Investigation of hydroxyapatite and calcium oxalate crystallization as a model to biomineralization

Many current and evolving technologies require crystallization strategies that provide control over the structure, size and morphology of inorganic crystals. This demand exists because many areas of materials fabrication involve particles of modal size and shape. However, although knowledge of the thermodynamic and kinetic factors which might regulate nucleation and control the crystal growth process is extensive, the reproducible fabrication of economic crystalline materials to specific design remains an elusive goal. Much of our awareness of molecular influences on oriented crystallization has come from the study of biomineralization. In general, biominerals are formed by the precipitation of calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate and other minerals within polymeric tissue matrices. It is thought that the organic polymer matrix is the key to the microstructural control. An understanding of biological solid-state interactions would therefore be of immense value in many areas. In this study, hydroxyapatite (HAP) and calcium oxalate crystallization as a model for biomineralization and the effects of polymers for the crystallization have been investigated.