Micro- and nanoscale effects in biological and bioinspired materials and surfaces

• Thies H. Büscher,
• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira,
• Manuela Rebora and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 214–217, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.14

• interdisciplinary forum for exploring emerging trends related to biological and bioinspired surfaces. The topics covered ranged across various aspects of biomimetic research from characterization of biological functions to bioinspired technical applications, with central themes including micro- and nanostructured

• bioinspired surfaces and their tribological characteristics (friction, wear resistance, and adhesion), as well as self-cleaning and optical properties, underscoring the overarching aim of the symposium to integrate biological phenomena and materials science towards biomimetic approaches. The fruitful

• ] provided insights into biological plant materials combining experiments with simulations that provide inspiration for biomimetic actuators. For animals, Jain et al. [20] applied a multiscale computational model to gain detailed insights into the molecular and mechanical behavior of gecko setae during

From shield to spear: Charge-reversible nanocarriers in overcoming cancer therapy barriers

• Madhuri Yeduvaka,
• Pooja Mittal,
• Ameer Boyalakuntla,
• Usman Bee Shaik,
• Himanshu Sharma,
• Thakur Gurjeet Singh,
• Siva Nageswara Rao Gajula and
• Lakshmi Vineela Nalla

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2026, 17, 159–175, doi:10.3762/bjnano.17.10

• et al. developed a dual immune checkpoint-inhibiting nanocarrier, aLS@VpNPs, which is cloaked with triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell membranes and incorporates anti-LAG3 and Siglec10 proteins. This biomimetic design enhances tumour targeting and biocompatibility. Moreover, the nanocarrier is

• cells and macrophages, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC [89]. In a similar approach, Yang et al. designed biomimetic nanovaccines targeting the CXCR4 receptor, incorporating ROS-responsive cores to simultaneously deliver STING agonists and tumour-associated antigens to dendritic cells

Optical bio/chemical sensors for vitamin B₁₂ analysis in food and pharmaceuticals: state of the art, challenges, and future outlooks

• Seyed Mohammad Taghi Gharibzahedi and
• Zeynep Altintas

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2207–2244, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.153

Molecular and mechanical insights into gecko seta adhesion: multiscale simulations combining molecular dynamics and the finite element method

• Yash Jain,
• Saeed Norouzi,
• Tobias Materzok,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Florian Müller-Plathe

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 2055–2076, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.141

• structures on their feet [1][2]. This bioadhesion mechanism has been studied extensively, especially for biomimetic adhesive applications [3][4][5][6][7][8][9]. Understanding these interactions presents a formidable challenge in biophysics and materials science due to the extremely small length and time

The cement of the tube-dwelling polychaete Sabellaria alveolata: a complex composite adhesive material

• Emilie Duthoo,
• Aurélie Lambert,
• Pierre Becker,
• Carla Pugliese,
• Jean-Marc Baele,
• Arnaud Delfairière,
• Matthew J. Harrington and
• Patrick Flammang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1998–2014, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.138

• of inspiration for developing biomimetic adhesives. However, a thorough understanding of their composition and operating mechanism is essential for advancing such applications. Sabellariid tubeworms are model organisms in bioadhesion research, and their adhesive system has been characterized in

Exploring the potential of polymers: advancements in oral nanocarrier technology

• Rousilândia de Araujo Silva,
• Igor Eduardo Silva Arruda,
• Luise Lopes Chaves,
• Mônica Felts de La Roca Soares and
• Jose Lamartine Soares Sobrinho

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1751–1793, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.122

Beyond the bilayer: multilayered hygroscopic actuation in pine cone scales

• Kim Ulrich,
• Max David Mylo,
• Tom Masselter,
• Fabian Scheckenbach,
• Sophia Fischerbauer,
• Martin Nopens,
• Silja Flenner,
• Imke Greving,
• Linnea Hesse and
• Thomas Speck

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1695–1710, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.119

• integrate high-resolution computed tomography-based geometries to further elucidate the mechanisms underlying hygroscopic actuation. This integrative approach will bridge experimental findings with computational modeling and advance plant biomechanics and biomimetic transfer. Keywords: digital volume

Ambient pressure XPS at MAX IV

• Mattia Scardamaglia,
• Ulrike Küst,
• Alexander Klyushin,
• Rosemary Jones,
• Jan Knudsen,
• Robert Temperton,
• Andrey Shavorskiy and
• Esko Kokkonen

