Silicon [Si, 14]

Demand for Silicon (Si) comes primarily from the aluminum and chemical industries. It is used in several different sectors of manufactures of steel and aluminum alloys, glass and ceramic productions, and various refractory materials. Due to semiconductor properties, Si is broadly used in various electronic devices. It is also applied in productions of cement, papers, textiles, cosmetics, and pharmaceutics. Si contents vary greatly among plant species: the mean amounts in grasses range between 0.3% and 1.2%, whereas in leguminous, they range between 0.05% and 0.2%. Si breast implants may cause autoimmune disorders and even cancer. Its supplementation in humans and animals increases bone mineral density, and improves bone strength. The role of Si in human biology is poorly understood, although its beneficial influences are observed in some diseases, such as osteoporosis, atherosclerosis, progress of diabetes, propagation of neoplastic process, and occurrence of heart diseases.