Supramolecular hydration structure of graphene-based hydrogels: density functional theory, green chemistry and interface application

• Hon Nhien Le,
• Duy Khanh Nguyen,
• Minh Triet Dang,
• Huyen Trinh Nguyen,
• Thi Bang Tam Dao,
• Trung Do Nguyen,
• Chi Nhan Ha Thuc and
• Van Hieu Le

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 806–822, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.61

• hydrogel in Figure 2a is biomimetic to the natural system of biological cells described in Figure 2b. Hydration shells on GO-SG-ZH nanosheets, particularly the first interfacial water layer, generate hydration forces to maintain intersheet distances and nanoscale structures in the artificial system. The

• shows SEM images of surfaces at the fracture of a GO-SG-ZH/PLA film generated by the tensile measurement. Conclusion Supramolecular graphene-based hydrogels are bioinspired structures which are biomimetic to natural hydration structures of cellular membranes, proteins, and other biomolecules. While

Polyurethane/silk fibroin-based electrospun membranes for wound healing and skin substitute applications

• Iqra Zainab,
• Zohra Naseem,
• Syeda Rubab Batool,
• Muhammad Waqas,
• Ahsan Nazir and
• Muhammad Anwaar Nazeer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 591–612, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.46

• improved osteoblastic differentiation as evidenced by the upregulation of specific osteogenic genes [88]. Zhou et al. improved bone tissue engineering by creating a composite biomimetic scaffold incorporating autologous concentrated growth factor (CGF) to repair bone defects. Freeze drying and chemical

Nanomaterials in targeting amyloid-β oligomers: current advances and future directions for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and therapy

• Shiwani Randhawa,
• Trilok Chand Saini,
• Manik Bathla,
• Rahul Bhardwaj,
• Rubina Dhiman and
• Amitabha Acharya

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 561–580, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.44

• organized the NPs into four primary categories, namely, carbon based nanomaterials (CNMs), metal based NMs, biomimetic NMs and antibody-functionalized NMs. Carbon-based nanomaterials for the detection and inhibition of AβO Recent advances in nanomedicine have spotlighted CNMs because of their remarkable

• oligomerization but also in paving the way for effective therapeutic strategies against NDs. Biomimetic nanomaterials based on cell primitives for targeting AβOs The treatment of AD using conventional pharmacological agents has encountered significant challenges, prompting researchers to explore multifunctional

• nanobiomaterials derived from cell primitives as a promising therapeutic strategy. These biomimetic nanomaterials, comprising components such as cells, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and cell membranes offer several advantages. Their nanoparticulate size facilitates long-term circulation, reduces immune response

Biomimetics and bioinspired surfaces: from nature to theory and applications

• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira,
• Thies H. Büscher,
• Manuela Rebora,
• Poramate Manoonpong,
• Zhendong Dai and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 418–421, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.32

• Journal of Nanotechnology emerged from this fruitful exchange of ideas. The symposium featured a range of topics across biomimetic and bioinspired approaches, as well as the characterization of biological surfaces with properties of technological interest. A significant deal of research focused on

• understanding the biological systems and their potential as inspiration for innovation in producing biomimetic and bioinspired surfaces. Key topics included bioinspired micro- and nanostructured surfaces, and their tribological properties like friction, wear resistance, and adhesion. Discussions also addressed

• the structure–function relationships of these surfaces useful for translational approaches. Further general insights into biological principles and their subsequent transfer into biomimetic engineering are provided in a multiscale biological analysis by Amador et al. [6], ranging from viruses to

Enhancing mechanical properties of chitosan/PVA electrospun nanofibers: a comprehensive review

• Nur Areisman Mohd Salleh,
• Amalina Muhammad Afifi,
• Fathiah Mohamed Zuki and
• Hanna Sofia SalehHudin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 286–307, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.22

• nanofibrous matrix with a chitosan solution to create a biomimetic nanofibrous wound dressing. Electrospinning of chitosan/PVA blend nanofibers has been successfully reported by many researchers. In these studies, two of the most common solvents used to dissolve chitosan and PVA are water and acetic acid [82

