Control and Design Principles in Biological Mineralization

Abstract

The control of crystal formation has been developed to a remarkable degree by many organisms. Oriented nucleation, control over crystal morphology, formation of unique composites of proteins and single crystals, and the production of ordered multicrystal arrays, are all well within the realm of biological capability. Understanding the control and design principles in biomineralization is a fascinating subject that may well contribute to the improved fabrication of synthetic materials on the one hand, and to the solution of many serious pathological problems involving mineralization, on the other.

Molecular chirality at surfaces

“…Other than the examples discussed in the previous section, this kind of chiral amplification works due to feedback through the solution. www.pss-b.com 7 Chiral crystal modification and surface reconstruction The striking feature in biomineralization is control of crystal shape and polymorphism [188]. In particular, macromolecules with large numbers of carboxylate groups have been identified as effective modifiers [189].…”

Effect of fetal bovine serum on mineralization in silk fibroin scaffolds

“…Biominerals are hybrid structures composed of both minerals and organic components [4]. Mineral deposition starts by the formation of prenucleation clusters at a templating surface initiated by local supersaturation of ions [5,6]. The formation of these ion clusters is highly dependent on the fluid surrounding the underlying structure of the inorganic matrix [4,6].…”

“…The formation of these ion clusters is highly dependent on the fluid surrounding the underlying structure of the inorganic matrix [4,6]. The proteins of the inorganic matrix interact with ions of the surrounding fluid and facilitate the formation of mineralized macromolecules [5].…”

“…The most abundant mineralized tissue in the human body is bone [5]. Bone is a composite material consisting of hydroxyapatite (HA) and collagen type I (Col I) fibrils [7].…”

Self-organization of hollow-cone carbonate crystals through molecular control with an acid organic polymer

“…Biological macromolecules control the crystal growth, leading to the formation of hierarchical structures and complex morphologies in biominerals. [1][2][3] We can learn synthetic processes, specifically, molecular-control approaches, from biomineralization. [4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14] In the present study, the hollow-cone morphologies based on carbonate mesocrystals were prepared through a molecular-control approach with an organic polymer.…”