This chapter outlines the role of surface modifications for biomaterials used in tissue engineering, and reviews approaches to creating biomimetic coatings on several types of biomaterial. In the first section, the principles used in preparing non-fouling surfaces with minimized non-specific interactions with proteins are discussed, followed by the creation of biomimetic structures which promote controlled cell-surface interactions. The following sections go on to provide examples of key methods used in relation to specific materials, including polymers, metals and ceramics. Finally, methods for the characterization of coating efficiency are reviewed.
Recent advances in stem cell biology and tissue engineering have paved the way for new therapies for incurable diseases and replacement of tissues and/or organs. These therapies rely on biomaterial mimicking involving niches to control the fate of stem cells and produce stem cell-based tissues. The niches or biomimetic scaffolds can be used for long-term maintenance and lineage-specific differentiation of stem cells. This chapter introduces a method for creation of biomimetic scaffolds. Acellular scaffolds were obtained by removing the cellular components of natural tissues. Then, human stem cells were isolated and cultured on these scaffolds.
This chapter discusses recent developments of injectable biomimetic hydrogel systems found in soft tissue repair applications. It begins by introducing how biomimesis and biomaterials are related, and how tissue repair systems can be considered biomimetic. We introduce hydrogels by discussing their classification, synthesis and applications, then discuss how injectable biomimetic hydrogels have been investigated for use in soft tissue repair. Different approaches to the use of biomimetic hydrogels for soft tissue repair are covered, focusing on synthetic, non-biodegrable polymers. We include so-called conventional polymers and more biomimetic polymers. The chapter concludes with the likely future trends and highlights further reading materials.
Scientific research on tissue regeneration is increasingly becoming the most promising response to a number of disabling pathologies with huge impact on the progressively growing and ageing world population. The biomimicry of scaffolds with the target tissue is now universally considered to be a key requirement to properly instruct cells towards the restoration of physiological functioning. In this respect, the present chapter presents an overview of recent findings on biomimetic materials and devices addressed to bone and osteochondral tissues as well as soft organ regeneration. Particular focus is given to new apatite phases, including the newly discovered superparamagnetic apatite and processes to develop ceramic, polymeric and hybrid regenerative scaffolds.
Naturally occurring gradients have been identified in the natural spinal disk joint. Emulating these gradients within a total joint arthroplasty may allow the motion-moderating function of the disk to be more closely replicated. Biomimetic functionally gradient materials have been developed for providing rigid bone-engaging caudal and coronal bioactive surfaces that transition to a flexible fibrocartilage-like portion. Methods are detailed for forming thermoplastic elastomers, bioactive reinforcement, radially aligned anisotropic composites and functionally graded materials with axial and radial gradients. Employing these methods to the vertebral-interlocking spinal disk design provides a biomimetic approach to reduce risk of hypermobility, stress concentration and implant migration.
A significant proportion of modern medical technology has been developed through biomimetics, which is biologically inspired by studying pre-existing functioning systems in nature. Typical biomimetically inspired biomaterials include nano-biomaterials, smart biomaterials, hybrid biomaterials, nano-biocomposites, hierarchically porous biomaterials and tissue scaffolds. This important book summarises key research in this important field.The book is divided into two parts: Part one is devoted to the biomimetics of biomaterials themselves while part two provides overviews and case studies of tissue engineering applications from a biomimetics' perspective. The book has a strong focus on cutting edge biomimetically inspired biomaterials including chitin, hydrogels, calcium phosphates, biopolymers and anti-thrombotic coatings. Since many scaffolds for skin tissue engineering are biomimetically inspired, the book also has a strong focus on the biomimetics of tissue engineering in the repair of bone, skin, cartilage, soft tissue and specific organs.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Biomimetic biomaterials is a standard reference for both the biomaterials research community and clinicians involved in such areas as bone regeneration, skin tissue and wound repair. - Places strong focus on cutting edge biomimetically-inspired biomaterials including chitin, hydrogels, calcium phosphates, biopolymers and anti-thrombotic coatings - Provides overviews and case studies of tissue engineering applications from a biomimetics perspective - Also places focus on the biomimetics of tissue engineering in the repair of bone, skin, cartilage, soft tissue and specific organs
This chapter investigates the concept of hierarchy widely found in biological materials. First, natural hierarchical materials are explored in terms of their high order structures formed from universal building blocks. Hierarchical arrangement is claimed to give rise to remarkable mechanical properties of biological structures. Therefore at the next step, the significance of hierarchical structuring on mechanical properties is investigated through available analytical models. Finally, fabrication methods which could potentially lead to artificial hierarchical structures are briefly reviewed in the domain of biomimetics.
Chitin is an evolutionarily ancient and fundamental template in biomineralization, commonly found in invertebrate species and biological systems across the globe. The chapter first discusses structural peculiarities of chitin from sponges (Porifera) with regards to its role in both calcification and silicification. It then describes strategies for applications of this unique chitin towards biomedical and technical goals.
Scaffolds are increasingly being used to repair skin lesions, in particular in acute conditions such as burns. Their use in the repair of chronic wounds is less well established, but they offer a potential solution to this debilitating condition. The biomimetic approach of mimicking the structure and function of the dermis via design of scaffolds for soft tissue repair marks a shift from the traditional approach of simple replacement of tissue and has potential to improve healing in chronic wounds. This chapter will focus on a review of the scaffolds currently used for skin repair and examine their utility for repair of chronic wounds.
This book illustrates the influence of biomimetics in the field of tissue engineering and drug delivery. These two distinct fields of regenerative medicine have greatly benefited from the concept of biomimetics, which focuses on using or imitating nature to develop materials for improving human lives. The book begins by highlighting the relevance and recent advances in biomimetic biomaterials. An updated and innovative content has been presented in terms of biomimetic systems that are being utilized in controlled delivery and stem cell therapy. Further, the book reviews the role of these materials in enhanced capacity for drug loading, cellular uptake, and controlled release within the target cells. The book includes advanced techniques for characterizing biomimetic biomaterials and highlights their pivotal role in providing three-dimensional templates and synthetic extracellular matrices.
