TRIVALENT METAL-IONS IN THE PREVENTION OF CALCIFICATION IN GLUTARALDEHYDE TREATED BIOLOGICAL TISSUES - IS THERE A CHEMICAL CORRELATION

The influence of chemical factors on trivalent metal ions in the preve ntion of calcification of glutaraldehyde treated biological tissue has been explored. The results indicate that the chemical link lies in th e hard character of the trivalent metal ions. Metal ions with the hard est character appear to have the best chance of reacting with oxygen a toms of the phosphate groups at nucleation sites of hydroxyapatite. Th is disrupts the nucleation and thus prevents calcification in glutaral dehyde treated biological tissue.