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Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 5th Edition

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A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetics of Materials and Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 15 January 2026 | Viewed by 6294

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Dr. Tun Naw Sut

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Guest Editor

School of Chemical Engineering and Translational Nanobioscience Research Center, Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
Interests: biomembranes; biointerfacial science; supported lipid bilayers
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Dr. Bo Kyeong Yoon

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School of Healthcare and Biomedical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, Republic of Korea
Interests: antimicrobial lipids; lipid membrane biotechnology; biosensors
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Dear Colleagues,

Biomimicry is a highly sought-out feature in various research fields and applications, such as biointerfacial science and biosensors, where natural biological structures and/or properties are required and/or desired for the intended functions. This is achieved by using functional materials that are built with inspiration from biology via bottom-up self-assembly and/or the top-down process to replicate various aspects of biology. This allows for control over those aspects with reproducibility and the ability to finetune, which otherwise is limited in biology, so that relevant research and application needs are met.

In this Special Issue, we welcome a wide range of research works, from fundamental studies to applications dealing with biofunctional materials. The goal of this Special Issue is to present and promote the valuable contributions of researchers and scientists across different disciplines to the development and applications of bioinspired and biomimetic functional materials, which will benefit the scientific community, and, hopefully, society at large.

Dr. Tun Naw Sut
Dr. Bo Kyeong Yoon
Guest Editors

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Keywords

biomimetic systems
bioinspired materials
functional biomaterials
biointerfaces
bioengineering
biotechnology

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Related Special Issues

Biomimicry and Functional Materials in Biomimetics (5 articles)
Biomimicry and Functional Materials 2.0 in Biomimetics (6 articles)
Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 3rd Edition in Biomimetics (7 articles)
Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 4th Edition in Biomimetics (5 articles)

Published Papers (8 papers)

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Research

26 pages, 9041 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biocompatible Copolymerized Gold Nanoclusters: Anti-TNF-α siRNA Binding, Cellular Uptake, Cytotoxicity, Oxidative Stress and Cell Cycle Effects In Vitro

by Jananee Padayachee and Moganavelli Singh

Biomimetics 2025, 10(12), 812; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10120812 - 4 Dec 2025

Viewed by 180

Abstract

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) have emerged as a powerful tool in the treatment of aggressive cancers. By exploiting and mimicking the natural gene regulation mechanism of RNA interference (RNAi), they allow for sequence-specific silencing of aberrant genes. siRNA-mediated knockdown of the inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) presents a novel therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This study investigated the potential of novel biomimetic glutathione-synthesised gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) as siRNA delivery vehicles. AuNCs were functionalized with biocompatible chitosan and polyethene glycol, and their interactions with siRNAs were investigated through binding studies. In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake were conducted in the human breast cancer (MCF-7), TNBC (MDA-MB-231), and embryonic kidney (HEK293) cells, while the effect of anti-TNF-α siRNA nanocomplexes on biological processes, such as oxidative stress, apoptosis, and cell cycle distribution, was investigated using flow cytometry. UV–visible and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, as well as transmission electron microscopy, confirmed the synthesis and functionalization of the AuNCs. Functionalized AuNCs (FAuNC) effectively bound and condensed siRNA and protected against nuclease degradation. AuNCs facilitated efficient cellular uptake and were well-tolerated in vitro. Anti-TNF-α siRNA treatment of the MDA-MB-231 cells increased apoptosis and oxidative stress levels, and affected cell cycle distribution. Although the overall knockdown was low, these FAuNCs exhibited favorable physicochemical characteristics, low cytotoxicity and good cellular uptake in vitro, warranting further optimisation for improved delivery of therapeutic siRNAs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 5th Edition)

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12 pages, 3909 KB

Open AccessArticle

Core–Shell Silk Fibroin Hydrogel Microneedles Functionalized with Antibody-Binding Domains for Transdermal Delivery

by Min Ki Lee, Ae Sol Lee and Chang Sup Kim

Biomimetics 2025, 10(12), 798; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10120798 - 27 Nov 2025

