Mimicking biological functionality with polymers for biomedical applications

The vast opportunities for biomaterials design and functionality enabled by mimicking nature continue to stretch the limits of imagination. As both biological understanding and engineering capabilities develop, more sophisticated biomedical materials can be synthesized that have multifaceted chemica...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inNature (London) Vol. 540; no. 7633; pp. 386 - 394
Main Authors Green, Jordan J., Elisseeff, Jennifer H.
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published London Nature Publishing Group UK 15.12.2016
Nature Publishing Group
Subjects
631/61
639/166
639/301
Adhesives - chemistry
Animals
Biocompatibility
Biocompatible Materials - chemistry
Biomaterials
Biomedical engineering
Biomedical materials
Biomimetic Materials - chemistry
Biopolymers
Extracellular matrix
Health aspects
Humanities and Social Sciences
Humans
Hydrogels
Hydrogels - chemistry
Immune system
Immunotherapy
Methods
Molecular Mimicry
multidisciplinary
Nanostructures - administration & dosage
Nanostructures - chemistry
Physical properties
Physiology
Polymers
Polymers - chemistry
Proteins
review-article
Science
Stem cells
Studies
Tissue Scaffolds - chemistry
Viruses - chemistry
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Summary:The vast opportunities for biomaterials design and functionality enabled by mimicking nature continue to stretch the limits of imagination. As both biological understanding and engineering capabilities develop, more sophisticated biomedical materials can be synthesized that have multifaceted chemical, biological and physical characteristics designed to achieve specific therapeutic goals. Mimicry is being used in the design of polymers for biomedical applications that are required locally in tissues, systemically throughout the body, and at the interface with tissues.
Bibliography:Author contributions J.J.G. and J.H.E. both contributed equally to the planning and writing of the manuscript.
ISSN:0028-0836
1476-4687
DOI:10.1038/nature21005