Biomimetics MDPI

16/12/2024

📢 Check out this highly cited review by Robert B. Diller & Aaron J. Tabor: "The Role of the Extracellular Matrix (ECM) in Wound Healing."

✨ 143 citations highlight its impact on advancing our understanding of ECM in tissue repair.

🔗 Read it here:

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a 3-dimensional structure and an essential component in all human tissues. It is comprised of varying proteins, including collagens, elastin, and smaller quantities of structural proteins. Studies have demonstrated the ECM aids in cellular adherence, tissue anchorin...

16/12/2024

🚀 We are excited to share the highly cited paper by Pavel Trojovský & Mohammad Dehghani: Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer: A New Swarm-Inspired Metaheuristic Algorithm for Solving Optimization Problems. 🌟
✨ 98 citations and counting! Explore it here:

This paper presents a new evolutionary-based approach called a Subtraction-Average-Based Optimizer (SABO) for solving optimization problems. The fundamental inspiration of the proposed SABO is to use the subtraction average of searcher agents to update the position of population members in the searc...

07/11/2024

This paper by Kevin Dzobo and Collet Dandara provides an overview of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and its crucial role in maintaining tissue and organ integrity. Initially underestimated in its importance, the ECM is now recognized as a key regulator of cellular behavior and phenotype. The paper explores how the ECM’s unique composition, structure, and mechanical properties—such as stiffness and elasticity—affect cell functions, including proliferation, differentiation, and responses to biochemical signals.

🔎Read the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/2/146

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a ubiquitous member of the body and is key to the maintenance of tissue and organ integrity. Initially thought to be a bystander in many cellular processes, the extracellular matrix has been shown to have diverse components that regulate and activate many cellular p...

06/11/2024

🦷This paper by Naresh Kumar, et al. reviews and discusses the emerging field of regenerative endodontics in clinical dentistry, particularly focusing on approaches to regenerate dental pulp, a vital component in maintaining healthy teeth.

🔎Read the full paper here:

In the last few decades, biomimetic concepts have been widely adopted in various biomedical fields, including clinical dentistry. Endodontics is an important sub-branch of dentistry which deals with the different conditions of pulp to prevent tooth loss. Traditionally, common procedures, namely pulp...

06/11/2024

🐒This paper by Amal H. Alharbi, et al. presents a novel approach for detecting monkeypox skin lesions using advanced machine learning techniques. The primary aim is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of detecting monkeypox during potential pandemics by enhancing feature selection and classification methods.

🔎Read the full paper here:

The virus that causes monkeypox has been observed in Africa for several years, and it has been linked to the development of skin lesions. Public panic and anxiety have resulted from the deadly repercussions of virus infections following the COVID-19 pandemic. Rapid detection approaches are crucial s...

06/11/2024

🌿 Join Us at ! 🌿

We’re thrilled to announce that the Biomimetics team will be attending the Third International Conference on Nature-Inspired Surface Engineering (NISE 2024) from 20–22 November 2024 in Granada, Spain! 🇪🇸

This event brings together leading minds to explore how nature-inspired designs are shaping the future of surface engineering. Don’t miss this chance to connect with experts, learn about the latest innovations, and discuss sustainable solutions inspired by the natural world.

Let’s shape the future—together! 🌍✨

https://www.mdpi.com/journal/biomimetics/announcements/9685
https://ameriscience.org/nise-2024/

05/11/2024

This paper by Bin Wang, et al. provides a comprehensive review of bone apatite nanocrystals, the primary inorganic component that plays a critical role in the biological and mechanical functions of bone. Bone apatite has a hydroxylapatite-like crystalline structure but exhibits unique features, such as carbonate incorporation and deficiencies in calcium and hydroxyl ions. These nanocrystals have complex chemical compositions and fine-tuned structural properties that support bone strength and resilience.
Read more at: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/1/90

The biological and mechanical functions of bone rely critically on the inorganic constituent, which can be termed as bone apatite nanocrystal. It features a hydroxylapatite-like crystalline structure, complex chemical compositions (e.g., carbonate-containing and calcium- and hydroxyl-deficient), and...

05/11/2024

🦴This paper by Ming-Hsien Hu, et al. investigates the development and testing of a composite bone cement designed for clinical applications, specifically aiming to improve its antibacterial properties, injectability, and biocompatibility for potential use in surgeries. The study combines calcium phosphate cement (CPC), which is compositionally similar to bone and has plasticity, with mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG). MBG has unique properties, such as the ability to release silicon ions (Si) to enhance bone growth (osteogenesis) and the capacity to carry and release drugs.
🔎Read the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/7/3/121

Calcium phosphate cement (CPC) is similar to bone in composition and has plasticity, while mesoporous bioactive glass (MBG) has the advantage of releasing Si, which can promote osteogenic properties and drug loading capacity. A sol–gel-prepared MBG micro-powder (mMBG) and further impregnated antib...

29/10/2024

📐This paper by Eva Trojovská, et al. introduces a new metaheuristic optimization algorithm called the Drawer Algorithm (DA), which is designed to find near-optimal solutions for complex optimization problems. The DA is inspired by the idea of selecting items from different "drawers" in a dresser, where each drawer contains similar items. The algorithm works by selecting the most suitable items from different drawers, discarding unsuitable ones, and combining the selected items to form an optimal solution.

🔎Read more at: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/2/239

Metaheuristic optimization algorithms play an essential role in optimizing problems. In this article, a new metaheuristic approach called the drawer algorithm (DA) is developed to provide quasi-optimal solutions to optimization problems. The main inspiration for the DA is to simulate the selection o...

