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Biomimetic Materials Applied in the Analytical and Biomedical Fields
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Biomimetic Materials Applied in the Analytical and Biomedical Fields

A special issue of International Journal of Molecular Sciences (ISSN 1422-0067). This special issue belongs to the section "Materials Science".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 May 2025 | Viewed by 10052

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Iacob Bogdan-Cezar

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Guest Editor
Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: separation techniques; sensors; polymers; molecularly imprinted polymers; pharmacy; capillary electrophoresis; capillary electrochromatography; electrochemistry; electrochemical sensors
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Ede Bodoki

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Guest Editor
Analytical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Interests: metal-mediated molecular imprinting; chiral separation; β-blockers; molecularly imprinted polymers; molecular recognition; chemotherapeutics; cancer therapy; drug delivery systems; nanosystems; antioxidants
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Many synthetic materials found in our everyday life are inspired by nature which has evolved over millions of years, however, the research so far has barely scratched the surface of biomimicry. “Biomimetic materials” are sophisticated artificial materials replicating a natural material or function in order to address a critical challenge faced by the human being. The design and practical insertion of biomimetic materials require an interdisciplinary approach, being at the intersecting areas of many domains: biology, medicine, engeneering, chemistry, technology. Most of these innovative materials aim to tackle mainly challenges of the analytical and biomedical fields.

This Special Issue on biomimetic materials applied in the analytical and biomedical fields calls for contributions from experts working in all areas of biomimetic materials with applications in the analytical and biomedical fields, and welcomes original research papers concerning the design, synthesis, optimization and applications of these materials. Also, occasionally we need to look back and highlight past achievements into review articles in order to inspire and promote new research directions.

Dr. Iacob Bogdan-Cezar
Dr. Ede Bodoki
Guest Editors

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. International Journal of Molecular Sciences is an international peer-reviewed open access semimonthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. There is an Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal. For details about the APC please see here. 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

  • biomimetics
  • molecular recognition
  • imprinted polymers
  • smart materials
  • molecular complexes
  • polymeric biomaterials
  • biomedical materials
  • analytical methods
  • molecular interactions
  • artificial receptors

