INHIBITION OF CALCIUM HYDROXYAPATITE CRYSTAL GROWTH BY POLYPHOSPHONATES AND POLYPHOSPHATES

The formation of crystalline calcium hydroxyapatite from solutions of calcium and phosphate ions and the inhibition of calcium hydroxyapatite crystal growth by polyphosphonates and polyphosphates have been studied. The polyphosphonates, disodium ethane-1-hydroxy-1,1-diphosphonate and disodium dichloromethane diphosphonate, are effective inhibitors of calcium hydroxyapatite crystal growth. The polyphosphates are also effective inhibitors of calcium hydroxyapatite crystal growth as long as the required level of intact polyphosphate is present in the system. However, because of their hydrolytic instability, which is enhanced by high temperature, low pH, and certain enzymes, the concentration of the polyphosphate decreases with time in vitro, and its activity as an inhibitor is lost. In contrast to the polyphosphates, the polyphosphonates are hydrolytically stable. The polyphosphonates are chemisorbed on the surface of the microcrystallites of calcium hydroxyapatite and, in the manner of other known crystal growth poisons, thus prevent further crystal growth. The stability of the polyphosphonates and their chemisorption on apatite suggest their use in medical and dental applications involving pathological calcium and phosphate metabolism. © 1969 Springer-Verlag.