Viewed by 397

Abstract

Microneedle (MN) patches comprise a promising platform for transdermal delivery of macromolecular therapeutics. However, achieving sufficient mechanical strength for skin penetration while maintaining high biocompatibility and efficient antibody loading remains a major challenge. In this study, we designed and developed a core–shell-structured hydrogel MN patch composed of a silk fibroin core and a protein-based shell layer for antibody loading and potential transdermal release. The latter was constructed using a fusion protein consisting of the B and C domains of Staphylococcus aureus protein A (BC) and a tyrosine-rich mussel adhesive protein (MAP), thereby enabling antibody binding via the BC domains. By harnessing biomimetic design strategies, the BC-MAP shell facilitates antibody immobilization via specific affinity interactions, while the silk fibroin core provides substantial mechanical strength: the MN patch demonstrated a penetration force approximately 4.2 times greater than that required to pierce porcine skin. Collectively, our core–shell-structured hydrogel MN patch is a promising platform for transdermal antibody delivery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 5th Edition)

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15 pages, 2146 KB

Open AccessArticle

Synergistic Membrane Disruption of E. coli Tethered Lipid Bilayers by Antimicrobial Lipid Mixtures

by Tun Naw Sut, Bo Kyeong Yoon and Joshua A. Jackman

Biomimetics 2025, 10(11), 739; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10110739 - 4 Nov 2025

Viewed by 516

Abstract

Biomimetic lipid platforms provide versatile tools for mimicking various types of biological membranes and enable investigation of how industrially important amphiphiles (e.g., permeation enhancers and surfactants) interact with different membrane compositions. For example, antimicrobial lipids such as medium-chain fatty acids (FAs) and monoglycerides (MGs) are promising antibiotic alternatives that disrupt bacterial membranes and their distinct mechanisms of action are a topic of ongoing interest. The potency and targeting spectrum of individual antimicrobial lipids vary and mixing different lipids can improve functional activities. Biophysical studies indicate that optimally tuned mixtures exhibit greater disruption of synthetic lipid bilayers; however, their activity against more complex bacterial membrane compositions is largely unexplored. Herein, we applied electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) to investigate how two MG/FA pairs—composed of 10-carbon long monocaprin (MC) with capric acid (CA) and 12-carbon long glycerol monolaurate (GML) with lauric acid (LA)—disrupt tethered lipid bilayers composed of Escherichia coli bacterial lipids. While MC and CA individually inhibit E. coli, MC/CA mixtures at intermediate ratios displayed synergistic membrane-disruptive activity. Mechanistic studies showed that this synergistic activity depends on the MC/CA molar ratio rather than total lipid concentration. In contrast, GML/LA mixtures had weak membrane interactions across all tested ratios and lacked synergy, which is consistent with their low activity against E. coli. Together, the EIS results reveal that an effective disruption synergy against target membranes can arise from combining individually active antimicrobial lipids with distinct membrane-interaction profiles, laying the foundation to develop potent antimicrobial lipid formulations for tackling antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 5th Edition)

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18 pages, 4803 KB

Open AccessArticle

In Situ Formation of Silver Nanoparticles-Containing Gallic Acid-Conjugated Chitosan Hydrogels as Antimicrobial Tissue Adhesive Materials

by Se-ah Kim, Da Han Hyun and Ji Hyun Ryu

Biomimetics 2025, 10(11), 720; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10110720 - 28 Oct 2025