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 928 KiB  
Communication
Unlocking New Avenues: Solid-State Synthesis of Molecularly Imprinted Polymers
by Bogdan-Cezar Iacob, Andreea Elena Bodoki, Diogo Filipe Da Costa Carvalho, Antonio Augusto Serpa Paulino, Lucian Barbu-Tudoran and Ede Bodoki
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(10), 5504; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25105504 - 18 May 2024
Viewed by 1709
Abstract
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are established artificial molecular recognition platforms with tailored selectivity towards a target molecule, whose synthesis and functionality are highly influenced by the nature of the solvent employed in their synthesis. Steps towards the “greenification” of molecular imprinting technology (MIT) [...] Read more.
Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) are established artificial molecular recognition platforms with tailored selectivity towards a target molecule, whose synthesis and functionality are highly influenced by the nature of the solvent employed in their synthesis. Steps towards the “greenification” of molecular imprinting technology (MIT) has already been initiated by the elaboration of green MIT principles; developing MIPs in a solvent-free environment may not only offer an eco-friendly alternative, but could also significantly influence the affinity and expected selectivity of the resulting binding sites. In the current study the first solvent-free mechanochemical synthesis of MIPs via liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) is reported. The successful synthesis of the imprinted polymer was functionally demonstrated by measuring its template rebinding capacity and the selectivity of the molecular recognition process in comparison with the ones obtained by the conventional, non-covalent molecular imprinting process in liquid media. The results demonstrated similar binding capacities towards the template molecule and superior chemoselectivity compared to the solution-based MIP synthesis method. The adoption of green chemistry principles with all their inherent advantages in the synthesis of MIPs may not only be able to alleviate the potential environmental and health concerns associated with their analytical (e.g., selective adsorbents) and biomedical (e.g., drug carriers or reservoirs) applications, but might also offer a conceptual change in molecular imprinting technology. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Materials Applied in the Analytical and Biomedical Fields)
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18 pages, 4056 KiB  
Article
Changes in Dental Biofilm Proteins’ Secondary Structure in Groups of People with Different Cariogenic Situations in the Oral Cavity and Using Medications by Means of Synchrotron FTIR-Microspectroscopy
by Pavel Seredin, Dmitry Goloshchapov, Vladimir Kashkarov, Anatoly Lukin, Yaroslav Peshkov, Ivan Ippolitov, Yuri Ippolitov, Tatiana Litvinova, Jitraporn Vongsvivut, Boknam Chae and Raul O. Freitas
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(20), 15324; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms242015324 - 18 Oct 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1552
Abstract
This work unveils the idea that the cariogenic status of the oral cavity (the presence of active caries lesions) can be predicted via a lineshape analysis of the infrared spectral signatures of the secondary structure of proteins in dental biofilms. These spectral signatures [...] Read more.
This work unveils the idea that the cariogenic status of the oral cavity (the presence of active caries lesions) can be predicted via a lineshape analysis of the infrared spectral signatures of the secondary structure of proteins in dental biofilms. These spectral signatures that work as natural markers also show strong sensitivity to the application in patients of a so-called modulator—a medicinal agent (a pelleted mineral complex with calcium glycerophosphate). For the first time, according to our knowledge, in terms of deconvolution of the complete spectral profile of the amide I and amide II bands, significant intra- and intergroup differences were determined in the secondary structure of proteins in the dental biofilm of patients with a healthy oral cavity and with a carious pathology. This allowed to conduct a mathematical assessment of the spectral shifts in proteins’ secondary structure in connection with the cariogenic situation in the oral cavity and with an external modulation. It was shown that only for the component parallel β-strands in the amide profile of the biofilm, a statistically significant (p < 0.05) change in its percentage weight (composition) was registered in a cariogenic situation (presence of active caries lesions). Note that no significant differences were detected in a normal situation (control) and in the presence of a carious pathology before and after the application of the modulator. The change in the frequency and percentage weight of parallel β-strands in the spectra of dental biofilms proved to be the result of the presence of cariogenic mutans streptococci in the film as well as of the products of their metabolism—glucan polymers. We foresee that the results presented here can inherently provide the basis for the infrared spectral diagnosis of changes (shifts) in the oral microbiome driven by the development of the carious process in the oral cavity as well as for the choice of optimal therapeutic treatments of caries based on microbiome-directed prevention measures. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Materials Applied in the Analytical and Biomedical Fields)
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15 pages, 3959 KiB  
Article
Optimization of Magnetic and Paper-Based Molecularly Imprinted Polymers for Selective Extraction of Charantin in Momordica charantia
by Nantana Nuchtavorn, Jiraporn Leanpolchareanchai, Satsawat Visansirikul and Somnuk Bunsupa
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(9), 7870; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms24097870 - 26 Apr 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2271
Abstract
Charantin is a mixture of β-sitosterol and stigmastadienol glucosides, which effectively lowers high blood glucose. Novel molecularly imprinted polymers coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@MIPs) and filter paper (paper@MIPs) were synthesized by sol-gel polymerization to selectively extract charantin. β-sitosterol glucoside was [...] Read more.
Charantin is a mixture of β-sitosterol and stigmastadienol glucosides, which effectively lowers high blood glucose. Novel molecularly imprinted polymers coated magnetic nanoparticles (Fe3O4@MIPs) and filter paper (paper@MIPs) were synthesized by sol-gel polymerization to selectively extract charantin. β-sitosterol glucoside was selected as a template for imprinting a specific recognition owing to its larger molecular surface area than that of 5,25-stigmastadienol glucoside. Factorial designs were used to examine the effects of the types of porogenic solvents and cross-linkers on the extraction efficiency and imprinting factor before investigating other factors (for example, amounts of template and coated MIPs, and types of substrates for MIP immobilization). Compared to traditional liquid–liquid extraction, the optimal Fe3O4@MIP-based dispersive micro-solid phase extraction and paper@MIP extraction provided excellent extraction efficiency (87.5 ± 2.1% and 85.0 ± 2.9%, respectively) and selectivity. Charantin was well separated, and a new unidentified sterol glucoside was observed using the developed high-performance liquid chromatography with diode-array detection (Rs ≥ 2.0, n > 16,400). The developed methods were successfully utilized to extract and quantify charantin from M. charantia fruit powder and herbal products. Moreover, these methods are rapid (<10 min), inexpensive, simple, reproducible, and environmentally friendly. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Materials Applied in the Analytical and Biomedical Fields)
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Review

