Review of the mechanism of biomimetic intrafibrillar mineralization

Bone is a hierarchically structured and highly mineralized hard tissue composed of an organic phase (type I collagen and noncollagenous proteins) and an inorganic phase (nanohydroxyapatite). Intrafibrillar mineralized collagen is the basic structural unit of bone tissue and is of high significance due to its superior mechanical and biological properties. Thus, to truly understand the unique properties of bone, it is necessary to review the most basic structural level of bone. In this article, we review the recent advances in understanding the development of intrafibrillar mineralization and the prevailing theories in the formation of such intrafibrillar minerals. Understanding the mechanisms of intrafibrillar mineralization may facilitate the development of engineered bone for clinical applications and provide deeper insight into the nature of biomineralization.