Submit to Biomimetics Review for Biomimetics Propose a Special Issue

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024

Special Issue Editors
Special Issue Information
Keywords
Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue
Related Special Issue
Published Papers

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetics of Materials and Structures".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (15 January 2025) | Viewed by 11189

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Florian Ion Tiberiu Petrescu

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor

Theory of Mechanisms and Robots Department, Faculty of Industrial Engineering and Robotics, National University of Science and Technology Polytechnic Bucharest, 060042 Bucharest, Romania
Interests: machines; bioengineering; nuclear power; materials science
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Natural or synthetic biomaterials are used in medical applications to support, enhance or replace damaged tissue or a biological function. The first historical use of biomaterials dates to antiquity, when ancient Egyptians used sutures made from animal sinew.

A biomaterial is now defined as a substance engineered to take a form that, alone or as part of a complex system, is used to direct the course of any therapeutic or diagnostic procedure via the control of interactions with components of living systems. The aim of this Special Issue is to provide a peer-reviewed forum for the publication of original papers and authoritative review and opinion papers discussing the most important issues facing the use of biomaterials in clinical practice. The scope of this Special Issue covers a wide range of physical, biological and chemical sciences that underpin the design of biomaterials and the clinical disciplines in which they are used. These sciences include polymer synthesis and characterization, drug and gene vector design, the biology of the host response, immunology and toxicology, and self-assembly at the nanoscale. Clinical applications include medical technology and regenerative medicine therapies in all clinical disciplines, as well as diagnostic systems that rely on innovative contrast and sensing agents.

A biocomposite is a composite material formed by a matrix (resin) and a reinforcement of natural fibers. Environmental concerns and the cost of synthetic fibers have led to the foundation of using natural fiber as a reinforcement in polymeric composites. The matrix phase is formed by polymers derived from renewable and nonrenewable resources. The matrix is important as it protects the fibers from environmental degradation and mechanical damage, holds the fibers together and transfers the loads on them. In addition, fibers are the principal components of biocomposites, which are derived from biological origins, for example, fibers from crops (cotton, flax, or hemp), recycled wood, wastepaper, crop processing byproducts or regenerated cellulose fiber (viscose/rayon). The interest in biocomposites is rapidly growing in terms of industrial applications (automobiles, railway coaches, aerospace, military applications, construction and packaging) and fundamental research due to its great benefits (renewable, cheap, recyclable, and biodegradable). Biocomposites can be used alone or as a complement to standard materials, such as carbon fiber. Advocates of biocomposites state that the use of these materials improves health and safety in their production, as they are lighter in weight, have a visual appeal similar to that of wood and are environmentally superior.

Biopolymers are organic substances present in natural sources. The term biopolymer originates from the Greek words bio and polymer, representing nature and living organisms, respectively. Large macromolecules made up of numerous repeating units are known as biopolymers.

Dr. Florian Ion Tiberiu Petrescu
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomimetics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

biomaterials
biocomposites
biopolymers
macromolecules
medical applications
self-assembly
synthetic fibers
industrial applications

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Ease of navigation: Grouping papers by topic helps scholars navigate broad scope journals more efficiently.
Greater discoverability: Special Issues support the reach and impact of scientific research. Articles in Special Issues are more discoverable and cited more frequently.
Expansion of research network: Special Issues facilitate connections among authors, fostering scientific collaborations.
External promotion: Articles in Special Issues are often promoted through the journal's social media, increasing their visibility.
e-Book format: Special Issues with more than 10 articles can be published as dedicated e-books, ensuring wide and rapid dissemination.

Further information on MDPI's Special Issue polices can be found here.

