THE INFLUENCE OF CASEIN ON THE PRECIPITATION OF BRUSHITE AND OCTACALCIUM PHOSPHATE

The influence of the isolated αs1-, β- and κ-casein on the precipitation of brushite (DCPD) and octacalcium phosphate (OCP) at relatively low pH of 6.1 and 6.15 was studied under constant pH conditions. All caseins show a strong retarding effect on the kinetics of crystal formation. The individual αs1- and β-caseins induce extensive formation of DCPD at the cost of OCP, whereas in the presence of κ-casein the amount of this precursor phase is declining. Combined effects of selective adsorption onto DCPD surfaces specifically and induced aggregation of DCPD crystals in the presence of αs1-and β-casein, but not in the presence of κ-casein are considered as a possible explanation.