Viewed by 823

Abstract

Antimicrobial hydrogels have attracted considerable attention for wound treatment due to the major clinical challenges of bacterial infections, which lead to delayed tissue regeneration and chronic inflammation. In addition, the strong adhesion of antimicrobial hydrogels to tissue surfaces is essential because wounds are generally moist, topographically irregular, and continuously exposed to various biological molecules. In this study, we developed in situ formed silver nanoparticle (Ag NP)-incorporated gallic acid-conjugated chitosan (CHI-G) hydrogels as bio-inspired antimicrobial and tissue adhesive materials. Ag/CHI-G hydrogels were successfully formed by the simultaneous reduction in Ag⁺ ions with a stable dispersion of Ag NPs. No additional reduction agents or crosslinkers were required to prepare the Ag/CHI-G hydrogels. In addition, the elastic moduli of the Ag/CHI-G hydrogels increased significantly with increasing concentrations of both AgNO₃ and CHI-G. Furthermore, the hydrogels exhibited excellent adhesion to the porcine intestinal tissue surfaces. The adhesive Ag/CHI-G hydrogels showed an inhibition of both Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus with no significant cytotoxicity against NIH3T3 and CCD-18Co fibroblasts. Thus, in situ formed Ag/CHI-G hydrogels with adhesive, biocompatible, and antimicrobial properties are expected to be useful for versatile biomedical applications, such as drug delivery depots, tissue engineering hydrogels, and wound dressing materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 5th Edition)

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14 pages, 4294 KB

Open AccessArticle

Biomimetic Silk Fibroin Scaffolds Functionalized with Hydroxyapatite and Platelet Growth Factors for Bone Tissue Engineering

by Mauro Pollini, Carmen Lanzillotti, Maria Antonietta De Sangro, Maria Rosaria Cazzato, Luciano Abbruzzese and Federica Paladini

Biomimetics 2025, 10(10), 703; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10100703 - 17 Oct 2025

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 722

Abstract

Non-union fractures represent a significant clinical challenge requiring innovative therapeutic approaches. Silk fibroin (SF) scaffolds have gained recognition as advantageous biomaterials for bone tissue engineering due to their biocompatibility and mechanical characteristics. This study investigated the biocompatibility and osteoinductive potential of SF scaffolds functionalized with hydroxyapatite (HA) and loaded with platelet growth factors (PGFs) using hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). SF scaffolds were prepared and functionalized with HA through methanol impregnation, while PGFs were obtained from platelet lysate via apheresis procedures. HSCs were cultured on different experimental groups, namely SF, SF-HA, PGF, SF-PGF, and SF-HA-PGF, assessing biocompatibility through 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, Live/Dead staining, and cytoskeleton analysis over 7 days. Osteoinductive properties were evaluated using Alizarin Red staining for mineral matrix deposition at 14 and 21 days. The MTT assay revealed the biocompatibility of all the experimental groups. The Live/Dead assay confirmed high cell viability, while the cytoskeleton analysis revealed well-organized actin filaments comparable to controls. Alizarin Red staining showed that PGF alone promoted early mineral matrix deposition at day 14, while SF-HA, SF-PGF, and SF-HA-PGF groups demonstrated significantly enhanced mineralization at day 21 compared with SF alone. The combination of silk fibroin scaffolds with platelet growth factors alone or with hydroxyapatite and platelet growth factors creates a biomimetic environment that supports cell viability and induces the osteogenic differentiation of hemopoietic stem cells. These findings suggest significant potential for clinical translation in treating non-union fractures and bone defects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 5th Edition)

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15 pages, 3846 KB

Open AccessArticle

Optimizing Biodegradable Poly(D,L-lactide) Scaffolds Reinforced with Graphene Oxide for Bone Tissue Regeneration

by Esperanza Díaz, Ander García, Xabier León, Yolanda Merodio, Sylvie Ribeiro and Senentxu Lanceros-Méndez

Biomimetics 2025, 10(10), 700; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10100700 - 15 Oct 2025

Viewed by 577

Abstract

This study investigates the potential of porous poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) scaffolds reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) for bone tissue engineering applications. Scaffolds were fabricated using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and characterized in terms of morphology, biodegradation, thermal and mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility. The incorporation of GO enhanced both mechanical strength and thermal stability, likely due to hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between GO’s functional groups (carbonyl, carboxyl, epoxide, and hydroxyl) and PDLLA chains. In vitro degradation studies showed that GO accelerated degradation, while scaffolds with higher GO content retained superior mechanical strength. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed the biocompatibility of all scaffold variants, supporting their suitability for biomedical applications. Overall, the findings demonstrate how GO incorporation can modulate scaffold composition and performance. This provides insights for the design of improved systems for bone tissue regeneration. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 5th Edition)

