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1. Visualizing molecular deformation in fibrin networks under tensile loading via FLIM–FRET

   https://doi.org/10.1039/d3cc05281h  

   Hedayati, Mohammadhasan; Chen, Yuan-I; Houser, Justin R.; Wang, Yujen; Norouzi, Sajjad; Yeh, Hsin-Chih; Parekh, Sapun H. (December 2023, Chemical Communications)

   Mapping molecular deformation and forces in protein biomaterials is critical to understanding mechanochemistry. 

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2. Designing phenylalanine-based hybrid biological materials: controlling morphology via molecular composition

   https://doi.org/10.1039/c8ob00130h  

   Mushnoori, Srinivas; Schmidt, Kassandra; Nanda, Vikas; Dutt, Meenakshi (January 2018, Organic & Biomolecular Chemistry)

   Harnessing the self-assembly of peptide sequences has demonstrated great promise in the domain of creating high precision shape-tunable biomaterials. The unique properties of peptides allow for a building block approach to material design. In this study, self-assembly of mixed systems encompassing two peptide sequences with identical hydrophobic regions and distinct polar segments is investigated. The two peptide sequences are diphenylalanine and phenylalanine-asparagine-phenylalanine. The study examines the impact of molecular composition (namely, the total peptide concentration and the relative tripeptide concentration) on the morphology of the self-assembled hybrid biological material. We report a rich polymorphism in the assemblies of these peptides and explain the relationship between the peptide sequence, concentration and the morphology of the supramolecular assembly. 

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3. Synaptic plasticity emulation by natural biomaterial honey-CNT-based memristors

   https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0174426  

   Templin, Zoe; Tanim, Md Mehedi; Zhao, Feng (December 2023, Applied Physics Letters)

   Artificial synaptic devices made from natural biomaterials capable of emulating functions of biological synapses, such as synaptic plasticity and memory functions, are desirable for the construction of brain-inspired neuromorphic computing systems. The metal/dielectric/metal device structure is analogous to the pre-synapse/synaptic cleft/post-synapse structure of the biological neuron, while using natural biomaterials promotes ecologically friendly, sustainable, renewable, and low-cost electronic devices. In this work, artificial synaptic devices made from honey mixed with carbon nanotubes, honey-carbon nanotube (CNT) memristors, were investigated. The devices emulated spike-timing-dependent plasticity, with synaptic weight as high as 500%, and demonstrated a paired-pulse facilitation gain of 800%, which is the largest value ever reported. 206-level long-term potentiation (LTP) and long-term depression (LTD) were demonstrated. A conduction model was applied to explain the filament formation and dissolution in the honey-CNT film, and compared to the LTP/LTD mechanism in biological synapses. In addition, the short-term and long-term memory behaviors were clearly demonstrated by an array of 5 × 5 devices. This study shows that the honey-CNT memristor is a promising artificial synaptic device technology for applications in sustainable neuromorphic computing. 

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4. Role of atomistic modeling in bioinspired materials design: A review

   https://doi.org/10.1016/j.commatsci.2023.112667  

   Zhang, Ning (January 2024, Computational Materials Science)

   Sinnott, Susan (Ed.)

   Biological materials have consistently intrigued researchers due to their remarkable properties and intricate structure–property-function relationships. Deciphering the pathways through which nature has bestowed its exceptional properties represents a complex challenge. The hierarchical architectures of biomaterials are recognized as the basis for mechanical robustness. Moreover, it is well-established that the intriguing properties of biomaterials arise primarily from the architecture at the nanoscale, particularly the abundant carefully designed interfaces. Driven by the diverse functionality and the increasing comprehension of the underlying design mechanisms in biomaterials, substantial endeavors have been directed toward emulating the architectures and interactions in synthetic materials. By reviewing atomistic modeling of nacre, wood, and coconut endocarp, in this work, we aim at highlighting the significant role of atomistic modeling in revealing nanoscale strengthening and toughening mechanisms of biomaterials, subsequently advancing the development of bioinspired material. 

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5. 2D Nanoclay for Biomedical Applications: Regenerative Medicine, Therapeutic Delivery, and Additive Manufacturing

   https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.201900332  

   Gaharwar, Akhilesh K.; Cross, Lauren M.; Peak, Charles W.; Gold, Karli; Carrow, James K.; Brokesh, Anna; Singh, Kanwar Abhay (April 2019, Advanced Materials)

   Abstract Clay nanomaterials are an emerging class of 2D biomaterials of interest due to their atomically thin layered structure, charged characteristics, and well‐defined composition. Synthetic nanoclays are plate‐like polyions composed of simple or complex salts of silicic acids with a heterogeneous charge distribution and patchy interactions. Due to their biocompatible characteristics, unique shape, high surface‐to‐volume ratio, and charge, nanoclays are investigated for various biomedical applications. Here, a critical overview of the physical, chemical, and physiological interactions of nanoclay with biological moieties, including cells, proteins, and polymers, is provided. The state‐of‐the‐art biomedical applications of 2D nanoclay in regenerative medicine, therapeutic delivery, and additive manufacturing are reviewed. In addition, recent developments that are shaping this emerging field are discussed and promising new research directions for 2D nanoclay‐based biomaterials are identified. 

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