Study of the maturation of the organic (type I collagen) and mineral (nonstoichiometric apatite) constituents of a calcified tissue (dentin) as a function of location: a Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopic investigation.

Fourier transform infrared microspectroscopy (FTIRM) was used to investigate the organic and mineral phases of a calcified tissue (dentin) as a function of its location from predentin toward enamel. Thin dentin slices (decalcified or not) were fixed in formaldehyde and embedded in glycolmethylmethacrylate (GMA). Fixation did not denature collagen, and GMA did not interact with organic or mineral constituents of dentin. The v1v3 PO4 domain was studied in particular in order to estimate mineral maturity and amide I, II, A, and B to obtain data on protein conformation. The results showed that dentin apatite became increasingly mature (stoichiometric) from the mineralization front toward the enamel, especially through loss of HPO4(2-) groups and vacancies. Moreover, collagen fibrils became less and less hydrated, suggesting that intrafibrillar mineralization partially dehydrated the collagen. Combined study of the organic and mineral fractions of calcified tissues may help clarify their relationships in physiological and pathological tissues.