Nanocarriers and macrophage interaction: from a potential hurdle to an alternative therapeutic strategy

• Naths Grazia Sukubo,
• Paolo Bigini and
• Annalisa Morelli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 97–118, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.10

• activation of the complement system, due to the accumulation of PEG in the body as a non-biodegradable polymer. Therefore, PEGylation must be carefully considered when designing NC-based therapies [49][50]. A strategy to avoid possible immunoreactions is to mask NPs by marking them as “self” and biomimetic

• examines strategies that position macrophages as direct biological targets of NPs, aiming to modulate their activity as a therapeutic intervention for various pathological conditions, rather than merely using them as biomimetic drug carriers. 5.1 Targeted drug delivery to macrophages As described

Bioinspired nanofilament coatings for scale reduction on steel

• Siad Dahir Ali,
• Mette Heidemann Rasmussen,
• Jacopo Catalano,
• Christian Husum Frederiksen and
• Tobias Weidner

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 25–34, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.3

• calcium carbonate scale at the interface. Conclusion In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of biomimetic approaches to address the industrial challenge of scaling on steel surfaces. By drawing inspiration from the unique water-repelling properties of Collembola skin, we have fabricated

Orientation-dependent photonic bandgaps in gold-dust weevil scales and their titania bioreplicates

• Norma Salvadores Farran,
• Limin Wang,
• Primoz Pirih and
• Bodo D. Wilts

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1–10, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.1

• copolymers [10][11], lithography, or laser etching [12][13], but it can be routinely found in animal integuments. Biomimetic approaches using templates from natural structures offers a possible alternative. The scales of many beetles and weevils contain diamond photonic crystals [14][15][16] that may serve

Biomimetic nanocarriers: integrating natural functions for advanced therapeutic applications

• Hugo Felix Perini,
• Beatriz Sodré Matos,
• Carlo José Freire de Oliveira and
• Marcos Vinicius da Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1619–1626, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.127

• Biomimetic nanocarriers, engineered to mimic the characteristics of native cells, offer a revolutionary approach in the treatment of various complex human diseases. This strategy enhances drug delivery by leveraging the innate properties of cellular components, thereby improving biocompatibility and

• targeting specificity. Biomimetic nanocarriers demonstrate significant advancements in drug delivery systems against cancer therapy, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections such as COVID-19. Here, we address the therapeutic applications of biomimetic nanocarriers and their promising

• this context, biomimetic strategies using natural components emerge as revolutionary tools to overcome these challenges. The utilization of cellular components or parts thereof, such as macromolecules or membranes, can enhance drug delivery and therapeutic efficiency in the human body, representing a

Polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles for phytochemical delivery: challenges, progress, and future prospects

• Iqra Rahat,
• Pooja Yadav,
• Aditi Singhal,
• Mohammad Fareed,
• Jaganathan Raja Purushothaman,
• Mohammed Aslam,
• Raju Balaji,
• Sonali Patil-Shinde and
• Md. Rizwanullah

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1473–1497, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.118

• ., erythrocytes) to develop membrane-camouflaged PLHNPs. These hybrid nanocarriers are also called biomimetic hybrid nanocarriers because their surface chemistry mimics natural cell membranes [57]. The PLHNPs are coated with cell membranes via the extrusion technique. The coating of PLHNPs with red blood cells

A biomimetic approach towards a universal slippery liquid infused surface coating

• Ryan A. Faase,
• Madeleine H. Hummel,
• AnneMarie V. Hasbrook,
• Andrew P. Carpenter and
• Joe E. Baio

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1376–1389, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.111

• Ryan A. Faase Madeleine H. Hummel AnneMarie V. Hasbrook Andrew P. Carpenter Joe E. Baio School of Chemical Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA 10.3762/bjnano.15.111 Abstract One biomimetic approach to surface passivation involves a series of

