Running title: Bivalve shell-a functional and versatile biomaterialBivalve shells, available in abundance, have no eminent use and are commonly regarded as waste.Their improper disposal causes a significant level of environmental concern and also results in a waste of natural resources. Bivalve shell is formed by biomineralization and consists mainly of CaCO 3 with a small amount of organic matrix, giving it a potential for use as raw material.Recycling shell waste could potentially eliminate the disposal problem, and also turn an otherwise useless waste into high value-added products. The present review first describes the microstructure and physicochemical properties of bivalve shell, then focuses on its current Downloaded by [Florida International University] at 15:37 30 August 2014 ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT ACCEPTED MANUSCRIPT 2 applications. Finally, the current status of bivalve shell studies and directions for future research are considered.