Glucocorticoid Modulated Crystallization of Apatite Nanocrystals

摘要

In this paper, we aim to investigate the crystallization and assembly of apatite nanocrystals modulated by dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DSP, a common used glucocorticoid). The morphology, size, phase and structure of the obtained apatite crystals were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, transition electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Our results indicate that the added amount of DSP can control the apatite crystals phase from hydroxyapatite (HA) to dicalcium phosphate dehydrate (DCPD), and morophology from needle-like crystals assembled spheres to flake-like crystals assembled spheres. Controlled mineralization of apatite crystals by DSP may propose useful clues to better understand the pathway of osteoporosis from a nanoscale crystallization viewpoint.