Whole Cells: The Natural Nanobioteehnologists Part III: Biomineralisation - How Cells Control the Formation of Minerals

摘要

Biomineralisations is the process by which organisms precipitate minerals. Crystals formed in this way are exploited by the organisms for a variety of purposes, including mechanical support and protection of soft tissue. Biomineralisation is widespread in nature; it plays a pivotal role in the formation of bones and tooth In vertebrates, shells, coral skeleton marine organ-i§ms, snails, and eggshells. Skeletal precipitation, via millions of years of evolution, has produced a wide variety of architectural configurations and material properties. These are exactly the properties, which now inspire researchers seeking new materials for a variety of biomedical applications. In particular, marine organisms from different classes and levels of organisation produce a myriad of skeletal configurations with various morphologies and crystalline structures. Most marine skeletal material comprises the crystalline forms of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) such as calcite and aragonite; however, various marine species have very distinct skeletal shapes. It is here where the intriguing question arises, as to the mechanisms by which biological cues control the vast diversity of mineral morphologies.