[Progress in silicatein from sponges].

Area of Science:

• Marine Biology
• Biomaterials Science
• Biochemistry

Context:

• Sponges (Porifera), particularly Demospongia, are ancient metazoans capable of biomineralization.
• They synthesize silica skeletons from dissolved orthosilicic acid under natural conditions.
• These biosilicic materials possess desirable mechanical, optical, and biocompatible properties.

Purpose:

• To review the discovery and multifaceted role of silicatein in sponge biomineralization.
• To highlight silicatein's function as both an enzymatic catalyst and an organic template.
• To summarize research applications of silicatein since 1999 in synthesizing silica-based and other inorganic materials.

Summary:

• Silicatein is a key protein in the biomineralization process of sponges, facilitating the formation of silica skeletons.
• It acts as a biocatalyst, accelerating silica formation, and as a structural template guiding silica deposition.
• Research has explored its use in biomimetic synthesis of advanced silica materials and other inorganic compounds.

Impact:

• Provides insights into the molecular mechanisms of biomineralization in ancient organisms.
• Demonstrates the potential of silicatein as a biomimetic tool for creating novel inorganic materials.
• Aims to stimulate further research in sponge-derived biomaterials and biocatalysis, particularly in China.