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1677–1694, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.118

• here. Instead, we focus on a study by Vesselli and co-workers that directly addresses catalytic activity in a biomimetic SAC system [20][21]. In their work, a cobalt single-atom biomimetic model catalyst is based on a self-assembled monolayer of Co-porphyrins grown on an almost free-standing graphene

Prospects of nanotechnology and natural products for cancer and immunotherapy

• Jan Filipe Andrade Santos,
• Marcela Bernardes Brasileiro,
• Pamela Danielle Cavalcante Barreto,
• Ligiane Aranha Rocha and
• José Adão Carvalho Nascimento Júnior

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1644–1667, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.116

• ]. Additionally, the use of biomimetic nanoparticles, including exosome-based delivery systems and cell membrane-coated nanoparticles, has shown promise in improving targeting efficiency and immune evasion [18][19]. Despite these advances, significant challenges remain, including nanoparticle stability in

Better together: biomimetic nanomedicines for high performance tumor therapy

• Imran Shair Mohammad,
• Gizem Kursunluoglu,
• Anup Kumar Patel,
• Hafiz Muhammad Ishaq,
• Cansu Umran Tunc,
• Dilek Kanarya,
• Mubashar Rehman,
• Omer Aydin and
• Yin Lifang

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1246–1276, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.92

• 38040, Turkey Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, PR China 10.3762/bjnano.16.92 Abstract The emergence of nanotechnology offers a promising avenue for enhancing cancer treatment outcomes. In this context, biomimetic nanoparticles have

• inherent traits endow biomimetic nanoparticles with a suite of intelligent features, including biocompatibility, low immunogenicity, reduced toxicity, immune evasion, prolonged circulation, homotypic binding, enhanced tumor targeting, and the capability of precise delivery. By integrating biologically

• applications. This discussion delves into the challenges and opportunities presented by biomimetic nanoparticles and offers a comprehensive exploration of their fundamentals and recent breakthroughs, with an eye towards clinical translation. By bridging the gap between scientific innovation and clinical

Piezoelectricity of hexagonal boron nitrides improves bone tissue generation as tested on osteoblasts

• Sevin Adiguzel,
• Nilay Cicek,
• Zehra Cobandede,
• Feray B. Misirlioglu,
• Hulya Yilmaz and
• Mustafa Culha

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1068–1081, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.78

• bioactive molecules, biomimetic fibrous substitutes, biomaterials-based 3D cell-printing substitutes, and nanoscaffolds incorporating stem cells [15]. Piezoelectric materials are also under active investigation for their potential application in bone regeneration therapies [2][8][16]. These materials can

Soft materials nanoarchitectonics: liquid crystals, polymers, gels, biomaterials, and others

• Katsuhiko Ariga

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1025–1067, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.77

Supramolecular hydration structure of graphene-based hydrogels: density functional theory, green chemistry and interface application

• Hon Nhien Le,
• Duy Khanh Nguyen,
• Minh Triet Dang,
• Huyen Trinh Nguyen,
• Thi Bang Tam Dao,
• Trung Do Nguyen,
• Chi Nhan Ha Thuc and
• Van Hieu Le

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 806–822, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.61

• hydrogel in Figure 2a is biomimetic to the natural system of biological cells described in Figure 2b. Hydration shells on GO-SG-ZH nanosheets, particularly the first interfacial water layer, generate hydration forces to maintain intersheet distances and nanoscale structures in the artificial system. The

• shows SEM images of surfaces at the fracture of a GO-SG-ZH/PLA film generated by the tensile measurement. Conclusion Supramolecular graphene-based hydrogels are bioinspired structures which are biomimetic to natural hydration structures of cellular membranes, proteins, and other biomolecules. While

Polyurethane/silk fibroin-based electrospun membranes for wound healing and skin substitute applications

• Iqra Zainab,
• Zohra Naseem,
• Syeda Rubab Batool,
• Muhammad Waqas,
• Ahsan Nazir and
• Muhammad Anwaar Nazeer

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 591–612, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.46

• improved osteoblastic differentiation as evidenced by the upregulation of specific osteogenic genes [88]. Zhou et al. improved bone tissue engineering by creating a composite biomimetic scaffold incorporating autologous concentrated growth factor (CGF) to repair bone defects. Freeze drying and chemical

Nanomaterials in targeting amyloid-β oligomers: current advances and future directions for Alzheimer's disease diagnosis and therapy

