Physico-chemical properties of crystal surfaces in matrix-mineral interactions during mammalian biomineralisation

Surfaces of developing enamel crystals were shown to comprise of alternating domains of positive and less positive (perhaps even negative) charge density which directly bind a number of matrix proteins via electrostatic interactions. Studies using synthetic mineral crystals demonstrated stereo-specific docking of charged residues with crystal lattice sites. Preferential binding of matrix proteins to specific crystal faces related to interfacial hydrophobicity/hydrophobicity, was shown to control crystal habit. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.