Biomimetic Nanomaterials: Diversity, Technology, and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Biomimetic nanomaterials (BNMs) are functional materials containing nanoscale components and having structural and technological similarities to natural (biogenic) prototypes. Despite the fact that biomimetic approaches in materials technology have been used since the second half of the 20th century, BNMs are still at the forefront of materials science. This review considered a general classification of such nanomaterials according to the characteristic features of natural analogues that are reproduced in the preparation of BNMs, including biomimetic structure, biomimetic synthesis, and the inclusion of biogenic components. BNMs containing magnetic, metal, or metal oxide organic and ceramic structural elements (including their various combinations) were considered separately. The BNMs under consideration were analyzed according to the declared areas of application, which included tooth and bone reconstruction, magnetic and infrared hyperthermia, chemo- and immunotherapy, the development of new drugs for targeted therapy, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory therapy, and bioimaging. In conclusion, the authors’ point of view is given about the prospects for the development of this scientific area associated with the use of native, genetically modified, or completely artificial phospholipid membranes, which allow combining the physicochemical and biological properties of biogenic prototypes with high biocompatibility, economic availability, and scalability of fully synthetic nanomaterials.

Implications of biomimetic nanocarriers in targeted drug delivery

“…The biocompatibility of the biomimetic NPs synthesized through different methods from various sources must be clarified before clinical translation ( 27 , 80 , 81 ). Even though CM-coated NPs eliminate problems associated with conventional free drugs and nanocarriers, such as the administration of free therapeutic molecules.…”

Cell membrane-coated nanoparticles: An emerging antibacterial platform for pathogens of food animals

“…The synthesis of biomimetic nanoparticles combines the properties and specifications of cell membranes (external surface) and nanoparticles (core) ( 55 , 56 ). This new emerging cell membranes coating technology allows the designing of biomimetic nanotransporters with covering surfaces which may directly imitate complicated functionalities of the cells, needed to have precise physiological interaction with other living cells and tissues ( 57 , 58 ).…”

“…Biomimetic manufacturing of nanoparticles is a successful and rapidly developing field of nanotechnology ( 58 ). Depicting the concept of specific attachment sites and translocation protocols by pathogenic bacteria and host mammalian cells, the biomimetic nanoparticles showed several pharmacological functions like improved accumulation at site of infection/inflammation ( 78 ), efficient drug delivery to the target ( 79 , 80 ), prolonged duration of circulation ( 81 ), and eliminate off-target adverse effects in the healthy host tissues ( 82 ).…”

Biomimetic gold nanomaterials for biosensing, bioimaging and biotherapy: a mini-review

“…1 Compared with other chemical and physical synthetic methods, biomimetic synthesis usually does not require redundant ligands, solvents, and reducing/oxidizing agents and can realize the synthesis and applications of nanomaterials under mild conditions with the assistance of biological substances. 2 Previous studies have indicated that the biomimetic synthesis of metal nanoparticles (NPs) can be realized by some methods, including templated synthesis, seedmediated synthesis, biomineralization, biometallization, and target anchoring. [3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10] For instance, Ruan et al reported the synthesis of platinum nanoparticles (PtNPs) with peptide templates, which can further be used as nucleation sites for the formation of Pt nanowires at room temperature without the use of additional reagents.…”

“…1 Compared with other chemical and physical synthetic methods, biomimetic synthesis usually does not require redundant ligands, solvents, and reducing/oxidizing agents and can realize the synthesis and applications of nanomaterials under mild conditions with the assistance of biological substances. 2…”