Related Special Issue

Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2025 in Biomimetics

Published Papers (9 papers)

Download All Papers

Order results

Result details

Show export options Show export options

Select all

Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

31 pages, 4220 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Improving the Long-Term Mechanical Properties of Thermoplastic Short Natural Fiber Compounds by Using Alternative Matrices

by Renato Lemos Cosse, Tobias van der Most, Vincent S. D. Voet, Rudy Folkersma and Katja Loos

Biomimetics 2025, 10(1), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10010046 - 13 Jan 2025

Viewed by 650

Abstract

Wood plastic composites (WPCs) offer a means to reduce the carbon footprint by incorporating natural fibers to enhance the mechanical properties. However, there is limited information on the mechanical properties of these materials under hostile conditions. This study evaluated composites of polypropylene (PP), polystyrene (PS), and polylactic acid (PLA) processed via extrusion and injection molding. Tests were conducted on tensile and flexural strength and modulus, heat deflection temperature (HDT), and creep analysis under varying relative humidity conditions (10% and 90%) and water immersion, followed by freeze—thaw cycles. The addition of fibers generally improved the mechanical properties but increased water absorption. HDT and creep were dependent on the crystallinity of the composites. PLA and PS demonstrated a superior overall performance, except for their impact properties, where PP was slightly better than PLA. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 5737 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Growth Propagation of Liquid Spawn on Non-Woven Hemp Mats to Inform Digital Biofabrication of Mycelium-Based Composites

by Andreas Biront, Mart Sillen, Patrick Van Dijck and Jan Wurm

Biomimetics 2025, 10(1), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10010033 - 8 Jan 2025

Viewed by 646

Abstract

Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are highly valued for their ability to transform low-value organic materials into sustainable building materials, offering significant potential for decarbonizing the construction sector. The properties of MBCs are influenced by factors such as the mycelium species, substrate materials, fabrication growth parameters, and post-processing. Traditional fabrication methods involve combining grain spawn with loose substrates in a mold to achieve specific single functional properties, such as strength, acoustic absorption, or thermal insulation. However, recent advancements have focused on digital biofabrication to optimize MBC properties and expand their application scope. Despite these developments, existing research predominantly explores the use of grain spawn inoculation, with little focus on liquid spawn. Liquid spawn, however, holds significant potential, particularly in digital biofabrication, due to its ease of deposition and greater precision compared with grains. This paper, part of a digital biofabrication framework, investigates the growth kinetics of Ganoderma lucidum and Pleurotus ostreatus on hemp non-woven mats, offering flexibility and mold-free fabrication using liquid inoculation. By integrating mycelium growth kinetics into digital biofabricated materials, researchers can develop more sustainable, efficient, and specialized solutions using fewer resources, enhancing the adaptability and functionality of MBCs. The experiment involved pre-cultivating P. ostreatus and G. lucidum in yeast peptone dextrose (YPD) and complete yeast media (CYM) under static (ST) and shaking (SH) conditions. Four dilutions (1:10, 1:2, 1:1, and 2:1) were prepared and analyzed through imagery to assess growth kinetics. Results showed that lower dilutions promoted faster growth with full coverage, while higher dilutions offered slower growth with partial coverage. SH conditions resulted in slightly higher coverage and faster growth. To optimize the control of material properties within the digital biofabrication system, it is recommended to use CYM ST for P. ostreatus and YPD SH for G. lucidum, as their growth curves show clear separation between dilutions, reflecting distinct growth efficiencies and speeds that can be selected for desired outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

14 pages, 2614 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Eco-Friendly Hydrogels Loading Polyphenols-Composed Biomimetic Micelles for Topical Administration of Resveratrol and Rutin

by Beatriz N. Guedes, Tatiana Andreani, M. Beatriz P. P. Oliveira, Faezeh Fathi and Eliana B. Souto

Biomimetics 2025, 10(1), 8; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10010008 - 27 Dec 2024

