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Yu HP, Zhu YJ. Guidelines derived from biomineralized tissues for design and construction of high-performance biomimetic materials: from weak to strong. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4490-4606. [PMID: 38502087 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00513a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Living organisms in nature have undergone continuous evolution over billions of years, resulting in the formation of high-performance fracture-resistant biomineralized tissues such as bones and teeth to fulfill mechanical and biological functions, despite the fact that most inorganic biominerals that constitute biomineralized tissues are weak and brittle. During the long-period evolution process, nature has evolved a number of highly effective and smart strategies to design chemical compositions and structures of biomineralized tissues to enable superior properties and to adapt to surrounding environments. Most biomineralized tissues have hierarchically ordered structures consisting of very small building blocks on the nanometer scale (nanoparticles, nanofibers or nanoflakes) to reduce the inherent weaknesses and brittleness of corresponding inorganic biominerals, to prevent crack initiation and propagation, and to allow high defect tolerance. The bioinspired principles derived from biomineralized tissues are indispensable for designing and constructing high-performance biomimetic materials. In recent years, a large number of high-performance biomimetic materials have been prepared based on these bioinspired principles with a large volume of literature covering this topic. Therefore, a timely and comprehensive review on this hot topic is highly important and contributes to the future development of this rapidly evolving research field. This review article aims to be comprehensive, authoritative, and critical with wide general interest to the science community, summarizing recent advances in revealing the formation processes, composition, and structures of biomineralized tissues, providing in-depth insights into guidelines derived from biomineralized tissues for the design and construction of high-performance biomimetic materials, and discussing recent progress, current research trends, key problems, future main research directions and challenges, and future perspectives in this exciting and rapidly evolving research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Ping Yu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China.
| | - Ying-Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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2
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Srot V, Houari S, Kapun G, Bussmann B, Predel F, Pokorny B, Bužan E, Salzberger U, Fenk B, Kelsch M, van Aken PA. Ingenious Architecture and Coloration Generation in Enamel of Rodent Teeth. ACS NANO 2024; 18:11270-11283. [PMID: 38629732 PMCID: PMC11064225 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.4c00578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Teeth exemplify architectures comprising an interplay of inorganic and organic constituents, resulting in sophisticated natural composites. Rodents (Rodentia) showcase extraordinary adaptations, with their continuously growing incisors surpassing human teeth in functional and structural optimizations. In this study, employing state-of-the-art direct atomic-scale imaging and nanoscale spectroscopies, we present compelling evidence that the release of material from ameloblasts and the subsequent formation of iron-rich enamel and surface layers in the constantly growing incisors of rodents are complex orchestrated processes, intricately regulated and independent of environmental factors. The synergistic fusion of three-dimensional tomography and imaging techniques of etched rodent́s enamel unveils a direct correlation between the presence of pockets infused with ferrihydrite-like material and the acid resistant properties exhibited by the iron-rich enamel, fortifying it as an efficient protective shield. Moreover, observations using optical microscopy shed light on the role of iron-rich enamel as a microstructural element that acts as a path for color transmission, although the native color remains indistinguishable from that of regular enamel, challenging the prevailing paradigms. The redefinition of "pigmented enamel" to encompass ferrihydrite-like infusion in rodent incisors reshapes our perception of incisor microstructure and color generation. The functional significance of acid-resistant iron-rich enamel and the understanding of the underlying coloration mechanism in rodent incisors have far-reaching implications for human health, development of potentially groundbreaking dental materials, and restorative dentistry. These findings enable the creation of an entirely different class of dental biomaterials with enhanced properties, inspired by the ingenious designs found in nature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vesna Srot
- Max
Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Sophia Houari
- Unité
de Formation et de Recherche d’Odontologie, Université Paris Cité, Paris 75006, France
- UR2496,
Biomedical Research in Odontology, Université
Paris Cité, Montrouge 92120, France
| | - Gregor Kapun
- National
Institute of Chemistry, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
- Centre
of Excellence on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology−Nanocenter, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Birgit Bussmann
- Max
Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Felicitas Predel
- Max
Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Boštjan Pokorny
- Faculty
of Environmental Protection, Velenje 3320, Slovenia
- Slovenian
Forestry Institute, Ljubljana 1000, Slovenia
| | - Elena Bužan
- Faculty
of Environmental Protection, Velenje 3320, Slovenia
- Faculty
of Mathematics, Natural Sciences and Information Technologies, University of Primorska, Koper 6000, Slovenia
