Being in the intermediate state between bulk material and single particle, nanocrystals possess extraordinary properties combining the best of both. Synthesis of such advanced materials is currently of big demand. Two basic approaches are applied for the fabrication of nanoscaled materials, including chemical synthesis and bio-inspired engineering. The strategy of bio-inspired synthesis is a promising alternative to harsh methods since it does not require extreme synthesis conditions, is environmentally friendly, and allows the combination of materials of various origins, designing nanocomposites with new properties. Based on the idea of natural inspiration, proteins involved in the process of biomineralization, performed in living organisms, have been investigated. The remarkable catalytic properties of these proteins determine their use as a platform for the bioinspired synthesis of nanocrystalline materials. Here, we review the fundamentals of biomineralization, experimental strategies, and recent engineering developments focusing on the synthesis of semiconductor, magnetic, and metal(loid) oxide nanocrystals within a biomimetic approach.
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