Design of Natural and Biomimetic Flexible Biological Structures

Dear Colleagues,

The design of natural and biomimetic flexible biological structures draws inspiration from the remarkable adaptability and functionality of living systems, particularly those that rely on flexible and adhesive mechanisms. Biological structures such as gecko feet, octopus suckers, and plant tendrils exhibit extraordinary abilities to adhere to, detach from, and adapt to diverse surfaces and environments. These capabilities are rooted in nanoscale features, such as molecular interactions, surface patterning, and hierarchical architectures, that seamlessly integrate flexibility, strength, and responsiveness. Translating these principles into human-designed systems holds immense potential for applications in robotics, medical devices, wearable technologies, and advanced manufacturing.

The inherent complexity of biological adhesion and flexibility poses significant challenges. Natural systems often combine multiple functionalities, such as self-cleaning, reversible adhesion, and dynamic adaptability, into a single structure, making it difficult to isolate and replicate specific features for technological applications. To address this, a multidisciplinary approach is essential, combining insights from biology, materials science, mechanics, and nanotechnology. By deciphering the fundamental principles underlying natural adhesion and flexibility, we can develop biomimetic systems that not only replicate but also enhance these capabilities, ensuring that they are scalable, sustainable, and safe for practical use.

This Special Issue, titled the “Design of Natural and Biomimetic Flexible Biological Structures”, invites contributions that explore the science and engineering of bioinspired flexible and adhesive systems. We welcome theoretical, experimental, and review papers from researchers in fields such as biomechanics, soft robotics, polymer science, nanotechnology, and bioengineering. Topics of particular interest include, but are not limited to, hierarchical material design, reversible adhesion mechanisms, dynamic surface patterning, and environmentally responsive systems. Particular emphasis will be placed on studies that address sustainability, scalability, and ethical considerations, ensuring that biomimetic innovations align with the broader goals of environmental stewardship and human well-being.

Prof. Dr. Hongmiao Tian
Dr. Hong Hu
Dr. Duorui Wang
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 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.

• bioinspired structures
• surface adhesion
• biomimetic materials
• flexible materials
• micro-nano manufacturing
• tunable adhesion
• contact mechanics
• soft robotics