Proteins from bone extracellular matrix are known to mediate the organization of apatite crystals in bone. Now, electron microscopy, X-ray scattering and nuclear magnetic resonance measurements of the structure and organization of apatite nanoparticles and intact bone samples show that water also plays a significant role in orienting the apatite crystals, and that such structuring is mediated by a disordered mineral layer that coats the crystalline core of bone apatite.
- Yan Wang
- Stanislas Von Euw
- Nadine Nassif