**Preface to "Bio-Inspired Materials for Biomedical Applications"**

Nature is an incredible source of inspiration for scientific research and for the development of novel materials for different applications. Biological constructs have inspired the design of a considerable number of biomaterials, with high potential in the biomedical and pharmaceutical fields. Biocompatibility, controllable biodegradation and improved mechanical properties are just some examples of the properties achieved through the appropriate definition of bio-inspired materials for a wide range of biomedical applications, such as tissue engineering, drug delivery, bioactive surface, antimicrobial devices for clinical use, and so on. From the nano- to the macro-scale, by investigating the hierarchical structures and living systems in nature, novel effective strategies that mimic the biological environment and constructs can be proposed, in order to provide innovative approaches in bioengineering and biotechnology. This Special Issue aims to collect the most recent advances in the development of bio-inspired materials for biomedical applications, and to provide the reader with examples of the relation between nature and progress in scientific research.

> **Mauro Pollini, Federica Paladini** *Editors*
