Brushite crystals, SEM
Coloured scanning electron micrograph (SEM) of brushite crystals grown on protein coated borosilicate glass. The flowers are the crystals, while the stem is a protein aggregate. Brushite is a precursor to apatite, the main mineral content of human bones and teeth. There's a lot of interest in understanding how apatite formation occurs so that it can be replicated to treat decayed tooth enamel. The structures seen here form in the presence of proteins that can stabilize the brushite, which normally is not stable and dissolves easily.
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