Viewed by 513

Abstract

In this study, we describe the development of hydrogel formulations composed of micelles loading two natural antioxidants—resveratrol and rutin—and the evaluation of the effect of a by-product on the rheological and textural properties of the developed semi-solids. This approach aims to associate the advantages of hydrogels for topical administration of drugs and of lipid micelles that mimic skin composition for the delivery of poorly water-soluble compounds in combination therapy. Biomimetic micelles composed of L-α-phosphatidylcholine loaded with two distinct polyphenols (one non-flavonoid and one flavonoid) were produced using hot shear homogenisation followed by the ultrasonication method. All developed micelles were dispersed in a carbomer 940-based hydrogel to obtain three distinct semi-solid formulations, which were then characterised by analysing the thermal, rheological and textural properties. Olive pomace-based hydrogels were also produced to contain the same micelles as an alternative to respond to the needs of zero waste and circular economy. The thermograms showed no changes in the typical profiles of micelles when loaded into the hydrogels. The rheological analysis confirmed that the produced hydrogels achieved the ideal properties of a semi-solid product for topical administration. The viscosity values of the hydrogels loaded with olive pomace (hydrogels A) proved to be lower than the hydrogels without olive pomace (hydrogels B), with this ingredient having a considerable effect in reducing the viscosity of the final formulation, yet without compromising the firmness and cohesiveness of the gels. The texture analysis of both hydrogels A and B also exhibited the typical behaviour expected of a semi-solid system. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 6321 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sodium Alginate–Starch Capsules for Enhanced Stability of Metformin in Simulated Gastrointestinal Fluids

by Roxana Gheorghita, Ioan-Ovidiu Sirbu, Andrei Lobiuc and Mihai Covasa

Biomimetics 2024, 9(11), 716; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9110716 - 20 Nov 2024

Viewed by 989

Abstract

The use of biopolymers in pharmaceuticals is well established, particularly for encapsulating biologically active compounds due to their beneficial properties. Alginate, widely recognized for its excellent encapsulation abilities, is the most commonly used biopolymer, while starch, typically known as insoluble dietary fiber, also serves as an effective agent for trapping and protecting compounds during processing, storage, and gastrointestinal transit. Sodium alginate–starch capsules with varying compositions were analyzed to develop metformin hydrochloride (MET) containing capsules with adequate physicochemical properties. In vitro testing with simulated gastrointestinal fluids showed that after 1 h, capsules with equal amounts of alginate and starch had a higher swelling ratio and better drug release behavior, despite lower MET entrapment efficiency compared to other formulations. Microstructural analysis revealed stability in simulated gastric fluids and solubility in simulated intestinal fluids, key factors in drug development. The results suggest that these biopolymeric compositions are highly resistant to gastric fluids and minimally soluble in the intestines, making them suitable for extended drug release. This research evaluates key technological parameters of a cost-effective encapsulation method for the controlled release of active substances, providing a versatile solution for pharmaceutical and biomedical applications. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

23 pages, 7204 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Extraction, Isolation, Identification, and Characterization of Anthocyanin from Banana Inflorescence by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectroscopy and Its pH Sensitivity

by Nuwanthi Senevirathna, Morteza Hassanpour, Ian O’Hara and Azharul Karim

Biomimetics 2024, 9(11), 702; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9110702 - 15 Nov 2024

Viewed by 1244

Abstract

Anthocyanin is an important flavonoid with antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory properties. This research investigates the anthocyanin content of Cavendish banana inflorescence, a by-product often discarded as agricultural waste. The study employs two drying methods, namely oven-drying and freeze-drying, followed by accelerated solvent extraction using acidified water and methanol. Liquid chromatography-mass spectroscopy (LC-MS) results confirm banana inflorescence as a rich source of anthocyanins. According to LC-MS analysis, freeze-dried banana inflorescence extracted in methanol at 80 °C exhibits the highest anthocyanin content (130.01 mg/100 g). This sample also demonstrates superior characteristics, including a chroma value of 40.02 ± 0.01, a redness value of 38.09 ± 0.16, 18.46 ± 0.02 °Brix, a total phenolic content of 42.5 ± 1.00 mg/g, expressed as gallic acid equivalents, and a total antioxidant activity of 71.33 ± 0.08% when assessed with the DPPH method. Furthermore, the study identifies the predominant anthocyanin as cyanidin, along with the presence of other anthocyanins such as delphinidin (Dp), malvidin (Mv), petunidin (Pt), pelargonidin (Pg), and peonidin (Pn). Interestingly, the extracted anthocyanins demonstrate pH sensitivity, changing from red to brown as pH increases. These findings highlight the potential of utilizing Cavendish banana inflorescence for anthocyanin extraction, offering sustainable waste valorization methods with promising applications in biomimetics and bioinspiration fields. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

