Amyloid-induced mineralization: From biological systems to biomimetic materials

Amyloid deposits are widely presented in ectopic calcification associated with many degenerative diseases, such as calcific aortic valve disease and Alzheimer's disease. Recently, amyloid-like secondary structures have also been observed in matrix proteins during physiological mineralization processes. With advancing observational apparatus, the mineral-templating role of amyloid has been increasingly investigated; nevertheless, it is still challenging to elucidate the explicit contribution of amyloid-like proteins in both pathological and physiological calcification. In this review, we discuss the potential roles of amyloid-forming proteins in both pathological and physiological mineralization, the nature of the interactions between the amyloid-like structure and the mineral ions, as well as the mechanisms underlying hierarchical mineralization templated by amyloid proteins. Taking inspiration from nature's book, we summarize the cutting-edge developments in amyloid-based materials for hard tissue repair. Spanning from mechanisms to applications, this review provides valuable insights for further interdisciplinary research.