Figure 11. With the spectral and spatial domain analysis, the
stimulated Raman scattering (SRS) microscopy extracts both the chemical
and morphological features of the
microcalcifications.[255] Copyright 2021, The
Authors.
Conclusion
In summary, we have reviewed the biomineralization process and relevant
physicochemical properties, nano-structure, and spatial distribution.
The research progress and possible mechanism of enamel and bone
mineralization, atherosclerosis, urinary calculi, and tumor
microcalcification have been exploited and illustrated from the
perspective of Raman spectroscopy. The physiological and pathological
mineralization could be further explored for the promising diagnosis of
biomineralization-related diseases. The bio-responsive and
pathological-microenvironmental stimulated biomineralization could
readily produce in situ fluorescent and magnetic nanocrystals,
which can be further utilized for multimodal tumor imaging and targeted
therapy.
Raman spectroscopy has unique advantages in studying biomineralization
and can facilitate the revealing of the specific physicochemical
properties for relevant biomineralization processes. Further studies
could be explored in the future for combining Raman spectroscopy and
engineered bio-responsive biomineralization to advance its biomedical
applications for the theranostics of clinical diseases. This may provide
new strategies for the early diagnosis and treatment of
biomineralization-related diseases like some heart diseases and cancers.