| | - Ute Salzberger
- Max
Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Bernhard Fenk
- Max
Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Marion Kelsch
- Max
Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
| | - Peter A. van Aken
- Max
Planck Institute for Solid State Research, Stuttgart 70569, Germany
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3
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Yu M, Feng L, Gan Z, Hua Y, Wu H, Ganss B, Yang H. Tubular Nanoclay-Enhanced Calcium Phosphate Mineralization and Assembly to Impart High Stiffness and Antimicrobial Properties. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:9190-9200. [PMID: 38349042 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c19424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Achieving superior mechanical properties of composite materials in artificially engineered materials is a great challenge due to technical bottlenecks in the size and morphological modulation of inorganic nanominerals. Hence, a "bioprocess-inspired fabrication" is proposed to create multilayered organic-inorganic columnar structures. The sequential assembly of halloysite nanotubes (HNTs), polyelectrolytes (PAAs), and calcium phosphates (CaPs) results in organic-inorganic structures. PAA plays a crucial role in controlling the formation of CaP, guiding it into amorphous particles with smaller nanosizes. The introduction of HNT induces the assembly and maturation of CaP-PAA, leading to the formation of a highly crystalline hydroxyapatite. Poly(vinyl alcohol) was then woven into HNT-encapsulated hydroxyapatite nanorods, resulting in composite materials with basic hierarchical structures across multiple scales. The fabricated composite exhibits exceptional hardness (4.27 ± 0.33 GPa) and flexural strength (101.25 ± 1.72 MPa), surpassing those of most previously developed biological hard tissue materials. Additionally, the composite demonstrates effective antibacterial properties and corrosion resistance, attributed to the dense crystalline phase of CaP. This innovative approach showcases the potential of clay minerals, particularly HNT, in the advancement of biomaterial design. The outstanding mechanical and antimicrobial properties of clay-based composites make them a promising candidate for applications in hard tissue repair, offering versatility in biomedicine and engineering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menghan Yu
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Laboratory of Advanced Mineral Materials, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Li Feng
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Laboratory of Advanced Mineral Materials, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Zongle Gan
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Laboratory of Advanced Mineral Materials, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Yicheng Hua
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Laboratory of Advanced Mineral Materials, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Haiyan Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Laboratory of Advanced Mineral Materials, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Bernhard Ganss
- Faculty of Dentistry and Institute for Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1G6, Canada
| | - Huaming Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Nano-Geomaterials of Ministry of Education, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Faculty of Materials Science and Chemistry, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Laboratory of Advanced Mineral Materials, China University of Geosciences, Wuhan 430074, China
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Mineral Materials and Application, School of Minerals Processing and Bioengineering, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China
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Stafin K, Śliwa P, Piątkowski M. Towards Polycaprolactone-Based Scaffolds for Alveolar Bone Tissue Engineering: A Biomimetic Approach in a 3D Printing Technique. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16180. [PMID: 38003368 PMCID: PMC10671727 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2023] [Revised: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The alveolar bone is a unique type of bone, and the goal of bone tissue engineering (BTE) is to develop methods to facilitate its regeneration. Currently, an emerging trend involves the fabrication of polycaprolactone (PCL)-based scaffolds using a three-dimensional (3D) printing technique to enhance an osteoconductive architecture. These scaffolds are further modified with hydroxyapatite (HA), type I collagen (CGI), or chitosan (CS) to impart high osteoinductive potential. In conjunction with cell therapy, these scaffolds may serve as an appealing alternative to bone autografts. This review discusses research gaps in the designing of 3D-printed PCL-based scaffolds from a biomimetic perspective. The article begins with a systematic analysis of biological mineralisation (biomineralisation) and ossification to optimise the scaffold's structural, mechanical, degradation, and surface properties. This scaffold-designing strategy lays the groundwork for developing a research pathway that spans fundamental principles such as molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and fabrication techniques. Ultimately, this paves the way for systematic in vitro and in vivo studies, leading to potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krzysztof Stafin
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, ul. Warszawska 24, PL 31-155 Kraków, Poland; (K.S.); (P.Ś.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, ul. Warszawska 24, PL 31-155 Kraków, Poland
| | - Paweł Śliwa
- Department of Organic Chemistry and Technology, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, ul. Warszawska 24, PL 31-155 Kraków, Poland; (K.S.); (P.Ś.)
