Biomimicry and Functional Materials

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

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 October 2022) | Viewed by 10559

Special Issue Editors


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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
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

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Guest Editor
School of Healthcare and Biomedical Engineering, Chonnam National University, Yeosu 59626, Republic of Korea
Interests: antimicrobial lipids; lipid membrane biotechnology; biosensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomimicry is a feature highly sought after in various research fields and applications, such as biointerfacial science and biosensors, where the natural biological structures and/or properties are required and/or desired for the intended functions. It is achieved by using functional materials that are built with inspiration from biology via the 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 the relevant research and application needs are met.     

In this Special Issue of Biomimicry and Functional Materials, 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

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • biomimetic systems
  • bioinspired materials
  • functional biomaterials
  • biointerfaces
  • bioengineering
  • biotechnology

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 2036 KiB  
Article
Human Gingival Fibroblast Attachment to Smooth Titanium Disks with Different Surface Roughnesses
by Naoki Yanagisawa, Takayuki Ikeda, Masaki Takatsu, Kentaro Urata, Kensuke Nishio, Hideki Tanaka, Takayuki Kawato and Toshimitsu Iinuma
Biomimetics 2022, 7(4), 164; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biomimetics7040164 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1592
Abstract
Peri-implantitis is a significant problem associated with dental implants. It has been hypothesized that creating a soft-tissue seal around the implant neck prevents peri-implantitis. This study aims to clarify the effects of the surface smoothness of titanium disks on soft tissues. Thus, titanium [...] Read more.
Peri-implantitis is a significant problem associated with dental implants. It has been hypothesized that creating a soft-tissue seal around the implant neck prevents peri-implantitis. This study aims to clarify the effects of the surface smoothness of titanium disks on soft tissues. Thus, titanium disks were prepared through electrolytic composite polishing (ECP), sisal buffing (SB), hairline polishing (HP), and laser cutting (LC). The surface roughness values of seven items was measured. For ECP, SB, HP, and LC samples, the Ra values were 0.075, 0.217, 0.671, and 1.024 μm and the Sa values were 0.005, 0.115, 0.500, and 0.676, respectively, indicating that the surface roughness was remarkably lower with ECP. Moreover, the Wsk values for ECP, SB, HP, and LC were 0.521, 1.018, −0.678, and −0.558, respectively. The smooth surfaces produced by ECP and SB were biased toward the concave surface, whereas those produced by HP and LC were biased toward the convex surface. The Rku values for ECP, SB, HP, and LC were 2.984, 11.774, 14.182, and 26.232, respectively. Only the ECP exhibited a moderate bias peak and produced an extremely smooth surface. The contact angles in the cases of ECP, SB, HP, and LC were 60.1°, 66.3°, 68.4°, and 79.3°, respectively, indicating the hydrophobicity of the titanium disks. Human oral fibroblasts were then incubated on each disk for 24 and 48 h to measure cell attachment, and no significant differences were observed. The differences in Ra and Sa did not affect cell attachment. Therefore, by applying ECP to the abutment or implant neck, the cell attachment required for soft-tissue formation while preventing bacterial adhesion can be achieved. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials)
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15 pages, 3442 KiB  
Article
Effect of Diclofenac and Simvastatin on Bone Defect Healing—An In Vivo Animal Study
by Theodora Karanikola, Angeliki Cheva, Katia Sarafidou, Maria Myronidou-Tzouveleki, Ioannis Tsavdaridis, Eleana Kontonasaki and Anastasios Tsirlis
Biomimetics 2022, 7(4), 143; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biomimetics7040143 - 25 Sep 2022
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 1782
Abstract
Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs and statins are two widely prescribed drug classes that affect bone formation. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of diclofenac and simvastatin in artificial bone defect healing. One hundred and forty-four male Wistar rats were used, [...] Read more.
Non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drugs and statins are two widely prescribed drug classes that affect bone formation. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of diclofenac and simvastatin in artificial bone defect healing. One hundred and forty-four male Wistar rats were used, and the specimens were divided into groups, with respect to the route of drug administration and the type of defect healing (with or without collagen membrane), and subgroups, with respect to the study duration (2, 4 or 8 weeks). Diclofenac was intramuscularly administered while simvastatin was administered both systemically and locally. Animals were euthanized and specimens were histomorphometrically analyzed to evaluate the percentage of new bone formation (%). Bone healing that occurred without any intervention developed more steadily than that of all other groups. Diclofenac exerted a clear, direct inhibitory effect on bone healing and its systemic administration should be avoided. The systemic administration of simvastatin was related to severe myopathy, while the solvent for the local administration of simvastatin seemed to play significant role in bone growth, as simvastatin, when it is administered intraperitoneally in a DMSO solution, appeared to promote bone healing. Local administration may have a significant impact on bone healing and it should be further investigated with the type of solvent or carrier that is used, which both may play a significant role in bone repair induction. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials)
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9 pages, 1892 KiB  
Article
Crystallization Behavior and Morphology of Biodegradable Poly(ε-caprolactone)/Reduced Graphene Oxide Scaffolds
