Dissolution mechanisms of different types of bone mineral

Resumen

Bone is a composite material with a complex chemical composition and hierarchically structure that serves different functions such as structural support and supply of ions for homeostasis (Fratzl et al., 2004; Schmahl et al, 2016). It is mainly composed of an inorganic phase (nanocrystalline carbonated apatite) mineralizing an organic matrix (mainly type I collagen) and water. Bone is a living tissue that is under constant remodelation by bone cells (Bonucci, 2013). Given the heterogeneous composition and complex structure of bone, there is not a complete understanding of how bone mineral dissolution occurs which is needed to understand bone formation and resorption during the bone remodeling processes (Rey et al. 2009). It is also very important when studying alteration processes occurring in archeological bone during burying as well as during excavation and cleaning treatments (Schoeninger & Moore, 1992; Berna et al., 2004). To better understand this process, we have studied in detail how bone mineral chemistry and structure change during demineralization using different analytical techniques such as 2D X-ray diffraction and infrared spectroscopy, optical and electron microscopy.