A new method for the study of the formation and transformation of calcium phosphate precipitates: effects of several chemical agents and Chinese folk medicines.

A simple method of assaying the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate and its transformation to hydroxyapatite using a conventional pH meter and recorder is described. Its validity was confirmed by direct assay of calcium consumption with atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The method was used to study substances which influence the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate and its transformation to hydroxyapatite, such as albumin, casein, chondroitin sulphate, phospholipid, ATP, Mg2+, Sr2+, pyrophosphate and several Chinese folk medicines.