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13 pages, 4063 KB

Open AccessArticle

Outcomes of Regenerative Endodontic Therapy Using Dehydrated Human-Derived Amnion–Chorion Membranes and Collagen Matrices: A Retrospective Analysis

by Anjali K. Dave, Julia Y. Cheung and Sahng G. Kim

Biomimetics 2025, 10(8), 530; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10080530 - 13 Aug 2025

Viewed by 1019

Abstract

Dehydrated human-derived amnion–chorion membranes (ACM), known for their bioactive composition of growth factors and cytokines, have demonstrated potential as a bioactive scaffold in regenerative medicine; however, their clinical application in regenerative endodontic procedures (REPs) remains unexplored. This retrospective study aimed to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes of REPs using ACM compared to collagen matrices (CM) in immature necrotic permanent teeth. Forty-one immature necrotic teeth from 38 patients (mean age: 14.68 ± 7.43 years) were treated with REPs using either ACM (n = 21) or CM (n = 20) scaffolds over a mean follow-up period of 23.23 months. Outcomes assessed included survival, success, root development measured by radiographic root area (RRA), and pulp sensibility. Independent t-tests compared outcomes between groups, while Cox regression and generalized linear models identified predictors of treatment outcomes. Overall survival and success rates were 87.8% and 82.9%, respectively. ACM-treated teeth achieved 90.5% survival and 85.7% success rates, while CM-treated teeth demonstrated 85.0% survival and 80.0% success rates, with no statistically significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Root development occurred in 85.4% of cases overall, with significant RRA increases of 13.89 ± 13.95% for ACM and 11.24 ± 11.21% for CM (p < 0.05 within each group). Pulp sensibility recovery was observed in 51.2% of treated teeth overall, with 42.9% for ACM-treated teeth and 55.0% for CM-treated teeth (p > 0.05). Notably, ACM-treated teeth demonstrated earlier sensibility recovery compared to those of CM-treated teeth. Age was identified as a significant negative predictor of root development outcomes (p < 0.05). This clinical study demonstrates that both ACM and CM are clinically effective scaffolds for REPs, achieving high survival rates and promoting root development in immature necrotic teeth. While overall success rates were comparable, ACM showed faster sensibility recovery, suggesting potential biological advantages for enhanced tissue regeneration and earlier functional recovery. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 5th Edition)

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18 pages, 4607 KB

Open AccessArticle

Multi-Objective Machine Learning Optimization of Cylindrical TPMS Lattices for Bone Implants

by Mansoureh Rezapourian, Ali Cheloee Darabi, Mohammadreza Khoshbin and Irina Hussainova

Biomimetics 2025, 10(7), 475; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10070475 - 18 Jul 2025

Viewed by 1629

Abstract

This study presents a multi-objective optimization framework for designing cylindrical triply periodic minimal surface (TPMS) lattices tailored for bone implant applications. Using an artificial neural network (ANN) as a surrogate model trained on simulated data, four key properties—ultimate stress (U), energy absorption (EA), surface area-to-volume ratio (SA/VR), and relative density (RD)—were predicted from seven lattice design parameters. To address anatomical variability, a novel implant size-based categorization (small, medium, and large) was introduced, and separate optimization runs were conducted for each group. The optimization was performed via the NSGA-II algorithm to maximize mechanical performance (U and EA) and surface efficiency (SA/VR), while filtering for biologically relevant RD values (20–40%). Separate optimization runs were conducted for small, medium, and large implant size groups. A total of 105 Pareto-optimal designs were identified, with 75 designs retained after RD filtering. SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) analysis revealed the dominant influence of thickness and unit cell size on target properties. Kernel density and boxplot comparisons confirmed distinct performance trends across size groups. The framework effectively balances competing design goals and enables the selection of size-specific lattices. The proposed approach provides a reproducible pathway for optimizing bioarchitectures, with the potential to accelerate the development of lattice-based implants in personalized medicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 5th Edition)

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