Biomineralization at fluid interfaces

Abstract

Biomineralization is of paramount importance for life on Earth. The delicate balance of physicochemical interac-tions at the interface between organic and inorganic matter during all stages of biomineralization resembles anextremelyhighcomplexity.The coordination ofthis sophisticatedbiologicalmachineryand physicochemical sce-narios is certainly a wonderful show of nature. Understanding of the biomineralization processes is still far fromcomplete. The recent advances in biomineralization research from the Colloid and Interface Science perspectiveare reviewed herein. The synergy between this twofields of research is demonstrated. The unique opportunitiesoffered by purposefully designedfluid interfaces, mainly Langmuir monolayers are presented. Biomedical appli-cations of biomineral-based nanostructures are discussed, showing their improved biocompatibility and on-demand delivery features. A brief guide to the array of state-of-the-art experimental techniques for unravelingthe mechanisms of biomineralization usingfluid interfaces is included. In summary, the fruitful and excitingcrossroad between Colloid and Interface Science with Biomineralization is exhibited.