Advances in Biomimetic Materials

Abstract

Biomimetic materials refer to a category of materials that draw inspiration from the natural world, and mimic the remarkable properties and functionalities found in biological systems. In an effort to showcase advancements in biomimetic materials, we curated a Special Issue titled “Advances in Biomimetic Materials”. This collection features contributions from prominent scientists in the field, comprising 8 reviews and 8 research articles. It offers valuable insights into the latest developments across a wide range of topics, including fabrication strategy, materials, and diverse applications of biomimetic materials in various fields. A significant number of existing synthesis processes and materials exhibit adverse environmental impacts and offer limited control over the size, shape, and phase of the resulting materials. In response to these environmental concerns, Helmut Cölfen et al. (smtd.202300575) report a novel type of mineral plastics by physically cross-linking (poly)glutamic-acid (PGlu) using different alcohol-water mixtures, metal ion ratios, and molecular weights. The resulting PGlu/CaFe mineral plastics are bio-based and biodegradable. They contain nitrogen, calcium, and iron to support the growth of microorganisms and expedite the biodegradation process. Taking inspiration from the natural high-magnesium calcite (HMC) in biological materials, Shu-Hong Yu et al. (smtd.202300236) devise a practical approach to fabricate fluffy dumbbell-shaped HMC with a large specific surface area, which greatly enhances their ability to reduce the chemical oxygen demand in lake water contaminated by organic substances. Further, David Kisailus et al. (smtd.202301227) present a comprehensive review on the advancements and possibilities of bio-inspired approaches for creating functional materials that cater to environmental applications. The authors also discuss the obstacles and potential opportunities associated with the development of sustainable and efficient processes and technologies in this domain. Nature is abundant with extraordinary hierarchical materials that offer valuable inspiration to the development of artificial substances. Biological macroporous materials, such as plant stems and animal bones, exhibit remarkable properties through the precisely organized architecture created from a limited number of components. Hao Bai et al. (smtd.202300213) review the assembly of MXene through ice-templating techniques for macroporous materials. The freezing processes and potential mechanisms are analyzed, and the diverse applications of bioinspired MXene-based materials are exemplified. Inspired by biological ion channels, a wide range of artificial subnano channels with enhanced ion selectivity and permeability have been recently developed showing great potential in efficient separation, energy conversion, and biosensing. Huacheng Zhang et al. (smtd.202300278) summarize various methods for fabricating subnanofluidics pores, channels, tubes, and slits, and the functionalization techniques of subnanochannels through the incorporation of functional groups. Takashi Kato et al. (smtd.202300353) successfully synthesize ordered and nanoporous structures of zinc oxide materials in two and one dimensions by the conversion of liquid-crystalline zinc hydroxide carbonate (ZHC) nanoplates, which are obtained by a biomineralization-inspired method. Shutao Wang et al. (smtd.202300531) present the synthesis of nanofractal magnetic particles (nanoFMPs) using a mediator monomer-regulated emulsion interfacial polymerization to mimic the morphologies of immune cells. These nanoFMPs exhibit efficient performance in nucleic acid separation. Wenlong Song et al. (smtd.202300753) provide an overview of the underlying principles behind the formation of bioinspired supramolecular hydrogels through non-covalent interactions, further discuss the dynamic assembly or disassembly of these hydrogels under stimuli, and exemplify their applications in relation to