Biomineral Formation by Microorganisms

Biomineralization is a natural process by which living microorganisms produce minerals. This microbe-mediated process is ubiquitous and can be initiated by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and algae. Different factors create chemical conditions necessary for the formation of minerals and as such, various forms of minerals including carbonates, silicates, phosphates, etc. can be precipitated. Based on taxonomic distribution, carbonate and phosphate salts of calcium are the most commonly found biominerals. Apart from the key roles of biomineralization in nature, in recent years numerous studies have been performed to investigate the potential application of biomineralization in different engineering, biotechnological, biomedical, and environmental fields. Therefore, this Special Issue is dedicated to new insights into Mineral Formation by Microorganisms and its principles.

To consolidate and give new visions to the related research fields, Molecular Biotechnology invites researchers to contribute to the Special Issue “Mineral Formation by Microorganisms”, which is intended to serve as a unique multidisciplinary forum covering the principles of biomineralization by which living microorganisms facilitate the formation of minerals. This special issue welcomes both review and original research articles. Manuscripts concerning software and databases are also welcome for consideration in this issue. Topics include, but are not limited to:

• Molecular mechanisms of biomineralization

• Biological roles and potential applications of biominerals such as calcium carbonate, calcium phosphate, and silica

• Microbially induced calcium carbonate precipitation (MICP) and its multiple applications

• Challenges and future prospects of biomineralization

Both invited and unsolicited manuscripts will be considered for this special issue.