Life Sciences Nanotheater

Human Dentin

Human dentin, under tooth enamel, consisting of 1) the intertubular matrix that is made of hydroxyappetite and collagen fibers and 2) the peritubular regions which look like tubes. The stiffness of the tubes are much higher than the matrix as you see from the stiffness image (force modulation, right image; topography, left image). The hydroxyappetite density is higher and no collagen exists in the peritubular regions. 9µm scan courtesy of Dr. Mehdi Balooch, Chemistry and Materials Sciences Division, Lawrence Livermore National Labs.