Biosilicification across Biological Hierarchies.

Abstract

Silicon exists in diverse chemical forms and, despite its low abundance in mammals, plays essential roles in skeletal and connective-tissue biology. Many marine organisms, particularly diatoms, have evolved sophisticated pathways for the controlled uptake, transport, and polymerization of silicic acid to generate mechanically robust, intricately patterned silica architectures. These natural systems challenge classical views of silicon as biologically inert and provide molecular blueprints for engineering silicon-biological interfaces. Advances in synthetic biology, mutagenesis, and materials science now enable rapid and programmable modulation of silicification beyond evolutionary time scales. This Perspective highlights recent progress across molecular, cellular, and tissue levels, outlining strategies, challenges, and opportunities for biosilicification as a platform to enhance biomaterial performance, preserve living systems, and integrate synthetic and biological matter.