16 pages, 3835 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Isolation and Characterization of Nanocellulose from Polypodiophyta Fern Using Chemo-Mechanical Method

by Katja Vasić, Monika Dokl, Željko Knez and Maja Leitgeb

Biomimetics 2024, 9(10), 624; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9100624 - 14 Oct 2024

Viewed by 1055

Abstract

Nanocellulose is considered a promising and sustainable biomaterial, with excellent properties of biorenewability with improved mechanical properties. As a unique natural biopolymer, it has been applied to many different industries, where efficient and environmentally friendly productions are in demand. For the first time, ferns from the class Polypodiopsida were used for the isolation of cellulose fibers, which was performed using a chemo-mechanical method. As chemical treatment plays a crucial role in the isolation of nanocellulose, it affects the efficiency of the extraction process, as well as the properties of the resulting nanocellulose. Therefore, mechanical fibrillation was performed via grinding, while the chemical process consisted of three different treatments: alkali treatment, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis. In three different experiments, each treatment was separately prolonged to investigate the differing properties of isolated nanocellulose. Structural analysis and morphological analysis were investigated by SEM, EDS, FT-IR, and DLS. The thermal stability of cellulose fibers was investigated by TGA/DSC. The morphology of obtained nanocellulose was confirmed via SEM analysis for all samples, with particles ranging from 20 nm up to 600 nm, while the most consistent sizes were observed for NC3, ranging from 20 to 60 nm. FT-IR spectra showed prominent absorption peaks corresponding to cellulose, as well as the absence of absorption peaks, corresponding to lignin and hemicellulose. The EDS confirmed the elemental purity of nanocellulose, while TGA/DSC indicated higher thermal stability of nanocellulose, compared to untreated fern, which started to degrade earlier than nanocellulose. Such characteristics with unique properties make nanocellulose a versatile biomaterial for the industrial production of cellulosic materials. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

17 pages, 3193 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomimetic Studies on the Antimicrobial Activity of Some Biocides Based on Garlic and Lavender in Surface Waters

by Mădălina Grinzeanu, Oanamari Daniela Orbuleț, Annette Madelene Dăncilă, Constantin Bobirică, Cristina Modrogan, Liliana Bobirică and Mădălina Andreea Pandele

Biomimetics 2024, 9(10), 591; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9100591 - 29 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1043

Abstract

For a given aquatic ecosystem that will be used as a water source, it is necessary to establish the quality of the water from a microbiological point of view by identifying the pathogens present in the water. The aim of this study was to determine and analyze the antimicrobial activity of some biocides derived from garlic (garlic–methanol extract) and lavender (lavender–water extract). Their efficiency was evaluated at different concentrations and contact times. Initially, through specific laboratory analyses, the microbiological characteristics of the river were determined. Biomimetic studies on the antimicrobial activity of biocides based on garlic and lavender in surface waters involved detailed exploration of how the natural antimicrobial properties of these plants can be effectively utilized to treat water contaminated with harmful microorganisms. Both the contact time and the amount of biocide used have a significant effect on the microorganisms of interest. Thus, to describe the degradation rate of coliform bacteria, a pseudo-first-order and zero-order kinetic model was used,

