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.

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.

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.

Recent advances in stem cell biology and tissue engineering have paved the way for new therapies for incurable diseases and replacement of tissues and/or organs. These therapies rely on biomaterial mimicking involving niches to control the fate of stem cells and produce stem cell-based tissues. The niches or biomimetic scaffolds can be used for long-term maintenance and lineage-specific differentiation of stem cells. This chapter introduces a method for creation of biomimetic scaffolds. Acellular scaffolds were obtained by removing the cellular components of natural tissues. Then, human stem cells were isolated and cultured on these scaffolds.

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.

Naturally occurring gradients have been identified in the natural spinal disk joint. Emulating these gradients within a total joint arthroplasty may allow the motion-moderating function of the disk to be more closely replicated. Biomimetic functionally gradient materials have been developed for providing rigid bone-engaging caudal and coronal bioactive surfaces that transition to a flexible fibrocartilage-like portion. Methods are detailed for forming thermoplastic elastomers, bioactive reinforcement, radially aligned anisotropic composites and functionally graded materials with axial and radial gradients. Employing these methods to the vertebral-interlocking spinal disk design provides a biomimetic approach to reduce risk of hypermobility, stress concentration and implant migration.

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.