Control of surface mineralization using collagen fibrils.

Surface structure in the form of roughness and organized patterning can affect osteoblastic adhesion and proliferation. This study investigates the effect of reconstituted collagen fibrils on the deposition pattern of a homogeneous inorganic mineral (sodium chloride). The patterns were monitored from nanometer to millimeter scales using atomic force and light microscopies. Initially, mineral deposits formed blocks following the contour of the collagen fibrils. At later times, dendritic structures formed. This demonstrates that collagen fibrils can affect the surface deposition pattern of saline minerals. It is also shown that collagen fibril diameter and the stoichiometry of the inorganic and organic phases effect the surface distribution of minerals. Copyright 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.