Objectives: A method to simulate the biological and pathological crystallization of calcium phosphate in vitro is presented.
Background: The pathological crystallization of calcium phosphates during atherosclerosis is still poorly understood as it depends on a variety of external factors, e.g., the presence of biological molecules that act as crystallization promoters or inhibitors.
Methods: A computer-controlled double-diffusion device is presented that permits crystallization under constant external conditions (constant pH, constant concentrations of Ca2+ and PO4(3-)).
Results: The crystallization of hydroxyapatite occurs in a well-defined way. The presence of additives (cholesterol, magnesium) distinctively alters the morphology of the crystals.
Conclusions: The simulation of pathological crystallization as in atherosclerosis is possible if the external conditions are kept strictly constant during the experiment. In order to obtain a meaningful insight into biological crystallization, this approach is essential as otherwise the external conditions change continuously during the experiment. The effect of additives can be conveniently studied.