NMR is an excellent tool for determining molecular structure in chemical systems not amenable to conventional diffraction techniques, such as bone. Bone is a composite material consisting of an organic matrix (collagen) with inorganic crystals (calcium phosphate) deposited in it. We are using solid-state NMR to study the nature of the interface between these two components, this region being critical to understanding the structural properties of this important biological material.
Related Publications
Solid state NMR - An indispensable tool in organic-inorganic biocomposite characterization; refining the structure of octacalcium phosphate composites with the linear metabolic di-acids succinate and adipate.
(DOI: 10.1016/j.ssnmr.2018.08.004)
The contribution of solid-state NMR spectroscopy to understanding biomineralization: atomic and molecular structure of bone.
(DOI: 10.1016/j.jmr.2014.12.011)
Citrate bridges between mineral platelets in bone.
(DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1315080111)
Applications of NMR Crystallography to Problems in Biomineralization: Refinement of the Crystal Structure and 31P Solid-State NMR Spectral Assignment of Octacalcium Phosphate
(DOI: 10.1021/ja3017544)