by Esperanza Díaz, Ainhoa Mendivil and Joseba León
Biomimetics 2022, 7(3), 116; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biomimetics7030116 - 24 Aug 2022
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1674
Abstract
Morphology, thermal properties and the non-isothermal melt crystallization kinetics of biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) scaffolds are studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at various cooling rates (5, 10, 15 and 20 °C/min). Thermally induced phase separation was used to manufacture the [...] Read more.
Morphology, thermal properties and the non-isothermal melt crystallization kinetics of biodegradable poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL)/reduced graphene oxide (rGO) scaffolds are studied with differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) at various cooling rates (5, 10, 15 and 20 °C/min). Thermally induced phase separation was used to manufacture the scaffolds (TIPS). The micrographs show a more homogeneous and defined morphology with larger pores and thicker pore walls. The melting temperature (Tm), melting enthalpy (ΔHm), crystallization enthalpy (ΔHc) and degree of crystallinity (Xc) increased with the addition of rGO, suggesting larger and more perfect crystalline structures. The degree of crystallinity increased with the presence of rGO. The crystallization peak shifted to higher temperatures as the rGO concentration increased independently of the cooling rates. The peak shifted to lower temperatures as the cooling rate increased with the same rGO composition. The values of t1/2 (time needed to reach 50% crystallization) were lower for scaffolds with rGO. The values of the crystallization rate coefficient were higher when the porous support contained rGO, which indicates that their crystallization systems are faster. The activation energy obtained with the Kissinger method decreased with the presence of rGO. The results indicate that reduced graphene oxide acts as a nucleating agent in the non-isothermal melt crystallization process. The addition of small quantities of rGO changes their thermal properties with which they can be modified for application in the field of tissue engineering. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials)
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12 pages, 1845 KiB  
Article
Effect of Cellulose–Chitosan Hybrid-Based Encapsulation on the Viability and Stability of Probiotics under Simulated Gastric Transit and in Kefir
by Muhammad Afzaal, Farhan Saeed, Huda Ateeq, Yasir Abbas Shah, Muzzamal Hussain, Ahsan Javed, Ali Ikram, Muhammad Ahtisham Raza, Gulzar Ahmad Nayik, Saleh Alfarraj, Mohammad Javed Ansari and Ioannis K. Karabagias
Biomimetics 2022, 7(3), 109; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biomimetics7030109 - 10 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2247
Abstract
Encapsulation comprises a promising potential for the targeted delivery of entrapped sensitive agents into the food system. A unique combination of cellulose/chitosan (Cl-Ch)-based hybrid wall material was employed to encapsulate L. plantarum by emulsion technique. The developed beads were further subjected to morphological [...] Read more.
Encapsulation comprises a promising potential for the targeted delivery of entrapped sensitive agents into the food system. A unique combination of cellulose/chitosan (Cl-Ch)-based hybrid wall material was employed to encapsulate L. plantarum by emulsion technique. The developed beads were further subjected to morphological and in vitro studies. The viability of free and encapsulated probiotics was also evaluated in kefir during storage. The developed beads presented porous spherical structures with a rough surface. A 1.58 ± 0.02 log CFU/mL, 1.26 ± 0.01 log CFU/mL, and 1.82 ± 0.01 log CFU/mL reduction were noticed for Cl-Ch hybrid cells under simulated gastro-intestinal and thermal conditions, respectively. The encapsulated cells were found to be acidic and thermally resistant compared to the free cells. Similarly, encapsulated probiotics showed better viability in kefir at the end of the storage period compared to free cells. In short, the newly developed Cl-Ch hybrid-based encapsulation has a promising potential for the targeted delivery of probiotics, as career agents, in gastric transit, and in foods. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials)
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18 pages, 4828 KiB  
Article
A New Detergent for the Effective Decellularization of Bovine and Porcine Pericardia
by Martina Todesco, Saima Jalil Imran, Tiago Moderno Fortunato, Deborah Sandrin, Giulia Borile, Filippo Romanato, Martina Casarin, Germana Giuggioli, Fabio Conte, Massimo Marchesan, Gino Gerosa and Andrea Bagno
Biomimetics 2022, 7(3), 104; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/biomimetics7030104 - 1 Aug 2022
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2427
Abstract
Human and animal pericardia are among the most widely exploited materials suitable to repair damaged tissues in the cardiovascular surgery context. Autologous, xenogeneic (chemically treated) and homologous pericardia are largely utilized, but they do exhibit some crucial drawbacks. Any tissue treated with glutaraldehyde [...] Read more.
Human and animal pericardia are among the most widely exploited materials suitable to repair damaged tissues in the cardiovascular surgery context. Autologous, xenogeneic (chemically treated) and homologous pericardia are largely utilized, but they do exhibit some crucial drawbacks. Any tissue treated with glutaraldehyde is known to be prone to calcification in vivo, lacks regeneration potential, has limited durability, and can result in cytotoxicity. Moreover, autologous tissues have limited availability. Decellularized biological tissues represent a promising alternative: decellularization removes cellular and nuclear components from native tissues and makes them suitable for repopulation by autologous cells upon implantation into the body. The present work aims to assess the effects of a new detergent, i.e., Tergitol, for decellularizing bovine and porcine pericardia. The decellularization procedure successfully removed cells, while preserving the histoarchitecture of the extracellular matrix. No cytotoxic effect was observed. Therefore, decellularized pericardia showed potential to be used as scaffold for cardiovascular tissue regeneration. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials)
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