Physiological and Pathological Mineralization: Some problems and possible solutions

In the first part of this review similarities and differences between physiological and pathological biomineralization (bone and tooth formation, osteoarticular and tooth pathologies, urolithiasis) are discussed. Both processes may be seen as the deposition of ionic crystals from high ionic strength solutions upon / within a preformed organic matrix and the presence or deficiency of crystallization promoters or inhibitors plays a decisive role. However, while physiological mineralization is strictly biologically controlled, urolithiasis is more likely driven by physicochemical factors, such as urinary supersaturation and lack of inhibitors of crystallization and aggregation.