Biomorphic mineralization: From biology to materials

Since material properties are structure-dependent, new and interesting properties are expected from unusual or complex structures. Biomorphic mineralization is a technique that produces materials with morphologies and structures resembling those of nature living things, through employing bio-structures as templates for mineralization. The products, biomorphic materials, combine natural geometry with synthetic material chemistry. Fundamental information along with recent advances in biomorphic mineralization and biomorphic materials are provided in this review through discussions on the following aspects: biomorphic materials produced through synthesis or assembly using a range of templates including biomolecules, microorganisms, plants and animals; processing methods and mechanisms of biomorphic mineralization; properties and emerging applications of biomorphic materials in multiple areas including electronics, magnetics, photonics, biotech, sensing, and filtration. The potential of various natural structures for biomimicking to produce advanced materials will be also discussed. We conclude by making a prospect on biomorphic mineralization and biomorphic material, which is the product of close conversations between human and nature and the product of close co-operation between scientists from diverse fields.