Biomineralization

Biomineralization is the process by which living organisms, such as plants and animals, generate minerals on or within their bodies. These minerals are important for the formation of hard structures, such as shells, bones, and teeth and are also essential for the storage of energy and other biochemical processes. Biomineralization is a complex process requiring the coordination of several biological molecules including proteins, enzymes and other bioactive molecules. Through various strategies, biomineralization can be used to produce industrially relevant compounds, such as nanostructured materials, ceramics, and composites with applications in industries including medicine, biotechnology, and the electronics industry. By understanding the biological process of biomineralization, scientists can modify and control it to produce new materials and products with enhanced properties and better sustainability.