• to use. These biomimetic surface functionalization steps were confirmed by several complimentary surface analysis techniques. The wettability of each surface was probed with water contact angle measurements, while the chemical composition of the layer was determined by X-ray photoelectron

• omniphobic. Keywords: biocompatibility; biomimetic; blood-contacting; hemocompatibility; non-fouling; Introduction Clot formation and the overall compatibility of artificial materials within the body remains a common complication of blood contacting surfaces [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. A critical hurdle in

Hymenoptera and biomimetic surfaces: insights and innovations

• Vinicius Marques Lopez,
• Carlo Polidori and
• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1333–1352, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.107

• facilitating attachment, penetration of substrates, production of sound, perception of volatiles, and delivery of venoms, among others. These morphological features offer valuable insights for biomimetic and bioinspired technological advancements. Here, we explore the biomimetic potential of hymenopteran body

• and movement to unique features that enhance survival and reproductive success [4]. These adaptations may provide valuable insights for biomimetic and bioinspired technological advancements [1]. Hence, understanding these mechanisms not only sheds light on the evolutionary ingenuity of insects but

• , scientists and engineers can develop innovative materials and devices that mirror the efficiency and functionality of Hymenopteran anatomy. Here we describe the structural adaptations on the surfaces of the body of Hymenoptera (Figure 2) with potential biomimetic applications. By analyzing their unique

Functional morphology of cleaning devices in the damselfly Ischnura elegans (Odonata, Coenagrionidae)

• Silvana Piersanti,
• Gianandrea Salerno,
• Wencke Krings,
• Stanislav Gorb and
• Manuela Rebora

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1260–1272, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.102

• represent a starting point to develop advanced biomimetic cleaning tools. Keywords: antennae; cuticle; eyes; grooming; legs; resilin; Introduction Self-grooming, defined as any behavior related to the maintenance and care of body surfaces, is an innate behavior found across a wide range of animal species

• enhance our understanding of different insect behavior and evolution (e.g., [32] for Mantodea and [26] for Hymenoptera). Moreover, they can represent the starting point to develop useful biomimetic tools [33]. Studies on grooming devices in Paleoptera (Odonata and Ephemeroptera) are scarce. Except for an

Beyond biomimicry – next generation applications of bioinspired adhesives from microfluidics to composites

• Dan Sameoto

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 965–976, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.79

• Dan Sameoto Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Alberta, Edmonton AB, T6G 1H9, Canada 10.3762/bjnano.15.79 Abstract In this perspective article, Professor Dan Sameoto outlines his opinion on future opportunities in the field of biomimetic adhesives. Despite over twenty years of

• try to ask myself: Has what we have achieved with biomimetic adhesives met that criteria? The honest answer at the moment is no, but perhaps it is still possible; even Velcro® took approximately 20 years from invention to wide commercial acceptance. The difficulty with biomimetic adhesives is that

• ] and magnets are much better in terms of reliability and adhesion force than current biomimetic materials but need mating surfaces that are compatible. Traditional fasteners like screws, bolts, and nuts are available for assemblies that do not need to be disconnected frequently but are extremely strong

Investigation on drag reduction on rotating blade surfaces with microtextures

• Qinsong Zhu,
• Chen Zhang,
• Fuhang Yu and
• Yan Xu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 833–853, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.70

• reduction effect of biomimetic microtextures can reduce friction and turbulence pulsation on blade surfaces, thus, improving the aerodynamic performance of blades [14]. The research on drag reduction of microtextures on blade surfaces can be traced back to the 1980s. In 1982, Walsh et al. [15] from NASA

• is worth studying. Chemicals (e.g., polydimethylsiloxane) can quickly replicate biomimetic microstructures, but the operation process is complex, and the soft surfaces are not suitable for surfaces in high-speed flows. Microtextures with different sectional shapes: (a) triangles; (b) trapezoids, and

Antibody-conjugated nanoparticles for target-specific drug delivery of chemotherapeutics

• Mamta Kumari,
• Amitabha Acharya and
• Praveen Thaggikuppe Krishnamurthy

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 912–926, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.75