• Shiwani Randhawa,
• Trilok Chand Saini,
• Manik Bathla,
• Rahul Bhardwaj,
• Rubina Dhiman and
• Amitabha Acharya

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 561–580, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.44

• organized the NPs into four primary categories, namely, carbon based nanomaterials (CNMs), metal based NMs, biomimetic NMs and antibody-functionalized NMs. Carbon-based nanomaterials for the detection and inhibition of AβO Recent advances in nanomedicine have spotlighted CNMs because of their remarkable

• oligomerization but also in paving the way for effective therapeutic strategies against NDs. Biomimetic nanomaterials based on cell primitives for targeting AβOs The treatment of AD using conventional pharmacological agents has encountered significant challenges, prompting researchers to explore multifunctional

• nanobiomaterials derived from cell primitives as a promising therapeutic strategy. These biomimetic nanomaterials, comprising components such as cells, extracellular vesicles (EVs), and cell membranes offer several advantages. Their nanoparticulate size facilitates long-term circulation, reduces immune response

Biomimetics and bioinspired surfaces: from nature to theory and applications

• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira,
• Thies H. Büscher,
• Manuela Rebora,
• Poramate Manoonpong,
• Zhendong Dai and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 418–421, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.32

• Journal of Nanotechnology emerged from this fruitful exchange of ideas. The symposium featured a range of topics across biomimetic and bioinspired approaches, as well as the characterization of biological surfaces with properties of technological interest. A significant deal of research focused on

• understanding the biological systems and their potential as inspiration for innovation in producing biomimetic and bioinspired surfaces. Key topics included bioinspired micro- and nanostructured surfaces, and their tribological properties like friction, wear resistance, and adhesion. Discussions also addressed

• the structure–function relationships of these surfaces useful for translational approaches. Further general insights into biological principles and their subsequent transfer into biomimetic engineering are provided in a multiscale biological analysis by Amador et al. [6], ranging from viruses to

Enhancing mechanical properties of chitosan/PVA electrospun nanofibers: a comprehensive review

• Nur Areisman Mohd Salleh,
• Amalina Muhammad Afifi,
• Fathiah Mohamed Zuki and
• Hanna Sofia SalehHudin

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 286–307, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.22

• nanofibrous matrix with a chitosan solution to create a biomimetic nanofibrous wound dressing. Electrospinning of chitosan/PVA blend nanofibers has been successfully reported by many researchers. In these studies, two of the most common solvents used to dissolve chitosan and PVA are water and acetic acid [82

Nanocarriers and macrophage interaction: from a potential hurdle to an alternative therapeutic strategy

• Naths Grazia Sukubo,
• Paolo Bigini and
• Annalisa Morelli

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 97–118, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.10

• activation of the complement system, due to the accumulation of PEG in the body as a non-biodegradable polymer. Therefore, PEGylation must be carefully considered when designing NC-based therapies [49][50]. A strategy to avoid possible immunoreactions is to mask NPs by marking them as “self” and biomimetic

• examines strategies that position macrophages as direct biological targets of NPs, aiming to modulate their activity as a therapeutic intervention for various pathological conditions, rather than merely using them as biomimetic drug carriers. 5.1 Targeted drug delivery to macrophages As described

Bioinspired nanofilament coatings for scale reduction on steel

• Siad Dahir Ali,
• Mette Heidemann Rasmussen,
• Jacopo Catalano,
• Christian Husum Frederiksen and
• Tobias Weidner

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 25–34, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.3

• calcium carbonate scale at the interface. Conclusion In conclusion, our study demonstrates the potential of biomimetic approaches to address the industrial challenge of scaling on steel surfaces. By drawing inspiration from the unique water-repelling properties of Collembola skin, we have fabricated

Orientation-dependent photonic bandgaps in gold-dust weevil scales and their titania bioreplicates

• Norma Salvadores Farran,
• Limin Wang,
• Primoz Pirih and
• Bodo D. Wilts

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2025, 16, 1–10, doi:10.3762/bjnano.16.1

• copolymers [10][11], lithography, or laser etching [12][13], but it can be routinely found in animal integuments. Biomimetic approaches using templates from natural structures offers a possible alternative. The scales of many beetles and weevils contain diamond photonic crystals [14][15][16] that may serve

Biomimetic nanocarriers: integrating natural functions for advanced therapeutic applications

