An Application of Energy-dispersive X-Ray Microanalysis for the Study of Biological Calcification

Abstract

Biological calcification can be divided into two distinct phases; that is, the initial and the subsequent calcification. Initial calcification involves the matrix vesicle that provides the locus for the nucleation of apatite crystals in various calcified tissues; however, calcified tissue cells also play an important role in overall biological calcification processes for the regulation of minerals as well as the formation of both organic matrices and matrix vesicles. Biological calcification, of course, involves a series of steps in which soluble calcium and inorganic phosphate are transformed into a solid phase, apatite crystals. The ionic form and concentration of the electrolytes in the cells, extracellular matrix vesicles, and the surrounding extracellular fluid are important to this process (17). However, little is known about the precise location of minerals in the calcified tissues. The research report was designed to elucidate the precise location and to detect the elements of the cellular and extracellular mineral constituents by analytical electron microscopy (AEM) in order to clarify the morphophysiology of biological calcification in hard tissues, particularly the initial calcification by matrix vesicles.