Functional Biomimetic Materials and Devices for Biomedical Applications: 4th Edition

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetic Design, Constructions and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 10197

Special Issue Editor

Key Laboratory of Mechanism Theory and Equipment Design of Ministry of Education, School of Mechanical Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300354, China
Interests: biofabrication; biomaterials; antibacterial materials
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to announce a new Special Issue collection of the journal Biomimetics, entitled “Functional Biomimetic Materials and Devices for Biomedical Applications”, for which we are collecting research articles, review articles, and short communications.

Recently, functional biomimetic materials and devices have attracted a lot of interest because they possess remarkable properties, such as a super-hydrophobic or super-hydrophilic ability, anti-fouling ability, anti-bacterial adhesion ability, bactericidal ability, and good cell affinity. Thus, researchers have started to explore the potential applications of these promising functional biomimetic materials and devices in biomedical fields, including orthopedics, dentistry, antibacterial biomaterials, anticancer biomaterials, and so on.

This Special Issue aims to showcase contributions from researchers and thinkers in all realms of functional biomimetic materials and devices and welcomes theoretical, experimental, and review contributions from biomimeticians, physicists, biologists, material scientists, mathematicians, doctors, and engineers alike who are engaged and interested in this fast-growing field. All papers will be published in an open-access format following a peer review.

Dr. Xiang Ge
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomimetics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • biomimetic surface modification
  • dental and orthopedic implants
  • micro/nano-structured surfaces
  • biofabrication
  • biomanufacturing
  • biomedical
  • biomaterials
  • metals
  • ceramics
  • polymers
  • composites
  • hydrogels
  • anti-bacterial
  • anti-infection
  • anti-inflammation
  • anticancer
  • antitumor
  • biomineralization
  • additive manufacturing
  • 3D printing
  • biomimetic devices
  • wearable devices

