INDUCED CRYSTAL-GROWTH OF CALCIUM-OXALATE MONOHYDRATE AT HYDROXYAPATITE SURFACES - THE INFLUENCE OF HUMAN SERUM-ALBUMIN, CITRATE, AND MAGNESIUM

The growth of calcium oxalate monohydrate (COM) crystals on hydroxyapatite (HAP) surfaces has been investigated by using the constant composition method. The effect of human serum albumin (HSA), citrate, and magnesium ions on the COM overgrowth was studied. HSA promoted the growth of COM crystals on HAP surfaces while citrate and magnesium acted as inhibitors. Although COM crystals grown on HAP displayed the same morphology as those grown in the absence of additives, the addition of citrate ions resulted in a change in the morphology of the overgrown COM.