Engineered In vitro Models for Pathological Calcification: Routes Toward Mechanistic Understanding

Physiological calcification plays an essential part in the development of skeleton and teeth; however, occurrence soft tissues such as brain, heart, kidneys associates with health impacts, creating a massive social economic burden. The current paradigm for pathological focuses on biological factors responsible bone-like mineralization, including osteoblast-like cells proteins inducing nucleation crystal growth. However, exact mechanism remains unknown. Toward this goal, review dissects understanding structure–function relationships physico-chemical properties pathologic from materials science point view. We will discuss range potential mechanisms calcification, purpose identifying universal mechanistic pathways that occur across multiple organs/tissues at length scales. possible effect extracellular components signaling templating well role intrinsically disordered is reviewed. state-of-the-art vitro models strategies can recreate highly dynamic environment are identified.