The mission of the Mineral Chemistry and Structure Lab is to study calcium phosphate salts of biomedical and dental interest. Special emphasis is given to (A) elucidating the physical, chemical, and ultrastructural properties of these salts, (B) clarifying the processes and interactions that enable these salts to carry out their unique roles in vivo, and (C) utilizing these salts in biomedical and dental materials applications.
Projects
- Study the effect of solution ions on the texture, i.e., size/shape, of apatite crystals. The goal is to establish the role of tissue fluid electrolytes such as fluoride, carbonate, magnesium, citrate, and polyanionic macromolecules in establishing the textural properties of apatite crystals deposited in skeletal tissues. E. D. Eanes, A. W. Hailer
- Study the temporal development of mineral in calcifying bone cell cultures by following changes in media calcium and phosphate concentrations. This is a collaborative project with staff of the Bone Marrow Culture Facility and the Molecular Biology of Bones and Teeth Lab, CSDB. E. D. Eanes, A. W. Hailer
- Study the application of amorphous calcium phosphate as an agent for remineralizing incipient carious lesions when incorporated as a component in appropriate resin-based dental composites, sealants, and adhesives. This project is being done in collaboration with scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. E. D. Eanes, A. W. Hailer
- Study the compositional and structural details of the inorganic phases in teeth, bones and related synthetic calcium phosphate salts with special emphasis on calcium hydroxyapatite and on normal, abnormal, carious, laser and chemically treated human tooth enamel. This study is a collaborative effort with scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD. B. O. Fowler
Staff
Edward
D. Eanes, Ph.D., Chief, MCSS
Bruce
O. Fowler, research chemist
Arthur
W. Hailer, chemist