Journal article
Fibril formation pH controls intrafibrillar collagen biomineralization invitro and invivo
B Marelli, CE Ghezzi, YL Zhang, I Rouiller, JE Barralet, SN Nazhat
Biomaterials | ELSEVIER SCI LTD | Published : 2015
Abstract
We demonstrate that intrafibrillar, homogenous collagen biomineralization can be achieved by controlling self-assembly under mildly alkaline conditions. Using dense collagen (DC) gels as an osteoid model, we modulated their fibrillogenesis environment to evaluate the effects of fibrillogenesis pH on the protein charge distribution and ultimately on biomineralization. Cationic and anionic dye staining and electron cryomicroscopy analyses established that fibrillogenesis under mildly alkaline conditions promotes the formation of electronegative charges within the protein (anionic DC gels). These charges are stable upon titration of the gel pH to physiological values. Subsequent exposure of ani..
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Funding Acknowledgements
The support of the Canadian Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council, Quebec Ministere de l'Enseignement superieur, de la Recherche, de la Science et de la Technologie, Canadian Institutes of Health Research and Canadian Foundation for Innovation are gratefully acknowledged. Funding for Benedetto Marelli is also supported by the Werner Graupe Fellowship and McGill Engineering Doctoral Award. Funding for Chiara E. Ghezzi is also supported by Showan Nazhat's McGill Engineering Gerald Hatch Faculty Fellowship. Jake Barralet acknowledges the provision of a Canada Research Chair.