The effects of different types of additives on growth of biomineral phases investigated by in situ atomic force microscopy

•Effects of Mg2+ and Asp6 on step growth on (−1 0 1) face of COM crystal were compared.•Differences in the effects of Mg2+ and Asp6 were explained based on a De Yoreo model.•Effects of BSA and PSPMA30-PDPA47 micelle on the calcite {1 0 4} growth were compared.•Factors in determining macromolecule incorporation into minerals were suggested.