Output details

Effect of Ca2+ ions on the adhesion and mechanical properties of adsorbed layers of human Osteopontin

Significance of output:

Bone is a natural hierarchical nanocomposite material, predominantly failing through delamination of interfaces densely populated with so-called ‘noncollagenous” proteins. To improve the understanding of interface properties this paper reports on the nanomechanical properties of the bone matrix protein osteopontin. Importantly, osteopontin films exhibited very large cohesive strengths a molecular self-healing ability and were able to store energy when compressed. These mechanisms could be very important for fracture and fatigue resistance of living bone. Understanding bone material properties is crucial for developing better diagnostic tools and treatments for osteoporosis costing the NHS over £1 billion per year.