Biomineralization of calcium phosphates in nature

The biomineralization processes of calcium phosphates (CaPs) in nature (animals, vegetation in the land and sea, fossilization during geological periods) are reviewed. As a result of the biomineralization processes in nature, several biominerals (about 60; inorganic solids generated by a huge variety of organisms resulting stiffen and harden mineralized tissues) are formed, including CaPs. CaP biomineralization is driven with aid of several biomolecules, present in microbes, mammals, and vegetation. Proteins, such as soluble noncollagenous proteins and insoluble collagen, possess enhanced biomineralization activity within the organic matrix, being involved in teeth and bone formation. The biomineralization is frequently the first stage of fossilization (preservation of life traces in the geological record). A description of apatites and CaPs formed as a result of biomineralization, its types, steps, models, mechanisms, and controlling factors are described. Proteins and phosphates involved in biomineralization, role of species of distinct nature and pH, biomineralized composites, influence of presenting carbonates, organic and biological molecules and species are discussed. Several applications of biomineralized CaPs are presented. [Display omitted] •About 60 biominerals are generated in nature by a huge variety of organisms.•CaP biomineralization in nature is driven with aid of several biomolecules, present in microbes, mammals, and vegetation.•CaP biomineralization types, steps, models, mechanisms, and controlling factors are described.•Proteins possess enhanced biomineralization activity resulting teeth and bone formation.•Influence of presenting (in)organic and biological molecules on the biomineralization is discussed.