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20 pages, 2526 KiB  
Review
An Overview on the Adhesion Mechanisms of Typical Aquatic Organisms and the Applications of Biomimetic Adhesives in Aquatic Environments
by Jiani Liu, Junyi Song, Ling Zeng and Biru Hu
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2024, 25(14), 7994; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25147994 - 22 Jul 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1363
Abstract
Water molecules pose a significant obstacle to conventional adhesive materials. Nevertheless, some marine organisms can secrete bioadhesives with remarkable adhesion properties. For instance, mussels resist sea waves using byssal threads, sandcastle worms secrete sandcastle glue to construct shelters, and barnacles adhere to various [...] Read more.
Water molecules pose a significant obstacle to conventional adhesive materials. Nevertheless, some marine organisms can secrete bioadhesives with remarkable adhesion properties. For instance, mussels resist sea waves using byssal threads, sandcastle worms secrete sandcastle glue to construct shelters, and barnacles adhere to various surfaces using their barnacle cement. This work initially elucidates the process of underwater adhesion and the microstructure of bioadhesives in these three exemplary marine organisms. The formation of bioadhesive microstructures is intimately related to the aquatic environment. Subsequently, the adhesion mechanisms employed by mussel byssal threads, sandcastle glue, and barnacle cement are demonstrated at the molecular level. The comprehension of adhesion mechanisms has promoted various biomimetic adhesive systems: DOPA-based biomimetic adhesives inspired by the chemical composition of mussel byssal proteins; polyelectrolyte hydrogels enlightened by sandcastle glue and phase transitions; and novel biomimetic adhesives derived from the multiple interactions and nanofiber-like structures within barnacle cement. Underwater biomimetic adhesion continues to encounter multifaceted challenges despite notable advancements. Hence, this work examines the current challenges confronting underwater biomimetic adhesion in the last part, which provides novel perspectives and directions for future research. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Materials Applied in the Analytical and Biomedical Fields)
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Other

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26 pages, 1053 KiB  
Perspective
Chemical Systems for Wetware Artificial Life: Selected Perspectives in Synthetic Cell Research
by Pasquale Stano
Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2023, 24(18), 14138; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms241814138 - 15 Sep 2023
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2353
Abstract
The recent and important advances in bottom-up synthetic biology (SB), in particular in the field of the so-called “synthetic cells” (SCs) (or “artificial cells”, or “protocells”), lead us to consider the role of wetware technologies in the “Sciences of Artificial”, where they constitute [...] Read more.
The recent and important advances in bottom-up synthetic biology (SB), in particular in the field of the so-called “synthetic cells” (SCs) (or “artificial cells”, or “protocells”), lead us to consider the role of wetware technologies in the “Sciences of Artificial”, where they constitute the third pillar, alongside the more well-known pillars hardware (robotics) and software (Artificial Intelligence, AI). In this article, it will be highlighted how wetware approaches can help to model life and cognition from a unique perspective, complementary to robotics and AI. It is suggested that, through SB, it is possible to explore novel forms of bio-inspired technologies and systems, in particular chemical AI. Furthermore, attention is paid to the concept of semantic information and its quantification, following the strategy recently introduced by Kolchinsky and Wolpert. Semantic information, in turn, is linked to the processes of generation of “meaning”, interpreted here through the lens of autonomy and cognition in artificial systems, emphasizing its role in chemical ones. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Materials Applied in the Analytical and Biomedical Fields)
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Planned Papers

The below list represents only planned manuscripts. Some of these manuscripts have not been received by the Editorial Office yet. Papers submitted to MDPI journals are subject to peer-review.

Dear Colleagues,

Biomimetic materials” are sophisticated artificial materials replicating a natural material or function in order to address a critical challenge faced by the human being. The design and practical insertion of biomimetic materials require an interdisciplinary approach, being at the intersecting areas of many domains: biology, medicine, engeneering, chemistry, technology.

This Special Issue on biomimetic materials applied in the analytical and biomedical fields calls for contributions from experts working in all areas of biomimetic materials with applications in the analytical and biomedical fields, and welcomes original research papers concerning the design, synthesis, optimization and applications of these materials. Also, occasionally we need to look back and highlight past achievements into review articles in order to inspire and promote new research directions.

Dr. Iacob Bogdan-Cezar
Dr. Ede Bodoki
Guest Editors

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