The role of collagen in bone apatite mineralization has so far remained unclear. Now, on combining cryogenic electron microscopy and in vitro systems, it is shown that collagen works alongside inhibitors of hydroxyapatite nucleation to control infiltration of amorphous calcium phosphate into collagen fibrils and convert the amorphous phase into apatite crystals.
- Fabio Nudelman
- Koen Pieterse
- Nico A. J. M. Sommerdijk