• or elimination of NP targeting capability by shielding or completely covering relevant functional groups. To block the adhesion of corona proteins on NP surfaces, various strategies have been established using surface barrier layers, such as polymer, protein, or biomimetic coatings, with the ultimate

Biomimetics on the micro- and nanoscale – The 25th anniversary of the lotus effect

• Matthias Mail,
• Kerstin Koch,
• Thomas Speck,
• William M. Megill and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 850–856, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.69

• Research Center, Stefan-Meier-Strasse 21, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany Centre for Biomimetic and Natural Technologies, Faculty of Technology and Bionics, Rhine-Waal University of Applied Sciences, Marie-Curie-Str. 1, D-47533 Kleve, Germany Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of

• Zoology, Christian-Albrechts-University of Kiel, Am Botanischen Garten 1–9, D-24118 Kiel, Germany 10.3762/bjnano.14.69 Keywords: biomimetic surfaces; hydrophobicity; lotus effect; Salvinia effect; superhydrophobicity; wettability; In 1997, Wilhelm Barthlott and Christoph Neinhuis published the paper

• applications. In the last decades, production methods have enabled the transfer of many outstanding properties of the biological archetypes into innovative biomimetic products at reasonable cost. These developments helped to bring the field of biomimetics forward, initially by fostering interest in biomimetic

Nanoarchitectonics to entrap living cells in silica-based systems: encapsulations with yolk–shell and sepiolite nanomaterials

• Celia Martín-Morales,
• Jorge Fernández-Méndez,
• Pilar Aranda and
• Eduardo Ruiz-Hitzky

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 522–534, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.43

• bionanocomposites that display biomimetic and bioinspired characteristics, derived from their biological components (e.g., polysaccharides, proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes and viruses, etc.) and the inorganic network (e.g., silica and silicates, clay minerals and phosphates) [5][6][7][8]. More complex biohybrid

Biocatalytic synthesis and ordered self-assembly of silica nanoparticles via a silica-binding peptide

• Mustafa Gungormus

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 280–290, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.25

• . The results presented here provide a biomimetic route to the single-step synthesis and assembly of SiO2 nanoparticles into colloidal gels or opal-like structures. Keywords: biocatalysis; biomimetics; nanoparticle; peptide; self-assembly; silica; Introduction Ordered structures of nanoparticles have

• uniform particles with increased peptide concentration. The third hypothesis of the study was accepted as the SiBP improved the self-assembly behavior by adhering on the particle surface and reducing the negative surface charge. The results presented here provide a single-step biomimetic route to

Recent progress in cancer cell membrane-based nanoparticles for biomedical applications

• Qixiong Lin,
• Yueyou Peng,
• Yanyan Wen,
• Xiaoqiong Li,
• Donglian Du,
• Weibin Dai,
• Wei Tian and
• Yanfeng Meng

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 262–279, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.24

• strategies for cancer. Toxic side effects and individual differences in response to treatment have further limited the benefits of clinical treatment for patients. Biomimetic cancer cell membrane-based nanotechnology has provided a new approach for biomedicine to overcome these obstacles. Biomimetic

• clinical translation prospects, and the associated challenges are discussed. Keywords: cancer cell biomimetics; nanoparticles; precision medicine; targeted therapy; theranostic nanomedicine; Review 1 Introduction Biomimetic nanotechnology, an emerging interdisciplinary field, involves different

• intended function of the NPs, resulting in changes of biological behavior and loss of function [6][7]. Moreover, the protein corona can accelerate RES/MPS uptake and interfere with the targeting ability of NPs [8]. The biomimetic technique of cell membrane coating, which employs naturally cell-derived

Nanotechnology – a robust tool for fighting the challenges of drug resistance in non-small cell lung cancer

• Filip Gorachinov,
• Fatima Mraiche,
• Diala Alhaj Moustafa,
• Ola Hishari,
• Yomna Ismail,
• Jensa Joseph,
• Maja Simonoska Crcarevska,
• Marija Glavas Dodov,
• Nikola Geskovski and
• Katerina Goracinova

