Nanoscale Calcification of the Dura Mater

This paper is devoted to dura mater calcification's morphology and elemental composition. Our study examined 30 specimens of the dura mater with signs of biomineralization (group M) and control (group C). The staining of the dura mater tissue with alizarin red confirmed the presence of calcium compounds (orange-red color) and inorganic iron (purple color) in all samples of group M. According to the results of von Cossa staining, all samples of group M contained calcium phosphate compounds. According to SEM technology, rounded inclusions represent calcifications in 11 samples (36.6%) from group M. Crystal-chemical, and the phase composition of biomineral deposits of the dura mater corresponds to calcium hydroxyapatite. On average, the size of DM calcifications ranges from 1 to 50 µm. The size of the smallest calcifications reaches the order of tens of nanometers, which may correspond to the size of nanoparticles.