Scanning Electron Microscopic Analysis of the Mineralization of Type I Collagen via a Polymer-Induced Liquid-Precursor (PILP) Process

We have put forth the hypothesis that collagen is mineralized during bone formation by means of a polymer-induced liquid-precursor (PILP) process, in which a liquid-phase mineral precursor could be drawn into the gaps and grooves of the collagen fibrils by capillary action, and upon solidification, leave the collagenous matrix embedded with nanoscopic crystallites of hydroxyapatite. This hypothesis is based upon our observations of capillarity...