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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Biomimetics, in general terms, aims at understanding biological principles and applying them for the development of man-made tools and technologies. This approach is particularly important for the purposeful design of passive as well as functional biomaterials that mimic physicochemical, mechanical and biological properties of natural materials, making them suitable, for example, for biomedical devices or as scaffolds for tissue regeneration. The book comprehensively covers biomimetic approaches to the development of biomaterials, including: an overview of naturally occurring or nature inspired biomaterials; an in-depth treatment of the surface aspects pivotal for the functionality; synthesis and self-assembly methods to prepare devices to be used in mineralized tissues such as bone and teeth; and preparation of biomaterials for the controlled/ sustained release of bioactive agents. The last part reviews the applications of bioinspired materials and principles of design in regenerative medicine such as in-situ grown bone or cartilage as well as the biomimetic techniques for soft tissue engineering. The comprehensive scope of this book makes it a must-have addition to the bookshelf of everyone in the fields of Materials Science/Engineering, Nanotechnologies / Nanosciences, Medical Sciences, Biochemistry, Polymer Chemistry, and Biomedical Engineering.

The interaction between cells, tissues and biomaterial surfaces are the highlights of the book "Advances in Biomimetics". In this regard the effect of nanostructures and nanotopographies and their effect on the development of a new generation of biomaterials including advanced multifunctional scaffolds for tissue engineering are discussed. The 2 volumes contain articles that cover a wide spectrum of subject matter such as different aspects of the development of scaffolds and coatings with enhanced performance and bioactivity, including investigations of material surface-cell interactions.

A collection of articles from the Advances in Biomedical and Biomimetic Materials symposium give insight into advances in biomedical and biomimetic materials. These selected articles cover such topics as scaffolds for tissue engineering, bioceramics, biomimetic materials, nanoparticles for medical diagnosis and treatment, and novel materials for drug delivery and biosensing.

Detailing techniques in wound healing and reconstruction, this reference describes the mechanisms and architecture of biological systems to formulate and design natural and synthetic compounds, degradable and non-degradable scaffolds, and targeted drug delivery devices. It offers strategies to control adhesive interactions, elicit specific cellular responses, and improve the biocompatibility, performance, and durability of prosthetic materials. Covering advances in the field, the book discusses the effect of topographical features on cell behaviors such as orientation, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and differentation.