Research Progress on Mechanism and Application of Biomimetic Mineralization

Abstract

Biological minerals represented by calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate are elsewhere in nature. Through different biomineralization processes, they present a wide variety of structures, morphologies, and functions, constituting various tissues and organs. In the field of artificial material synthesis, biomineralized inorganic or inorganic/organic hybrid materials with special structures and biological functions could be obtained by regulating the nucleation and growth of mineral crystal, such as calcium carbonate and calcium phosphate. This article focuses on recent research progresses on the mechanisms and applications of biomimetic mineralization, including crystallization theories (e.g., classical and non-classical nucleation theories), crystallization controlling processes (e.g., using inorganic ions, organic small molecules, biological macromolecules, organic polymers), biological applications (e.g., bone tissue engineering, dental enamel restoration, biomimetic enhancement materials, etc.). At last, we provide a brief outlook on the future research direction of biomimetic mineralization. This article serves as a reference for the preparation and application of advanced bionic materials.