r = - (d N / d t) = k_{o b s} \cdot t

şi

r_{0} = k_{o b s} \cdot N_{0} = k_{0}

, where r is the rate of degradation of microorganisms (CFU/min), N₀ is the initial number of microorganisms in the aqueous solution (colony-forming unit, CFU), N is the final number of microorganisms after a contact time t (CFU), k_obs is the pseudo-first-order rate constant (min⁻¹), t is the contact time (min), r₀ is the initial rate of degradation of microorganisms (CFU/min), and k₀ is the pseudo-rate constant zero order (min⁻¹). Following 60 min of treatment with 1 mL of lavender-water biocide, the inhibition rate of pathogenic microorganisms in the water reached 59.09%, whereas, under the same conditions, the garlic–methanol biocide achieved an inhibition rate of 40.86%. This study confirms the antimicrobial activity of both lavender and garlic biocides, highlighting their potential in mitigating water pollution caused by pathogens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024)

► Show Figures

Graphical abstract

16 pages, 2780 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Roles of Polymer Concentration and Ionic Strength in the Deposition of Chitosan of Fungal Origin onto Negatively Charged Surfaces

by María Ormeño-Martínez, Eduardo Guzmán, Laura Fernández-Peña, Andrew J. Greaves, Lionel Bureau, Francisco Ortega, Ramón G. Rubio and Gustavo S. Luengo

Biomimetics 2024, 9(9), 534; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9090534 - 4 Sep 2024

Viewed by 1156

Abstract

This study examines the potential of fungal chitosan derived from Aspergillus niger as a sustainable alternative to traditional petrochemical-based ingredients in cosmetic products. Specifically, the research examines the solubility of fungal chitosan in aqueous solutions of varying ionic strength and its adsorption onto negatively charged surfaces that mimic human hair keratin. The adsorption behavior, water content, and frictional properties of chitosan films were evaluated using a quartz crystal microbalance with dissipation monitoring and a surface force apparatus (SFA). The findings indicated that fungal chitosan exhibits good solubility at a pH of 4.5. Conversely, the adsorption of chitosan is subject to the influence of both polymer concentration and ionic strength. At the lowest ionic strengths, a screening-enhanced adsorption process occurs as a consequence of the reduction in chitosan solubility in the presence of salt. This results in the depletion of polymer chains from the solution and their subsequent deposition. An increase in ionic strength above 15–20 mM results in a worsening of the chitosan–surface interaction, due to the simultaneous screening of both the chitosan and the surface charges. This results in a hindrance to the adsorption process. The deposited films are highly hydrated, and this hydration increases with both polymer concentration and ionic strength. Furthermore, the films exhibit a predominantly elastic behavior, and the response of the films under shear deformations shows a strong dependence on the polymer concentration. These findings contribute to the development of environmentally friendly cosmetic formulations that meet consumer demands for sustainability. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024)

► Show Figures

Figure 1

24 pages, 11842 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of a Regression Model for Creating Surface Microgeometry after Machining Zirconia YML Used for Dental Application

by Ján Duplák, Samuel Mikuláško, Darina Dupláková, Maryna Yeromina and Rastislav Kaščák

Biomimetics 2024, 9(8), 473; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9080473 - 5 Aug 2024

Viewed by 1136

Abstract

This article focuses on research in the machining of zirconia crowns for dental implants. Its goal is to find the most suitable cutting parameters that significantly affect the final surface roughness of the crowns for dental implants. This study conducts investigations and experiments to specify the cutting parameters that achieve the optimal surface roughness of zirconia crowns for dental implants. The experiments were designed to precisely determine the cutting parameters that influence the surface roughness of zirconia crowns. The results of this study provide important insights for improving the manufacturing process of zirconia crowns with the specified most suitable cutting parameters. This research contributes to the enhancement of zirconia crown manufacturing techniques and the improvement in the quality and effectiveness of dental implants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024)

► Show Figures

Journal Menu

Journal Browser

Advances in Biomaterials, Biocomposites and Biopolymers 2024

Share This Special Issue

Special Issue Editor

Special Issue Information

Keywords

Benefits of Publishing in a Special Issue

Related Special Issue

Published Papers (9 papers)

Research

Further Information

Guidelines

MDPI Initiatives

Follow MDPI