Many biomineralization systems start from transient amorphous precursor phases, but the exact crystallization pathways and mechanisms remain largely unknown. The study of a well-defined biomimetic crystallization system is key for elucidating the possible mechanisms of biomineralization and monitoring the detailed crystallization pathways. In this review, we focus on amorphous phase mediated crystallization (APMC) pathways and their crystallization mechanisms in bio- and biomimetic-mineralization systems. The fundamental questions of biomineralization as well as the advantages and limitations of biomimetic model systems are discussed. This review could provide a full landscape of APMC systems for biomineralization and inspire new experiments aimed at some unresolved issues for understanding biomineralization.

In the ACP-mediated HAP nucleation pathway, the nucleation rate of HAP increases when ACP is in the separated state.

The regulation effect of Mg²⁺ on HAP crystallization is closely related to the adding time of Mg²⁺. The introduction of Mg²⁺ in the ACP unstable stage is unable to inhibit HAP crystallization.

A facile and sensitive method with a tunable dynamic range has been proposed for the detection of Cu²⁺ based on the self-cleavage of Cu²⁺-specific DNAzyme and the Cu²⁺-based inhibition of HRP activity, and this method was applied to evaluate the copper species in healthy people and WD patients.