ABSTRACT
This chapter highlights the relevance of nanoscale interfaces in bone populated by the so-called noncollagenous proteins as well as experimental approaches for their mechanical characterization. It introduces the main components of the bone and its hierarchical structure. The chapter outlines how to conduct mechanical characterization of protein networks using of atomic force microscopy. It discusses the preparation of the sample, the ex situ calibration of the atomic force microscope cantilever system, and the assembly of the fluid cell, prior to being able to perform the experiments. The chapter discusses two major types of bone tissue: the cortical and the trabecular bone. Bone is a highly complex hierarchical material and an important component of the mammalian skeletal system. Members of this family are the osteopontin, bone sialoprotein, the dentin matrix protein-1, the dentin sialoprotein, and matrix extracellular glycophosphoprotein.
