Very first tests on SOLEIL regarding the Zn environment in pathological calcifications made of apatite determined by X-ray absorption spectroscopy.

This very first report of an X-ray absorption spectroscopy experiment at Synchrotron SOLEIL is part of a long-term study dedicated to pathological calcifications. Such biological entities composed of various inorganic and/or organic compounds also contain trace elements. In the case of urinary calculi, different papers already published have pointed out that these oligo-elements may promote or inhibit crystal nucleation as well as growth of mineral. Use of this analytical tool specific to synchrotron radiation, allowing the determination of the local environment of oligo-elements and thus their occupation site, contributes to the understanding of the role of trace elements in pathological calcifications.