29/10/2024

🦷This paper by by Mariana Brito Cruz , et al. is focused on the characteristics of dental implant surfaces and how they influence biological responses and long-term success. It highlights the increasing use of dental implants and the subsequent advancements in biomaterials designed to improve implant performance. To evaluate these improvements, the authors examined literature over the last 30 years to analyze how various physical, chemical, mechanical, and biological features of implant surfaces (such as chemical composition, surface wettability, roughness, and topography) impact cell interactions, osseointegration, and the preservation of bone tissue and peri-implant mucosa.

🔎Read more at: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/7/2/74

Background: The increased use of dental implants in oral rehabilitation has been followed by the development of new biomaterials as well as improvements in the performance of biomaterials already in use. This triggers the need for appropriate analytical approaches to assess the biological and, ultim...

23/10/2024

📊This paper by Khizer Mehmood, et al. explores the use of a chaotic computing paradigm for parameter estimation of the Autoregressive Exogenous (ARX) model, which is a mathematical model used to describe dynamic systems. The study focuses on using an Improved Chaotic Grey Wolf Optimizer (ICGWO) for optimizing the ARX model parameters. The identification problem is formulated by defining a mean square error-based fitness function that compares the true and estimated responses of the ARX system.

🔎Read more at:

In this article, a chaotic computing paradigm is investigated for the parameter estimation of the autoregressive exogenous (ARX) model by exploiting the optimization knacks of an improved chaotic grey wolf optimizer (ICGWO). The identification problem is formulated by defining a mean square error-ba...

23/10/2024

🧪This paper by Prashant Kesharwani, et al. discusses the development and evaluation of a chitosan nanoparticle-based hydrogel designed to treat onychomycosis, a fungal infection of the nails caused by Trichophyton mentagrophytes. The study aims to address the limitations of conventional oral or topical treatments by creating a more effective and compatible formulation. The researchers combined two drugs—itraconazole, a lipophilic antifungal agent, and difluorinated curcumin—and explored their synergistic antifungal activity.

🔎Read more at:

Onychomycosis is a nail infection caused by a fungus, Trichophyton mentagrophytes, that is responsible for major nail infections. The best method suited for treating such infections generally includes a topical remedy. However, conventional oral or topical formulations are associated with various li...

21/10/2024

🏗️As the construction industry shifts toward circular economy models to reduce environmental impact, mycelium-based materials offer a renewable alternative to traditional building materials like timber, steel, and concrete. These materials, made from organic agricultural waste, are gaining traction across various industries for their sustainable potential. However, scaling up their use in architecture presents challenges, including low mechanical properties and lack of standardization.

This comprehensive review by Selina Bitting, et al. explores the current research and digital fabrication methods used in mycelium-based construction. It also addresses the key barriers to scaling up their use in architectural applications and offers exciting opportunities for future innovation.

Read the full article to learn more about this cutting-edge research in biomimetic building materials:

In an increasing effort to address the environmental challenges caused by the currently linear economic paradigm of “produce, use, and discard”, the construction industry has been shifting towards a more circular model. A circular economy requires closing of the loops, where the end-of-life of a...

21/10/2024

🩹This insightful review by Robert B. Diller and Aaron J. Tabor dives into the pivotal role of the ECM in wound healing, exploring how this 3D structural framework supports cellular processes, tissue repair, and regeneration. The article highlights the ECM's key functions during the four major phases of wound healing—hemostasis, inflammation, proliferation, and remodeling—and how its restoration is critical for recovery.

For researchers and biomimetic enthusiasts, this paper provides a comprehensive look at how understanding ECM dynamics can help develop innovative therapeutic strategies for tissue repair. Don't miss it!

Read the full article here:

The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a 3-dimensional structure and an essential component in all human tissues. It is comprised of varying proteins, including collagens, elastin, and smaller quantities of structural proteins. Studies have demonstrated the ECM aids in cellular adherence, tissue anchorin...

21/10/2024

🧠Multi-Scopic Cognitive Memory System for Continuous Gesture Learning by Wenbang Dou, et al.
🔎Read the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/1/88

With the advancement of artificial intelligence technologies in recent years, research on intelligent robots has progressed. Robots are required to understand human intentions and communicate more smoothly with humans. Since gestures can have a variety of meanings, gesture recognition is one of the....

21/10/2024

🔋On the Mechanical Behaviour of Biomimetic Cornstalk-Inspired Lightweight Structures by Shakib Hyder Siddique, et al.
UNSW Canberra
🔎Read the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/1/92

This paper presents an investigation on the stiffness and energy absorption capabilities of three proposed biomimetic structures based on the internal architecture of a cornstalk. 3D printing was used to manufacture specimens using a tough and impact-resistant thermoplastic material, acrylonitrile b...

21/10/2024

👨‍💻Conceptualization of Biomimicry in Engineering Context among Undergraduate and High School Students: An International Interdisciplinary Exploration by Ibrahim H. Yeter, et al.
Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
🔎Read the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/1/125

Biomimicry is an interdisciplinary design approach that provides solutions to engineering problems by taking inspiration from nature. Given the established importance of biomimicry for building a sustainable world, there is a need to develop effective curricula on this topic. In this study, a worksh...

21/10/2024

🦴Smart Biomechanical Adaptation Revealed by the Structure of Ostrich Limb Bones by Simone Conti, et al.
NOVA FCT
🔎Read the full paper here: https://www.mdpi.com/2313-7673/8/1/98

Ostriches are known to be the fastest bipedal animal alive; to accomplish such an achievement, their anatomy evolved to sustain the stresses imposed by running at such velocities. Ostriches represent an excellent case study due to the fact that their locomotor kinematics have been extensively studie...