Abstract: Apatites (general formula Ca5(PO4)3(OH,F,Cl)) are suitable materials for nuclear waste remediation and storage because they can incorporate actinides in their structure, are stable over long time periods and are resistant to self-radiation. Controlled biomineral growth by the bacteria Serratia sp. produces amorphous biogenic hydroxyapatite (Bio-HAP) with a larger specific surface area and a more reactive surface compared to synthetically produced hydroxyapatite. However the mechanism behind the bacterial synthesis is poorly understood. Our interest is to understand this mechanism to aid the development of highly efficient hydroxyapatite materials for nuclear waste remediation.