The structure of bone studied with synchrotron X-ray diffraction, X-ray absorption spectroscopy and thermal analysis

Bone samples of different origins and two bone substituent materials were studied with modern solid-state chemical methods: combined thermogravimetry–differential thermal analysis–mass spectrometry (TG-DTA-MS), X-ray powder diffraction (synchrotron), X-ray absorption spectroscopy (EXAFS, Ca K-edge, synchrotron), and infrared spectroscopy. The results complement those from medical histology. The mineral phase consists of disordered apatite with no indication for another calcium phosphate phase. Size and morphology of the bone mineral particles are independent of the nature of the bone sample, but there are significant differences in the overall composition of the bone samples and in the carbonate content of the mineral phase. It is concluded that the biological resorption of living bone (remodeling) is closely related to morphology and composition of its mineral phase.