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 240–261, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.23

• expression has not only improved current therapeutic plans for cancer patients but has had an impact on the design approaches of the nanotools for cancer imaging and anticancer drug delivery. In recent years, new platforms to enhance the low tumor targeting capacity of nanomedicines using biomimetic

• targeting efficacy of nanomedicines. Various solutions have been proposed to improve mononuclear phagocytic system (MPS) evasion, extravasation at the tumor site, and diffusion through the dense collagen matrix of the solid tumors. Biomimetic, multifunctional, and multistage targeted nanoscale delivery

• and improved induction of apoptosis [116]. Biomimetic drug delivery systems: The natural tropism of biomimetic materials for improved tissue localization has been proven to be a valuable tool in lung cancer targeting. Anselmo et al. evaluated the cell hitchhiking approach in targeting using red blood

Atmospheric water harvesting using functionalized carbon nanocones

• Fernanda R. Leivas and
• Marcia C. Barbosa

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2023, 14, 1–10, doi:10.3762/bjnano.14.1

• different processes to develop AWH such as condensing and collecting moisture, cooling ambient air below its dew point [10][11], and using chemical and physical processes involving absorption and adsorption [9][12][13]. Many of these mechanisms are inspired by structures found in nature (biomimetic designs

• ), which use hierarchical nano/microstructures to collect water. Some examples are the Trifolium pratense plant, the Cotula fallax cactus, and the Uloborus walckenaerius spider [14][15][16]. Usually, these biomimetic designs have an asymmetrical shape that energetically drives the directional transport of

Dry under water: air retaining properties of large-scale elastomer foils covered with mushroom-shaped surface microstructures

• Matthias Mail,
• Stefan Walheim,
• Thomas Schimmel,
• Wilhelm Barthlott,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Lars Heepe

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1370–1379, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.113

• Holzgerlingen, Germany 10.3762/bjnano.13.113 Abstract Superhydrophobic surfaces are well known for most different functions in plants, animals, and thus for biomimetic technical applications. Beside the Lotus Effect, one of their features with great technical, economic and ecologic potential is the Salvinia

• Notonecta, show long term stable air retention even under hydrodynamic conditions. Therefore, they are ideal models for the development of technical biomimetic air retaining surfaces. Up to now, several prototypes of such surfaces have been developed, but none provides both, stable air retention and cost

• effective large scale production. Meanwhile, a novel biomimetic surface is commercially available and produced on a large scale: an adhesive elastomeric film with mushroom-shaped surface microstructures that mimic the adhesion system of animals. In this study, we show that these films, which have been

Straight roads into nowhere – obvious and not-so-obvious biological models for ferrophobic surfaces

• Wilfried Konrad,
• Christoph Neinhuis and
• Anita Roth-Nebelsick

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1345–1360, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.111

• , Rosenstein 1, D-70191 Stuttgart, Germany 10.3762/bjnano.13.111 Abstract There are currently efforts to improve strategies for biomimetic approaches, to identify pitfalls and to provide recommendations for a successful biomimetic work flow. In this contribution, a case study of a concrete biomimetic project

• obvious biological models are no guarantee for success, and that it is difficult to arrive at a formalised biomimetic working scheme. Rather, a broad understanding of biological function and its complexity is beneficial. Keywords: air-retaining interfaces; bioinspiration; biomimetics; biomimicry; blast

• available. Engineers or other scientists from the applied sciences could benefit greatly from this natural resource by identifying biological “solutions to problems” and developing concepts of subsequent technical transfer. Currently, two classes of biomimetic strategies are practiced. The first one, the

Growing up in a rough world: scaling of frictional adhesion and morphology of the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko)

• Anthony J. Cobos and
• Timothy E. Higham

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1292–1302, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.107

• systems depending on size? Although setal shaft diameter and density do not change in living animals, how does changing these conditions in artificial systems alter function? Not only might this assist with biomimetic initiatives, but it might also help us to understand why these do not occur in living