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Published Papers (7 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 2297 KiB  
Article
A Biomimetic Approach to Diode Laser Use in Endodontic Treatment of Immature Teeth: Thermal, Structural, and Biological Analysis
by Dijana D. Mitic, Maja S. Milosevic Markovic, Igor D. Jovanovic, Dragan D. Mancic, Kaan Orhan, Vukoman R. Jokanovic and Dejan Lj. Markovic
Biomimetics 2025, 10(4), 216; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10040216 - 2 Apr 2025
Viewed by 376
Abstract
The root walls of immature permanent teeth are often weak, thin, and short, making regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) necessary. The goal of RET is to create a favorable environment for further root development. A biomimetic approach is essential for thorough disinfection, followed by [...] Read more.
The root walls of immature permanent teeth are often weak, thin, and short, making regenerative endodontic treatment (RET) necessary. The goal of RET is to create a favorable environment for further root development. A biomimetic approach is essential for thorough disinfection, followed by the preservation and potential stimulation of stem cells from surrounding tissue to enable root regeneration and continued development. The objective of this study was to assess temperature changes on the external root surface, structural alterations in the internal root walls following irradiation with a 940 nm diode laser, and the biocompatibility of stem cells from the apical papilla (SCAPs). Irradiation was performed with varying output powers (0.5 W, 1 W, 1.5 W, and 2 W) in continuous mode for 5 s over four consecutive cycles. Thermographic measurements during irradiation, the micro-CT analysis of root samples, and mitochondrial activity of SCAPs were evaluated. The heating effect correlated directly with a higher output power and thinner root walls. A 1 W output power was found to be safe for immature teeth, particularly in the apical third of the root, while 1.5 W could be safely used for mature mandibular incisors. Diode laser irradiation at 1 W and 1.5 W significantly stimulated SCAPs’ mitochondrial activity within 24 h post-irradiation, indicating a potential photobiostimulatory effect. However, no significant changes were observed at lower (0.5 W) and higher (2 W) output powers. The area of open tubular space inside the root canal was significantly reduced after irradiation, regardless of the applied power. Additionally, irradiation contributed to the demineralization of the dentin on the inner root walls. Future studies should explore the impact of irrigants used between irradiation cycles, the potential benefits of conical laser tips for more even energy distribution, and a thorough analysis of how disinfection protocols affect both the dentin structure and stem cell viability. Full article
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20 pages, 10627 KiB  
Article
Bone Fillers with Balance Between Biocompatibility and Antimicrobial Properties
by Bogdan Valeriu Sorca, Durmuş Alpaslan Kaya, Madalina Georgiana Albu Kaya, Marius Enachescu, Daniela-Madalina Ghetu, Laura-Bianca Enache, Iulian Boerasu, Alina Elena Coman, Laura Cristina Rusu, Rodica Constantinescu and Irina Titorencu
Biomimetics 2025, 10(2), 100; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10020100 - 10 Feb 2025
Viewed by 1037
Abstract
Millions of people request bone regeneration every year, and the market for bone grafting materials has a positive trend. The most used biomaterials applied to replace and regenerate bone are based on collagen and different types of ceramics in order to mimic natural [...] Read more.
Millions of people request bone regeneration every year, and the market for bone grafting materials has a positive trend. The most used biomaterials applied to replace and regenerate bone are based on collagen and different types of ceramics in order to mimic natural bone matrix. However, there are a lot of implant-associated infections after surgery, or the implants are rejected because of reduced biocompatibility, and this is why the research into graft bone materials is still a challenge. This study aims to develop and characterize novel biomimetic bone fillers which have simultaneously both antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility with human bone marrow—derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Type I collagen and calcium triphosphate in a ratio of 1:1 were used as a control, according to our previous studies, and ZnO, functionalized with different percentages of Satureja thymbra L. essential oils, was added as an antimicrobial, promoting bone growth, mineralization, and formation. The bone fillers were obtained by freeze-drying in spongious forms and characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), water uptake, biodegradability over time, antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli and viability and proliferation of human BMSCs. The graft material showed a higher porosity with interconnected pores, gradual resorption over time and a balance between antimicrobial properties and biocompatibility and was chosen as an ideal bone filler. Full article
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17 pages, 2166 KiB  
Article
Color Masking Ability of Guided Enamel Regeneration with a Novel Self-Assembling Peptide and Resin Infiltration on Artificial Enamel Lesions Under Various Challenges: An In Vitro Spectrophotometric Analysis
by Nassreen Albar, Syed Nahid Basheer, Mohammed M. Al Moaleem, Sana Ageel, Rehab Abbas, Rafaa Hakami, Arwa Daghrery, Mohammed Sawady, Syed Wali Peeran, Thilla Sekar Vinothkumar and Bassam Zidane
Biomimetics 2024, 9(12), 764; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9120764 - 16 Dec 2024
Viewed by 989
Abstract
The color masking ability of resin infiltration (RI) and curodont repair fluoride plus–self-assembling peptide (CRFP-SAP) was investigated under various simulated oral challenging conditions. Sixty-four extracted caries-free human canines were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (RI) and Group 2 (CRFP-SAP). The baseline [...] Read more.
The color masking ability of resin infiltration (RI) and curodont repair fluoride plus–self-assembling peptide (CRFP-SAP) was investigated under various simulated oral challenging conditions. Sixty-four extracted caries-free human canines were randomly divided into two groups: Group 1 (RI) and Group 2 (CRFP-SAP). The baseline color values of samples were recorded using a spectrophotometer (VITA Easyshade® Advance 4.0 VITA Zahnfabrik, Bad Sackingen, Germany). The samples were stored in a demineralization solution for 4 days to induce artificial enamel lesions (AELs). The AELs of Groups I and II were treated with RI (Icon, DMG, Hamburg, Germany) and CRFP-SAP (vVARDIS, Zug, Switzerland), respectively, followed by color measurements. Each group was subjected to challenges such as remineralization, pH cycling, staining, and thermocycling, followed by color measurements. The difference between the mean ∆E (color difference value) of sound enamel and both treatment groups was less than 3.7 1-week post treatment. Meanwhile, the difference between the mean ∆E of RI-treated samples and all kinds of challenges was more than 3.7, while for the CRFP-SAP-treated samples, it was less than 3.7 for all kinds of challenges, except for the thermocycling, for which the mean ∆E difference was 4.3. RI and CRFP-SAP treatments were effective in masking the discoloration caused by AELs. However, the color was not stable for RI-treated samples, whereas it was stable for CRFP-SAP-treated samples under all challenges, except for thermocycling. Full article
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15 pages, 4850 KiB  
