Biomineralization

Biomineralization is the process whereby mineral ions and organic molecules interact to form mineralized structures in living organisms. It is an essential process in all organisms, providing the necessary components for building bones, teeth, shells and other hard structures. Biomineralization also plays an important role in controlling metal and metal oxide levels in the environment, as well as aiding in the detoxification of heavy metals from polluted waters. This process has wide ranging applications in many fields such as biomineralization for medical purposes, for use in industrial and environmental protection, and for the development of new materials. It has potential to produce materials with a range of properties that can be tailored to the specific needs of a given application.