Biogenic Synthesis of Inorganic Materials

Abstract

Biology offers inspiration, solutions, and opportunities for the synthesis of inorganic materials. Overall, this includes accessibility to a vast array of diverse biomolecular templates (e.g., amino acids, peptides, and proteins), higher order biological structures with unparalleled functionality, highly specialised and complex processes (i.e., sensing and self-assembly), and an unlimited source of plants, enzymes, and microorganisms that exhibit unique biological activity. In this chapter, we describe the extensive effort aimed at mimicking the level of molecular and genetic control of biological systems for the synthesis and assembly of inorganic materials, with the goal of creating advanced materials with new properties and structures and/or replacing harsh industrial processes (e.g., production of Portland cement).