Article
Anti-Biofilm Performance of Resin Nanopillars Inspired from Cicada Wing Surface for Staphylococcus spp.
by Satoka Matsumoto, Hiroaki Tatsuoka, Miki Yoshii, Toshihiro Nagao, Tomohiro Shimizu, Shoso Shingubara, Shigemitsu Tanaka and Takeshi Ito
Biomimetics 2024, 9(12), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9120739 - 4 Dec 2024
Viewed by 1174
Abstract
The increase in infections derived from biofilms from Staphylococcal spp. prompted us to develop novel strategies to inhibit biofilm development. Nanoscale protrusion structures (nanopillars) observed on the wings of dragonflies and cicadas have recently gained notable attention owing to their physical, antimicrobial, and [...] Read more.
The increase in infections derived from biofilms from Staphylococcal spp. prompted us to develop novel strategies to inhibit biofilm development. Nanoscale protrusion structures (nanopillars) observed on the wings of dragonflies and cicadas have recently gained notable attention owing to their physical, antimicrobial, and bactericidal properties. Thus, they are not only expected to reduce the damage caused by chemical antimicrobial agents to human health and the environment, but also to serve as a potential countermeasure against the emergence of antimicrobial-resistant bacteria (ARB). In this study, we evaluated the anti-biofilm effects of cyclo-olefin polymer (COP) nanopillars by changing the wettability of surfaces ranging in height from 100 to 500 nm against Staphylococcus spp., such as Staphylococcus aureus NBRC 100910 (MSSA), Staphylococcus aureus JCM 8702 methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA), and Staphylococcus epidermidis ATCC 35984. The results clearly show that the fabricated nanopillar structures exhibited particularly strong biofilm inhibition against MRSA, with inhibition rates ranging from 51.2% to 62.5%. For MSSA, anti-biofilm effects were observed only at nanopillar heights of 100–300 nm, with relatively low hydrophobicity, with inhibition rates ranging from 23.9% to 40.8%. Conversely, no significant anti-biofilm effect was observed for S. epidermidis in any of the nanopillar structures. These findings suggest that the anti-biofilm properties of nanopillars vary among bacteria of the same species. In other words, by adjusting the height of the nanopillars, selective anti-biofilm effects against specific bacterial strains can be achieved. Full article
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21 pages, 14782 KiB  
Article
Examination of Various Abutment Designs Behavior Depending on Load Using Finite Element Analysis
by Mehmet Onur Yağır, Şaduman Şen and Uğur Şen
Biomimetics 2024, 9(8), 498; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9080498 - 16 Aug 2024
Viewed by 1688
Abstract
Studies on dental implant abutments’ geometric design and material selection offer significant innovations and results. These studies aim to improve the abutments’ functionality and aesthetic performance, minimize microcavities’ formation, and ensure implant-supported prostheses’ longevity. For example, CAD-CAM fabricated custom abutments have been found [...] Read more.
Studies on dental implant abutments’ geometric design and material selection offer significant innovations and results. These studies aim to improve the abutments’ functionality and aesthetic performance, minimize microcavities’ formation, and ensure implant-supported prostheses’ longevity. For example, CAD-CAM fabricated custom abutments have been found to produce a better marginal fit and fewer microgaps than standard abutments. In an in vitro study, transepithelial abutments offered lower microgap values than titanium-based abutments and provided a better fit at the implant–abutment interface. It is known that studies to improve mechanical and biological performance with Polyether Ether Ketone (PEEK) material have been addressed. New materials such as PEEK and zirconia have offered significant advantages in biocompatibility and aesthetics. Along with those studies, different abutment designs are also important. Abutment geometry is optimized to improve stress distribution and minimize peri-implant bone loss. In implant and abutment connections with different angles, mechanical life performances may vary depending on static and dynamic load. These studies emphasize the importance of material research on different types of connections to improve dental implants’ durability, homogeneous load distribution, and reliability. The abutment parts used in implant treatment are insufficient to distribute the load homogeneously against chewing pressure due to their materials and geometry. Non-uniform load distribution damages the abutment and the prosthetic crown, accelerating the wear process. This study aimed to create different abutment designs to improve dental implants’ biomechanical performance and longevity. This study aimed to increase the mechanical durability of the implant–abutment connection by reducing stress concentrations in response to masticatory compression on the abutment in different directions and forces and to guarantee the long-term success of the implant system by providing a more homogeneous stress distribution. It aimed to apply different forces in the axial direction to these models in a simulation environment and to calculate and compare the deformation and stress load distribution. As a method, three-dimensional models of the parts used in implant treatments and forming the implant system were designed. Different abutment designs were created with these models. Taking the current material values used in implant treatments as a reference, finite element analysis (FEA) was performed by applying different axial loads to each implant system model in the ANSYS software (version 24.1). Comparative analysis graphs were prepared and interpreted for the stress values obtained after the applied load. This study evaluated the mechanical performance of different abutment models (A, B, C, D, and E) under a 100 N load using the Kruskal–Wallis test. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed significant differences between the groups (p < 0.001). The greatest difference was observed between models E and A (q′ = 6.215), with a significant difference also found between models C and A (q′ = 3.219, p < 0.005). Regarding stress values, the highest stress on the abutment was observed in Model B (97.4 MPa), while the lowest stress was observed in Model E (9.6 MPa). The crown exhibited the highest stress in Model B (22.7 MPa) and the lowest in Model E (17.3 MPa). The implant stress was highest in Model C (14.8 MPa) and lowest in Model B (11.3 MPa). The stress values for the cortical bone and cancellous bone were quite similar across the models, showing no significant differences. These findings indicate that the abutment design and material selection significantly impact mechanical performance. Among the implant systems created with five different abutment models, in which the existing abutment geometry was also compared, homogeneous and axial distribution of the load on the abutment was achieved, especially with viscoelastic and surface area increased abutment designs. Clinically, the inadequacy and limited mounting surface or geometry of the abutments used in today’s implant treatment applications have led to different design searches. It was concluded that the designs in this study, which are considered alternatives to existing abutment models, contribute positively to the mechanical life of the abutment material, considering the von Mises stresses and directions. This study brings a new perspective to today’s practices and offers an alternative to treatment practices. Full article
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Review