• Hugo Felix Perini,
• Beatriz Sodré Matos,
• Carlo José Freire de Oliveira and
• Marcos Vinicius da Silva

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1619–1626, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.127

• Biomimetic nanocarriers, engineered to mimic the characteristics of native cells, offer a revolutionary approach in the treatment of various complex human diseases. This strategy enhances drug delivery by leveraging the innate properties of cellular components, thereby improving biocompatibility and

• targeting specificity. Biomimetic nanocarriers demonstrate significant advancements in drug delivery systems against cancer therapy, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, and viral infections such as COVID-19. Here, we address the therapeutic applications of biomimetic nanocarriers and their promising

• this context, biomimetic strategies using natural components emerge as revolutionary tools to overcome these challenges. The utilization of cellular components or parts thereof, such as macromolecules or membranes, can enhance drug delivery and therapeutic efficiency in the human body, representing a

Polymer lipid hybrid nanoparticles for phytochemical delivery: challenges, progress, and future prospects

• Iqra Rahat,
• Pooja Yadav,
• Aditi Singhal,
• Mohammad Fareed,
• Jaganathan Raja Purushothaman,
• Mohammed Aslam,
• Raju Balaji,
• Sonali Patil-Shinde and
• Md. Rizwanullah

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1473–1497, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.118

• ., erythrocytes) to develop membrane-camouflaged PLHNPs. These hybrid nanocarriers are also called biomimetic hybrid nanocarriers because their surface chemistry mimics natural cell membranes [57]. The PLHNPs are coated with cell membranes via the extrusion technique. The coating of PLHNPs with red blood cells

A biomimetic approach towards a universal slippery liquid infused surface coating

• Ryan A. Faase,
• Madeleine H. Hummel,
• AnneMarie V. Hasbrook,
• Andrew P. Carpenter and
• Joe E. Baio

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1376–1389, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.111

• Ryan A. Faase Madeleine H. Hummel AnneMarie V. Hasbrook Andrew P. Carpenter Joe E. Baio School of Chemical Biological and Environmental Engineering, Oregon State University, Corvallis, OR 97331, USA 10.3762/bjnano.15.111 Abstract One biomimetic approach to surface passivation involves a series of

• to use. These biomimetic surface functionalization steps were confirmed by several complimentary surface analysis techniques. The wettability of each surface was probed with water contact angle measurements, while the chemical composition of the layer was determined by X-ray photoelectron

• omniphobic. Keywords: biocompatibility; biomimetic; blood-contacting; hemocompatibility; non-fouling; Introduction Clot formation and the overall compatibility of artificial materials within the body remains a common complication of blood contacting surfaces [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8]. A critical hurdle in

Hymenoptera and biomimetic surfaces: insights and innovations

• Vinicius Marques Lopez,
• Carlo Polidori and
• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1333–1352, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.107

• facilitating attachment, penetration of substrates, production of sound, perception of volatiles, and delivery of venoms, among others. These morphological features offer valuable insights for biomimetic and bioinspired technological advancements. Here, we explore the biomimetic potential of hymenopteran body

• and movement to unique features that enhance survival and reproductive success [4]. These adaptations may provide valuable insights for biomimetic and bioinspired technological advancements [1]. Hence, understanding these mechanisms not only sheds light on the evolutionary ingenuity of insects but

• , scientists and engineers can develop innovative materials and devices that mirror the efficiency and functionality of Hymenopteran anatomy. Here we describe the structural adaptations on the surfaces of the body of Hymenoptera (Figure 2) with potential biomimetic applications. By analyzing their unique

Functional morphology of cleaning devices in the damselfly Ischnura elegans (Odonata, Coenagrionidae)

• Silvana Piersanti,
• Gianandrea Salerno,
• Wencke Krings,
• Stanislav Gorb and
• Manuela Rebora

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1260–1272, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.102

• represent a starting point to develop advanced biomimetic cleaning tools. Keywords: antennae; cuticle; eyes; grooming; legs; resilin; Introduction Self-grooming, defined as any behavior related to the maintenance and care of body surfaces, is an innate behavior found across a wide range of animal species

• enhance our understanding of different insect behavior and evolution (e.g., [32] for Mantodea and [26] for Hymenoptera). Moreover, they can represent the starting point to develop useful biomimetic tools [33]. Studies on grooming devices in Paleoptera (Odonata and Ephemeroptera) are scarce. Except for an