Microfibril Orientation Dominates the Microelastic Properties of Human Bone Tissue at the Lamellar Length Scale

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0058043
• Publication Date: 2013-03-05T22:34:34Z
• Authors: Mathilde Granke; Aurélien Gourrier; Fabienne Rupin; Kay Raum; Françoise Peyrin; Manfred Burghammer; Amena Saïed; Pascal Laugier
• Keywords: Microfibril; Elasticity; Bone tissue; X-ray microtomography

The elastic properties of bone tissue determine the biomechanical behavior at organ level. It is now widely accepted that nanoscale structure plays an important role to Hence, in addition mineral density, and organization nanoparticles collagen microfibrils appear as potential key factors governing elasticity. Many studies exist on microfibril nanocrystals strongly remodeled bone. However, there no direct experimental proof support theoretical calculations. Here, we provide such evidence through a novel approach combining several high resolution imaging techniques: scanning acoustic microscopy, quantitative small-Angle X-ray scattering synchrotron radiation computed microtomography. We find periodic modulations elasticity across osteonal are essentially determined by orientation lesser extent only particle size density. Based strong correlation between molecules, conclude main determinant observed undulations microelastic regions constant mineralization lamellar This multimodal could be applied much broader range fibrous biological materials for purpose biomimetic technologies.