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Biomimetics
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Advances in Biogenic and Biomimetic Materials: From Bionanomedicine to Environmental...
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Advances in Biogenic and Biomimetic Materials: From Bionanomedicine to Environmental Applications and Beyond: 2nd Edition

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 30 August 2026 | Viewed by 9230

Editors

Dr. Marcela-Elisabeta Barbinta-Patrascu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Electricity, Solid-State Physics and Biophysics, Faculty of Physics, University of Bucharest, 405 Atomistilor Street, P.O. Box MG-11, 077125 Magurele, Romania
Interests: eco-nanotechnology; nanometals; metal-based nanoparticles as bio-pesticides; green nanotechnology; multifunctional biogenic metal nanoparticles and biohybrids; eco-friendly methods to obtain antioxidant, antimicrobial and antitumoral metal-based nanomaterials/biohybrids; biomimetics; bioinspiration; artificial cell membranes; bioplastics; genetics; bioenergetics; green chemistry; (bio)chemistry; biophysics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Irina Negut

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Laser Department, National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics, 077125 Ilfov, Romania
Interests: biomaterials; thin films; medical engineering; laser coatings; antimicrobial applications
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Bogdan Biță

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Optospintronics Department, National Institute for Research and Development in Optoelectronics—INOE 2000, 077125 Magurele, Romania
Interests: thin-film deposition; electrical characterization; morphological characterization; structural characterization
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Nature has inspired people throughout history. Scientists have learned from nature and developed new models and strategies to overcome many issues related to environmental pollution, health problems, energy resources, etc. At present, biomimetics and bioinspiration are of particular interest to scientists. Moreover, living systems have been used as a source of inspiration or as raw matter from which to develop valuable materials that can be used in various applications, from bionanomedicine to the environment and beyond.

This Special Issue invites authors to contribute original research articles and review papers related to biomimetics and bioinspiration in the biomedical field and their environmental applications.

Dr. Marcela-Elisabeta Barbinta-Patrascu
Dr. Irina Negut
Dr. Bogdan Biță
Guest Editors

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 250 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for assessment.

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-anonymized 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

  • metal-based nanoparticles
  • metal oxide nanoparticles
  • bio-inspired synthesis
  • phytosynthesis
  • biogenic materials
  • biomimetic materials
  • wastewater treatment
  • photosynthesis
  • antioxidant activity
  • antimicrobial activity
  • bionanomedicine
  • environmental applications
  • eco-friendly strategies

