, the enamel (crown, the part above the gum line) and dentin (roots, the part below the gum line) [41],... 

Apply what you know about bone mineralization to tooth enamel. What are the intermolecular forces involved in the biomineralization of tooth enamel ... 

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