Biomineralization

Teeth, bones, kidney stones, and skeletons of algae, mussels, and grasses: all examples of biomineralization. Whole mountains owe their existence to the ability of organisms to mineralize in their cells inorganic compounds from solutions. Those minerals made by organisms are used for various purposes. Some of these minerals are magnetic and therefore of interest to nanotechnology.Thus there is a rapidly growing number of research groups and journals worldwide dealing with biomineralization. This book provides a much-needed up-to-date account of the important developments in biomineralization, focusing on investigations of unicellular organisms. An international and interdisciplinary team of authors, under the direction of a leading expert in the field, presents research results from first-hand experience as well as general information and a full list of references. Specific applications, such as the use of biominerals as contrast agents in cancer therapy, the templated crystallization of colloids, and in nanotechnology are highlights of this book.