Amyloid-induced mineralization: From biological systems to biomimetic materials.

Abstract

Amyloid deposits are widely presented in ectopic calcification associated with many degenerative diseases, such as calcific aortic valve disease and Alzheimer's disease. Recently, amyloid-like secondary structures have also been observed in matrix proteins during physiological mineralization processes. With advancing observational apparatus, the mineral-templating role of amyloid has been increasingly investigated; nevertheless, it is still challenging to elucidate the explicit contribution of amyloid-like proteins in both pathological and physiological calcification. In this review, we discuss the potential roles of amyloid-forming proteins in both pathological and physiological mineralization, the nature of the interactions between the amyloid-like structure and the mineral ions, as well as the mechanisms underlying hierarchical mineralization templated by amyloid proteins. Taking inspiration from nature's book, we summarize the cutting-edge developments in amyloid-based materials for hard tissue repair. Spanning from mechanisms to applications, this review provides valuable insights for further interdisciplinary research.