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1. Bioinspired materials from extrinsically-controlled fabrication techniques

   Naleway, S.E.; Porter, D.L.; Fernquist, J.; Yin, T.J.; Alexander, J.; Mroz, M. (February 2022, The materials society annual meeting, Anaheim, CA, USA, February 2022)

   Bioinspired fabrication techniques that are able to mimic the structure and properties of biological materials are of interest to a wide range of scientific and engineering fields. We propose that these bioinspired techniques can be controlled through either intrinsic (those that modify from within by altering the constituents) or extrinsic (those that apply external forces or templates) means. Through these classifications, examples of extrinsic (through energized magnetic and ultrasound external fields) freeze cast, aerogel, and FDM printed structures will be discussed with a focus on providing advanced control of the final material structure and properties. Applications in biomedical and filtration technologies will be discussed. 

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2. 3D‐printed biomimetic and bioinspired soft actuators

   https://doi.org/10.1049/csy2.70001  

   Sparks, Sonja_S; Obando, Alejandro_G; Li, Yizong; Chen, Si; Yao, Shanshan; Qiu, Kaiyan (November 2024, IET Cyber-Systems and Robotics)

   Abstract A major intent of scientific research is the replication of the behaviour observed in natural spaces. In robotics, these can be through biomimetic movements in devices and inspiration from diverse actions in nature, also known as bioinspired features. An interesting pathway enabling both features is the fabrication of soft actuators. Specifically, 3D‐printing has been explored as a potential approach for the development of biomimetic and bioinspired soft actuators. The extent of this method is highlighted through the large array of applications and techniques used to create these devices, as applications from the movement of fern trees to contraction in organs are explored. In this review, different 3D‐printing fabrication methods, materials, and types of soft actuators, and their respective applications are discussed in depth. Finally, the extent of their use for present operations and future technological advances are discussed. 

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3. Machine Learning Methods in Drug Discovery

   https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25225277  

   Patel, Lauv; Shukla, Tripti; Huang, Xiuzhen; Ussery, David W.; Wang, Shanzhi (November 2020, Molecules)

   null (Ed.)

   The advancements of information technology and related processing techniques have created a fertile base for progress in many scientific fields and industries. In the fields of drug discovery and development, machine learning techniques have been used for the development of novel drug candidates. The methods for designing drug targets and novel drug discovery now routinely combine machine learning and deep learning algorithms to enhance the efficiency, efficacy, and quality of developed outputs. The generation and incorporation of big data, through technologies such as high-throughput screening and high through-put computational analysis of databases used for both lead and target discovery, has increased the reliability of the machine learning and deep learning incorporated techniques. The use of these virtual screening and encompassing online information has also been highlighted in developing lead synthesis pathways. In this review, machine learning and deep learning algorithms utilized in drug discovery and associated techniques will be discussed. The applications that produce promising results and methods will be reviewed. 

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4. Microfluidic Devices for Magnetic Separation of Biological Particles: A Review

   https://doi.org/10.1115/1.4048912  

   Surendran, Athira N.; Zhou, Ran; Lin, Yang (June 2021, Journal of Medical Devices)

   Abstract Separation of microparticles and cells serves a critical step in many applications such as in biological analyses, food production, chemical processing, and medical diagnostics. Sorting on the microscale exhibits certain advantages in comparison with that on the macroscale as it requires minuscule sample or reagents volume and thus reduced analysis cycle time, smaller size of devices, and lower fabrication costs. Progresses have been made over time to improve the efficiency of these microscale particle manipulation techniques. Many different techniques have been used to attain accurate particle sorting and separation in a continuous manner on the microscale level, which can be categorized as either passive or active methods. Passive techniques achieve accurate manipulation of particles through their interaction with surrounding flow by carefully designed channel structures, without using external fields. As an alternative, active techniques utilize external fields (e.g., acoustic, electronic, optical, and magnetic field, etc.) to realize desired pattern of motion for particles with specific properties. Among numerous active methods for microfluidic particle sorting, the magnetic field has been widely used in biomedical and chemical applications to achieve mixing, focusing, and separating of reagents and bioparticles. This paper aims to provide a thorough review on the classic and most up-to-date magnetic sorting and separation techniques to manipulate microparticles including the discussions on the basic concept, working principle, experimental details, and device performance. 

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5. Bioinspired Smart Materials With Externally-Stimulated Switchable Adhesion

   https://doi.org/10.3389/fnano.2021.667287  

   Wang, Jie; Wan, Yiyang; Wang, Xiaowei; Xia, Zhenhai (September 2021, Frontiers in Nanotechnology)

   Living organisms have evolved, over billions of years, to develop specialized biostructures with switchable adhesion for various purposes including climbing, perching, preying, sensing, and protecting. According to adhesion mechanisms, switchable adhesives can be divided into four categories: mechanically-based adhesion, liquid-mediated adhesion, physically-actuated adhesion and chemically-enhanced adhesion. Mimicking these biostructures could create smart materials with switchable adhesion, appealing for many engineering applications in robotics, sensors, advanced drug-delivery, protein separation, etc. Progress has been made in developing bioinspired materials with switchable adhesion modulated by external stimuli such as electrical signal, magnetic field, light, temperature, pH value, etc. This review will be focused on new advance in biomimetic design and synthesis of the materials and devices with switchable adhesion. The underlying mechanisms, design principles, and future directions are discussed for the development of high-performance smart surfaces with switchable adhesion. 

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