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30 pages, 17054 KiB  
Review
Recent Advances in Antibacterial Strategies Based on TiO2 Biomimetic Micro/Nano-Structured Surfaces Fabricated Using the Hydrothermal Method
by Zilin Guo, Hanpeng Liu, Wuzhi Wang, Zijun Hu, Xiaofang Li, Hao Chen, Kefeng Wang, Zhaoyang Li, Caideng Yuan and Xiang Ge
Biomimetics 2024, 9(11), 656; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9110656 - 26 Oct 2024
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2427
Abstract
Ti and its alloys, widely utilized in orthopedic and dental implants, inherently lack antibacterial properties, posing significant infection risks, especially in the context of growing antibiotic resistance. This review critically evaluates non-antibiotic antibacterial strategies, with a particular focus on surface modifications and micro/nano-structured [...] Read more.
Ti and its alloys, widely utilized in orthopedic and dental implants, inherently lack antibacterial properties, posing significant infection risks, especially in the context of growing antibiotic resistance. This review critically evaluates non-antibiotic antibacterial strategies, with a particular focus on surface modifications and micro/nano-structured surfaces. Micro/nano-structured surfaces, inspired by natural topographies, utilize physical mechanisms to eradicate bacteria. Despite their potential, the antibacterial efficacy of these surfaces remains insufficient for clinical application. Titanium dioxide (TiO2), known for its excellent photocatalytic antibacterial activity and biocompatibility, is emerging as an ideal candidate for enhancing micro/nano-structured surfaces. By combining the photocatalytic antibacterial effects of TiO2 with the mechanical bactericidal properties of micro/nano-structured surfaces, superior antibacterial performance can be achieved. The hydrothermal method is frequently employed to fabricate TiO2 micro/nano-structured surfaces, and this area of research continues to thrive, particularly in the development of antibacterial strategies. With demonstrated efficacy, combined antibacterial strategies based on TiO2 micro/nano-structured surfaces have become a prominent focus in current research. Consequently, the integration of physical stimulation and chemical release mechanisms may represent the future direction for TiO2 micro/nano-structured surfaces. This review aims to advance the study of TiO2 micro/nano-structured surfaces in antibacterial applications and to inspire more effective non-antibiotic antibacterial solutions. Full article
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34 pages, 9911 KiB  
Review
Biomimetic Hyaluronan Binding Biomaterials to Capture the Complex Regulation of Hyaluronan in Tissue Development and Function
by Amelia Huffer, Mingyang Mao, Katherine Ballard and Tugba Ozdemir
Biomimetics 2024, 9(8), 499; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9080499 - 17 Aug 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1942
Abstract
Within native ECM, Hyaluronan (HA) undergoes remarkable structural remodeling through its binding receptors and proteins called hyaladherins. Hyaladherins contain a group of tandem repeat sequences, such as LINK domains, BxB7 homologous sequences, or 20–50 amino acid long short peptide sequences that [...] Read more.
Within native ECM, Hyaluronan (HA) undergoes remarkable structural remodeling through its binding receptors and proteins called hyaladherins. Hyaladherins contain a group of tandem repeat sequences, such as LINK domains, BxB7 homologous sequences, or 20–50 amino acid long short peptide sequences that have high affinity towards side chains of HA. The HA binding sequences are critical players in HA distribution and regulation within tissues and potentially attractive therapeutic targets to regulate HA synthesis and organization. While HA is a versatile and successful biopolymer, most HA-based therapeutics have major differences from a native HA molecule, such as molecular weight discrepancies, crosslinking state, and remodeling with other HA binding proteins. Recent studies showed the promise of HA binding domains being used as therapeutic biomaterials for osteoarthritic, ocular, or cardiovascular therapeutic products. However, we propose that there is a significant potential for HA binding materials to reveal the physiological functions of HA in a more realistic setting. This review is focused on giving a comprehensive overview of the connections between HA’s role in the body and the potential of HA binding material applications in therapeutics and regenerative medicine. We begin with an introduction to HA then discuss HA binding molecules and the process of HA binding. Finally, we discuss HA binding materials anf the future prospects of potential HA binding biomaterials systems in the field of biomaterials and tissue engineering. Full article
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