Self-assembled hierarchically structured organic–inorganic composite systems

Abstract

Designing bio-inspired, multifunctional organic-inorganic composite materials is one of the most popular current research objectives. Due to the high complexity of biocomposite structures found in nacre and bone, for example, a one-pot scalable and versatile synthesis approach addressing structural key features of biominerals and affording bio-inspired, multifunctional organic-inorganic composites with advanced physical properties is highly challenging. This article reviews recent progress in synthesizing organic-inorganic composite materials via various self-assembly techniques and in this context highlights a recently developed bio-inspired synthesis concept for the fabrication of hierarchically structured, organic-inorganic composite materials. This one-step self-organization concept based on simultaneous liquid crystal formation of anisotropic inorganic nanoparticles and a functional liquid crystalline polymer turned out to be simple, fast, scalable and versatile, leading to various (multi-)functional composite materials, which exhibit hierarchical structuring over several length scales. Consequently, this synthesis approach is relevant for further progress and scientific breakthrough in the research field of bio-inspired and biomimetic materials.Creating new, technologically relevant materials with a broad range of potential applications in materials science and the life sciences is a central goal for materials syntheses. Within this area, the fabrication of bio-inspired organic-inorganic composite materials has become increasingly popular

Surface-Potential-Controlled Cell Proliferation and Collagen Mineralization on Electrospun Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF) Fiber Scaffolds for Bone Regeneration

“…30 In bone regeneration, the sufficient adherence and anchoring of cell to scaffolds generates the extracellular matrix ECM conditions to promote osteointegration and new bone formation by the mineralization of collagen produced by cells. The mineralization process 31 should lead finally to hydroxyapatite (HA) formation preceded by accumulation of calcium and phosphate ions. 32 The early osteogenic responses include the formation of amorphous calcium phosphate and carbonated apatite in the first few days of cell culture and transient mineral phase such as octa calcium phosphate more than 2 days later.…”

Mineral self-organization on a lifeless planet

“…Such an effect is thought to be so conspicuous that it has even been proposed as a way to detect life elsewhere [51]. All these studies are strengthening our understanding of the way biomineral structures form and how we can use that knowledge in the design and fabrication of advanced nano-materials [52][53][54].…”

Liquid-crystalline nanoarchitectures for tissue engineering

“…3D self-organization and self-assembly of biocompatible LC structures satisfy essential characteristics required for tissue engineering materials and devices, coupled with microscale and nanoscale biotechnologies [ 79 – 80 ]. Complex formations of biomimectic patterns [ 81 ], based on the LC organization, can be utilized for engineering soft connective tissues [ 66 ], mineralized and calcifying hard tissues [ 82 – 83 ], and tissue-resembling composites and materials [ 84 ]. As shown in Table 1 , the potential clinical applications of LC biomaterials include the regeneration of (1) acellular tissue such as bones, teeth (dentine and enamel), and cornea, (2) cell-ECM complexes such as spinal cords, tendons, and skin layers, and (3) cellular tissue such as blood vessels and peripheral nerves.…”