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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19 pages, 11819 KB  
Article
Bio-Inspired Photocatalytic Degradation of Humic Acids over TiO2- and Ag-Doped TiO2-Functionalized Clinoptilolite: Mechanistic Insights into Nature-Mimicking Oxidation Pathways
by Liliana Bobirică, Cristina Modrogan, Constantin Bobirică and Oanamari Daniela Orbuleţ
Biomimetics 2026, 11(6), 388; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11060388 - 2 Jun 2026
Viewed by 345
Abstract
This study investigates the bio-inspired photocatalytic degradation of humic acids using TiO2-functionalized clinoptilolite (C–TiO2) and Ag-doped TiO2 (C–TiO2/Ag) under UV irradiation. TiO2 acts as an artificial analogue of naturally occurring photoactive mineral phases, while clinoptilolite [...] Read more.
This study investigates the bio-inspired photocatalytic degradation of humic acids using TiO2-functionalized clinoptilolite (C–TiO2) and Ag-doped TiO2 (C–TiO2/Ag) under UV irradiation. TiO2 acts as an artificial analogue of naturally occurring photoactive mineral phases, while clinoptilolite provides a biomimetic scaffold mimicking mineral–organic interfaces. Ag doping enhances charge separation and promotes reactive oxygen species formation, accelerating degradation. The effects of pH and catalyst composition were evaluated over a range of conditions, including the native pH of the humic solution. Degradation was monitored via changes in UV254 absorbance, VIS436 absorbance, and COD values, revealing a multistage pathway: rapid decolorization of chromophoric groups, slower breakdown of aromatic structures, and final mineralization. Acidic conditions further enhanced performance through increased adsorption and ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation, while measurable activity persisted at near-natural pH values. Kinetic analysis indicated pseudo-first-order behavior, with the highest apparent rate constants obtained for VIS436 removal under C–TiO2/Ag at pH 3 (k = 0.0166 min−1), followed by COD1 (k = 0.0190 min−1), confirming faster oxidation of labile fractions and slower mineralization of recalcitrant intermediates. Therefore, the results demonstrate that semiconductor–mineral hybrid systems can serve as biomimetic platforms that reproduce and accelerate natural self-purification processes, providing mechanistic insights into nature-inspired pathways for water treatment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biogenic and Biomimetic Materials: From Bionanomedicine to Environmental Applications and Beyond: 2nd Edition)
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11 pages, 2304 KB  
Article
Air–Liquid–Solid Triphase Interfacial Microenvironment Regulation for Efficient Visible-Light-Driven Photooxidation Based on Ordered TiO2 Porous Films
by Lijun Zhou, Zhaoyue Tan, Xia Sheng and Xinjian Feng
Biomimetics 2026, 11(4), 261; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11040261 - 10 Apr 2026
Viewed by 571
Abstract
The rational design and regulation of interfacial microenvironments represents an effective strategy for enhancing reaction performance. Previous studies have demonstrated that constructing air–liquid–solid triphase interfaces can substantially enhance catalytic reactions involving gaseous reactants. However, research on regulating the triphasic interfacial microenvironment remains limited [...] Read more.
The rational design and regulation of interfacial microenvironments represents an effective strategy for enhancing reaction performance. Previous studies have demonstrated that constructing air–liquid–solid triphase interfaces can substantially enhance catalytic reactions involving gaseous reactants. However, research on regulating the triphasic interfacial microenvironment remains limited and challenging. Herein, we fabricated a triphase photocatalytic system by depositing hydrophobic materials onto ordered TiO2 porous (OTP), achieving significantly enhanced performance in visible-light-driven dye-sensitized photooxidation. Further, we regulated the triphasic microenvironment by systematically adjusting the chain length of hydrophobic molecules. It was found that the chain length greatly affects the interfacial properties, including O2 concentration, the organic molecule adsorption and the interfacial electron transfer efficiency, thereby influencing photocatalytic reaction kinetics and pathways. We demonstrated a high-performance triphase photocatalytic system using 1H,1H,2H,2H-perfluorooctyl triethoxysilane as the hydrophobic material, which optimized multiple interfacial properties through synergistic effects, leading to optimal photocatalytic performance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biogenic and Biomimetic Materials: From Bionanomedicine to Environmental Applications and Beyond: 2nd Edition)
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26 pages, 6676 KB  
Article
Antimicrobial Efficacy of Green Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Crataegus monogyna Extract
by Mihaela Cristina Lite, Roxana Constantinescu, Laura Chirilă, Alina Popescu, Andrei Kuncser, Cosmin Romanițan, Oana Brîncoveanu, Ioana Lăcătușu and Nicoleta Badea
Biomimetics 2025, 10(11), 737; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10110737 - 3 Nov 2025
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3128
Abstract
Current demands in the field of functional textiles include the integration of specific characteristics, such as self-cleaning, antimicrobial efficacy and possible wound healing properties. Green synthesis of nanoparticles represents a promising strategy to address these challenges, combining biocompatibility and ecological safety with effective [...] Read more.
Current demands in the field of functional textiles include the integration of specific characteristics, such as self-cleaning, antimicrobial efficacy and possible wound healing properties. Green synthesis of nanoparticles represents a promising strategy to address these challenges, combining biocompatibility and ecological safety with effective antimicrobial and antioxidant performance. In this study, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been synthesized using different ratios of Crataegus monogyna extract: AgNO3. Physically stable AgNPs with spherical shape, particle main diameters ranging from 61.9 to 85.4 nm and appropriate polydispersity indices were produced. Crataegus monogyna presented high phenolic content (30.58 ± 2.20 mg/g) and strong antioxidant activity (96 ± 1.6 µmol TE/g). The obtained nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, EDX, and XRD analysis. When applied to cotton and wool textiles, the AgNPs adhered uniformly, caused minimal colour change, and exhibited enhanced antimicrobial activity against bacterial and fungal strains compared to other plant-derived AgNPs, with values between 8 and 13.5 mm. The treated textiles demonstrated strong performance against Staphylococcus aureus with inhibition zones of 11 ± 0.53 for cotton and 13.5 ± 0.42 for wool. These findings highlight the potential of Crataegus monogyna-based AgNPs as effective and fabric-compatible antimicrobial agents. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biogenic and Biomimetic Materials: From Bionanomedicine to Environmental Applications and Beyond: 2nd Edition)
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Review

