Biological Calcification : Investigation by X-ray Absorption Spectroscopy

Model compounds which resemble the calcium phosphates deposited in biological systems have been synthesised, characterised by a variety of physical techniques and their EXAFS spectra recolded abo~c, the calcium K edge. The spectrum of one of the compounds, hydroxyapatite, has been ;in:~iysecl and the results used to aid the analysis of spectra from related compounds. Spectra recorded above the phosphorus K edge provide complementary information on the structures of biologics! calcium phosphates.