The extremely high levels of citrate in bone highlight its important role, which must be involved in some essential functional or structural role that is required for the development and maintenance of normal bone. However, biomineralization researches have emphasized the interaction between the citrate and inorganic minerals during crystallization in cell-free systems. It is difficult to obtain a thorough and comprehensive understanding from cell-free experimental conditions and treatment methods. In this study, by proposing an osteoblast mineralization experimental model, we explored the regulation of citrate on bone apatite crystal structure. Our studies show that citrate stabilizes two precursors and then inhibits their transformation into hydroxyapatite. Concomitantly, the smaller size and lower crystallinity mineral deposition emerge during citrate-mediated osteogenic mineralization. These findings may provide a new perspective for the mechanism of osteogenic mineralization and a basis for further understanding of bone metabolism.

骨骼中极高水平的柠檬酸盐突显了其重要作用，它必须参与正常骨骼发育和维持所需的某些基本功能或结构作用。然而，生物矿化研究强调了在无细胞系统中结晶过程中柠檬酸盐和无机矿物质之间的相互作用。很难从无细胞实验条件和处理方法中获得透彻和全面的了解。本研究通过提出成骨细胞矿化实验模型，探讨柠檬酸盐对骨磷灰石晶体结构的调控作用。我们的研究表明，柠檬酸盐可以稳定两种前体，然后抑制它们向羟基磷灰石的转化。同时，在柠檬酸盐介导的成骨矿化过程中出现较小尺寸和较低结晶度的矿物沉积。这些发现可能为成骨矿化机制提供新的视角，为进一步了解骨代谢奠定基础。