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29 pages, 2186 KB  
Review
Recent Advances on Extracellular Vesicles: A Natural Nanomaterial for Biomedical Application
by Fan Li, Siyu Liu, Shuaiwei Xu, Huimin Duan, Yanchao Wang and Jingan Li
Biomimetics 2026, 11(6), 416; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11060416 - 11 Jun 2026
Viewed by 626
Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), naturally secreted by cells as nanoscale lipid bilayer structures, have become a research hotspot in biomedicine owing to their excellent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and inherent ability to cross biological barriers. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in EVs as natural [...] Read more.
Extracellular vesicles (EVs), naturally secreted by cells as nanoscale lipid bilayer structures, have become a research hotspot in biomedicine owing to their excellent biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, and inherent ability to cross biological barriers. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in EVs as natural nanomaterials. The biogenesis mechanisms of EVs are outlined, followed by a comparative analysis of the advantages and limitations of mainstream isolation and purification methods, including ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, and microfluidic technologies. The core guiding role of the MISEV 2023 guidelines in standardizing EV characterization is highlighted. Engineering strategies to enhance EV therapeutic efficacy—including parental cell modification, post-isolation physicochemical tailoring, and hybrid vesicle construction—are then reviewed, followed by a comparative analysis of mainstream isolation technologies, emphasizing the trade-offs between purity and yield. Distinct from conventional descriptive reviews, this article establishes a strong biomimetic framework to scrutinize engineering strategies, including parental cell genetic modification, post-isolation physicochemical tailoring, and the fabrication of hybrid bio-synthetic vesicles. The design principles governing targeted delivery, drug-loading physics, and in vivo pharmacokinetic stability are critically evaluated through the lens of biomimetic nanotechnology. Furthermore, we identify critical research gaps and technical bottlenecks impeding clinical translation, offering a forward-looking perspective on the evolution of EVs from natural messengers into standardized precision medicine platforms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biogenic and Biomimetic Materials: From Bionanomedicine to Environmental Applications and Beyond: 2nd Edition)
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18 pages, 316 KB  
Review
Advances in Biomaterials for Tissue Regeneration: From Scaffold Design to CAP-Enabled Interfaces and AI-Driven Optimization
by Laura Del Gaudio, Stefano Lattanzio, Roberta Di Pietro and Silvia Sancilio
Biomimetics 2026, 11(5), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11050330 - 9 May 2026
Viewed by 1734
Abstract
Biomaterials play a central role in tissue engineering and regeneration by providing scaffolds that support cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation while modulating the surrounding microenvironment. They represent promising alternatives to traditional surgical approaches that may lead to complications or tissue damage, and their [...] Read more.
Biomaterials play a central role in tissue engineering and regeneration by providing scaffolds that support cell adhesion, proliferation and differentiation while modulating the surrounding microenvironment. They represent promising alternatives to traditional surgical approaches that may lead to complications or tissue damage, and their performance is influenced by chemical composition, mechanical behavior, architecture and interfacial properties, all of which can be precisely tuned through advanced fabrication and surface modification strategies. This review synthesizes evidence from a comprehensive literature search across major scientific databases, focusing on highly cited studies and available clinical data, and examines natural and synthetic biomaterials, their biological responses, functional characteristics, and surface modification methods. Emphasis is placed on Cold Atmospheric Plasma (CAP), which selectively modifies the outermost nanolayer of materials, enhancing hydrophilicity, functional group density, protein adsorption and overall cell–material interactions, as well as improving drug loading capacity. The review also considers stem cell interactions with biomaterials and emerging applications of artificial intelligence (AI) for predicting performance and guiding material optimization. Overall, the analysis highlights that natural matrices provide intrinsic bioactivity, synthetic polymers offer tunable mechanics and degradation profiles, and composite systems integrate these advantages. Advances in technologies such as electrospinning and 3D/4D printing enable precise control over architecture, supporting cell colonization and vascularization. Collectively, developments in CAP treatments and AI-driven design strategies are strengthening the regenerative potential of biomaterials and advancing their clinical translation. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biogenic and Biomimetic Materials: From Bionanomedicine to Environmental Applications and Beyond: 2nd Edition)
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45 pages, 5401 KB  
Review
Virus Biomimetic-Delivery Systems for the Production of Vaccines
by Marcela-Elisabeta Barbinta-Patrascu, Irina Negut and Bogdan Bita
Biomimetics 2026, 11(2), 150; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics11020150 - 18 Feb 2026
Viewed by 2101
Abstract
The persistent emergence of infectious diseases has underscored the critical demand for next-generation vaccine technologies that are safe, effective, and scalable. This review explores virus biomimetic delivery systems, focusing on virus-like particles (VLPs) and virosomes as promising platforms for vaccine and therapeutic development. [...] Read more.
The persistent emergence of infectious diseases has underscored the critical demand for next-generation vaccine technologies that are safe, effective, and scalable. This review explores virus biomimetic delivery systems, focusing on virus-like particles (VLPs) and virosomes as promising platforms for vaccine and therapeutic development. VLPs are self-assembled nanostructures composed of viral structural proteins that mimic native virions without carrying genetic material, while virosomes are reconstituted viral envelopes that retain functional glycoproteins but lack a nucleocapsid. Both systems provide strong immunogenicity and safety by mimicking viral architecture while eliminating the risk of replication. The paper examines various expression platforms for VLP production, including bacterial, yeast, insect, mammalian, and plant-based systems, highlighting their respective advantages, challenges, and optimization strategies. Mechanistic insights into antigen presentation, immune activation, and cellular uptake pathways are discussed to explain their superior performance in eliciting humoral and cellular immune responses. Furthermore, current applications of VLPs and virosomes in vaccines against major pathogens such as SARS-CoV-2, influenza, Newcastle disease virus, malaria, hepatitis, and respiratory syncytial virus are reviewed, demonstrating their versatility and clinical potential. By integrating molecular engineering, nanotechnology, and biofabrication strategies, virus biomimetic systems represent a transformative frontier in vaccinology, immunotherapy, and targeted drug delivery. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biogenic and Biomimetic Materials: From Bionanomedicine to Environmental Applications and Beyond: 2nd Edition)
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