The extracellular matrix (ECM) is composed of mixed protein fibers whose precise
composition affects biomineralization. New methods are needed to probe the interactions of
these proteins with calcium phosphate mineral and with each other. Here we follow calcium
phosphate mineralization on protein fibers self-assembled in vitro from solutions of
fibronectin, elastin and their mixture. We probe the surface morphology and mechanical
properties of the protein fibers during the early stages. The development of mineral crystals …