The role of ions and mineral-organic interfacial bonding on the compressive properties of cortical bone.

Bone tissue is a composite material composed of an inorganic stiff mineral phase embedded in a compliant organic matrix. Similar to other composites, the mechanical properties of bone depend upon the properties, volume fraction, and orientation of its constituents as well as the bonding interactions. Interfacial bonding between the mineral and organic constituents are based, in part, on electrostatic interactions between negatively charged organic domains and positively charged mineral surface. Phosphate and fluoride ions can alter mineral-organic interfacial causing a permutation in the mechanical properties. Partial debonding between the mineral and organic constituents of bone may play an important role in the mechanical properties of aged and diseased bone. The present study examines the effects of phosphate and fluoride ion treatment on the compression properties of cortical bone and the reversibility of the effect.