Solid-state NMR studies of bone

Solid-state NMR studies on bone, bone mineral standards and collagen are reviewed. NMR spectroscopy was mostly applied to the bone mineral and confirmed that the structure resembles that of calcium carbonatoapatite of type B. Apatite in bone was found to be deficient in structural hydroxyl groups. Concentration and distribution of hydrogen-phosphate and carbonate ions, and of water in apatite crystals (interior vs surface and crystal defects vs structural positions) were closely investigated. The NMR characterization of the organic matrix still remains a challenge for future research.