Biosilicates and biomimetic silicate synthesis

Biopolymers containing anionic and hydrogen-bonding functionalities have recently been found in biosilicates. An improved understanding of the role of silicon in human tissues and of silica in bioactive-glass bone implants has also been realized. Laboratory silica syntheses have increasingly featured biomineralization techniques, mild reaction conditions, biogenic and biomolecule-like organic dopants, and biosilicate starting materials.