Perspective Chapter: Biomimetics – Bio-Inspired Tissular Engineering for Regenerative Oral, Dental and Cranio-Maxillo-Facial Solutions

Abstract

This chapter introduces the scope of the book—bioMIMETICS can be described as an innovative form of technology that imitates (or mimics) nature in order to improve human lives via creating desirable solutions. It is the study of nature and natural phenomena, principles, and underlying mechanisms, to obtain bio-inspired that may benefit various applied scientific and technological disciplines. Smart/Intelligent nano-bioMaterials for Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine are a fine example. Yet, biomimicry can go above and beyond the simplistic inspiration and use of natural properties as the basis for innovation of new products. It bridges the gap between the lab and the industry, via the intra-disciplinary design and formulation of functional solutions combining knowledge, methods, techniques, and advances in the fields of chemistry, biology, architecture, engineering, medicine, pharmaceutics, dentistry, and biomedical engineering. Three-Dimensional Printing, Hybrid nanoCoatings, and Stimuli-sensitive and -responsive Cell/Drug Delivery Systems, and Robotics are some of the topics covered in this new book. In this first chapter, a general overview of bio-inspired materials, technologies, and strategies, collectively known as “bioMiMETICS,” is presented to bridge the gap between the laboratory “bench-top” and translational application, particularly, the clinic or “bed-/chair-side,” with a focus on “REGENERATIVE DENTISTRY” and the “CRANIO-MAXILLO-FACIAL bio-COMPLEX.”