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The increasing dynamic, functional complexity of bio-interface materials

Nature Reviews Chemistry volume 2, Article number: 0120 (2018) Cite this article

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Abstract

In nature, interfacial molecular interactions are at the heart of all biological processes and are mediated by diverse stimuli. Inspired by nature's responsive mechanisms and our increased capability to manipulate matter at the molecular level, new bio-interface materials are being developed that respond efficiently to a variety of external stimuli. In this Review, we discuss emerging methods for imparting surfaces with dynamic properties and how this, in turn, is leading to increased functional complexity at the bio-interface. We examine how recent advances are becoming important in providing new insights into cell behaviour and spurring substantial progress in the fields of regenerative medicine and tissue engineering. These advances provide new opportunities to address the complex issues associated with biofouling and facilitate the production of implantable on-demand sensing devices and highly effective delivery, bioseparation and bioelectrocatalytic systems. Although progress is being made, we also highlight that current methods are still limited in their capability to impart complex functionality onto the bio-interface to fully address the current challenges in biotechnology and biomedicine. Exciting prospects include the incorporation of full reversibility of interactions, a broad repertoire of multi-responsiveness and bidirectional actuation at the bio-interface, as well as the capability to incorporate the developed systems in practical applications.

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Figure 1: The types of stimuli that have been explored to develop dynamic bio-interfaces and biological and medical applications of bio-interfaces.
Figure 2: An example of an in vitro bioseparation system.
Figure 3: Two models of dual-signal bioelectrocatalysis.
Figure 4: Two approaches to regulate cell adhesion–detachment.
Figure 5: Regulation of Arg–Gly–Asp peptide availability for cell adhesion–detachment.
Figure 6: An electroresponsive self-assembled monolayer for understanding cell mobility
Figure 7: Approaches to control bacterial adhesion.

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Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge financial support for this work from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC; EP/K027263/1) and the European Research Council (ERC; Consolidator Grant 614787).

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  1. School of Chemical Engineering, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK

    Bárbara Santos Gomes, Bárbara Simões & Paula M. Mendes

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Theranostics

The combination of therapeutic and diagnostic capabilities in the same system.

Bioelectrocatalysis

The use of materials derived from biological systems as catalysts for electrochemical processes.

Molecular imprinting

The construction of selective recognition sites in polymeric materials, where a target template is employed to facilitate recognition site formation.

Addressability

The capability to apply a specific stimulus.

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Gomes, B., Simões, B. & Mendes, P. The increasing dynamic, functional complexity of bio-interface materials. Nat Rev Chem 2, 0120 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41570-018-0120

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