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Lookup NU author(s): Professor Yen Nee Tan
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Biomolecules are the nanoscale building blocks of cells, which play multifaceted roles in the critical biological processes such as biomineralization in a living organism. In these processes, the biological molecules such as protein and nucleic acids use their exclusive biorecognition properties enabled from their unique chemical composition, shape and function to initiate a cascade of cellular events. The exceptional features of these biomolecules, coupled with the recent advancement in nanotechnology, have led to the emergence of a new research field that focuses on the molecular design of bioinspired nanostructures that inherit the extraordinary function of natural biomaterials. These “bioinspired” nanostructures could be formulated by biomimetic approaches through either self-assembling of biomolecules or acting as a biomolecular template/precursor to direct the synthesis of nanocomposite. In either situation, the resulting nanomaterials exhibit phenomenal biocompatibility, superb aqueous solubility and excellent colloidal stability, branding them exceptionally desirable for both in vitro and in vivo biomedical applications. In this review, we will present the recent developments in the preparation of “bioinspired” nanostructures through biomimetic self-assembly and biotemplating synthesis, as well as highlight their functional properties and potential applications in biomedical diagnostics and therapeutic delivery. Lastly, we will conclude this topic with some personal perspective on the challenges and future outlooks of the “bioinspired” nanostructures for nanomedicine.
Author(s): Xu VH, Zheng XT, Mok BYL, Ibrahim SA, Yu Y, Tan YN
Publication type: Article
Publication status: Published
Journal: Journal of Molecular and Engineering Materials
Year: 2016
Volume: 4
Pages: 1640003-16400036
Online publication date: 03/08/2016
Acceptance date: 23/06/2016
ISSN (print): 2251-2373
ISSN (electronic): 2251-2381
Publisher: World Scientific Publishing Co. Pte. Ltd
URL: https://doi.org/10.1142/s2251237316400037
DOI: 10.1142/s2251237316400037
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