Biomineralization articles from across Nature Portfolio

Biominerals contain trace elements that can give important environmental information, but the mechanism by which these are incorporated into the structure is not well understood. Here, the authors explore the crystallization pathways involved in the formation of nacre, and how these affect the incorporation of trace elements.

Modifiers of diverse materials exhibit structures or compositions that differ from a solute molecule but often contain similar functional motifs that facilitate molecular recognition for modifier binding to crystal surfaces. Here the authors examine the intrinsic capability of tautomers, or structural isomers, to operate as crystal growth inhibitors.’

X-rays are used for imaging and sterilisation of bone but cause damage due to ionising radiation. Here, the authors study the degradation of collagen caused by photon-electron excitations and show that damage is initiated from onset which has implications for X-ray imaging and the levels of safe exposure.