| | - Marek Piątkowski
- Department of Biotechnology and Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Engineering and Technology, Cracow University of Technology, ul. Warszawska 24, PL 31-155 Kraków, Poland
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5
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Mondal S, Park S, Choi J, Vu TTH, Doan VHM, Vo TT, Lee B, Oh J. Hydroxyapatite: A journey from biomaterials to advanced functional materials. Adv Colloid Interface Sci 2023; 321:103013. [PMID: 37839281 DOI: 10.1016/j.cis.2023.103013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Hydroxyapatite (HAp), a well-known biomaterial, has witnessed a remarkable evolution over the years, transforming from a simple biocompatible substance to an advanced functional material with a wide range of applications. This abstract provides an overview of the significant advancements in the field of HAp and its journey towards becoming a multifunctional material. Initially recognized for its exceptional biocompatibility and bioactivity, HAp gained prominence in the field of bone tissue engineering and dental applications. Its ability to integrate with surrounding tissues, promote cellular adhesion, and facilitate osseointegration made it an ideal candidate for various biomedical implants and coatings. As the understanding of HAp grew, researchers explored its potential beyond traditional biomaterial applications. With advances in material synthesis and engineering, HAp began to exhibit unique properties that extended its utility to other disciplines. Researchers successfully tailored the composition, morphology, and surface characteristics of HAp, leading to enhanced mechanical strength, controlled drug release capabilities, and improved biodegradability. These modifications enabled the utilization of HAp in drug delivery systems, biosensors, tissue engineering scaffolds, and regenerative medicine applications. Moreover, the exceptional biomineralization properties of HAp allowed for the incorporation of functional ions and molecules during synthesis, leading to the development of bioactive coatings and composites with specific therapeutic functionalities. These functionalized HAp materials have demonstrated promising results in antimicrobial coatings, controlled release systems for growth factors and therapeutic agents, and even as catalysts in chemical reactions. In recent years, HAp nanoparticles and nanostructured materials have emerged as a focal point of research due to their unique physicochemical properties and potential for targeted drug delivery, imaging, and theranostic applications. The ability to manipulate the size, shape, and surface chemistry of HAp at the nanoscale has paved the way for innovative approaches in personalized medicine and regenerative therapies. This abstract highlights the exceptional evolution of HAp, from a traditional biomaterial to an advanced functional material. The exploration of novel synthesis methods, surface modifications, and nanoengineering techniques has expanded the horizon of HAp applications, enabling its integration into diverse fields ranging from biomedicine to catalysis. Additionally, this manuscript discusses the emerging prospects of HAp-based materials in photocatalysis, sensing, and energy storage, showcasing its potential as an advanced functional material beyond the realm of biomedical applications. As research in this field progresses, the future holds tremendous potential for HAp-based materials to revolutionize medical treatments and contribute to the advancement of science and technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sudip Mondal
- Digital Healthcare Research Center, Institute of Information Technology and Convergence, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Sumin Park
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeyeop Choi
- Smart Gym-Based Translational Research Center for Active Senior's Healthcare, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Thi Thu Ha Vu
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Vu Hoang Minh Doan
- Smart Gym-Based Translational Research Center for Active Senior's Healthcare, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Truong Tien Vo
- Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeongil Lee
- Digital Healthcare Research Center, Institute of Information Technology and Convergence, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea.
| | - Junghwan Oh
- Digital Healthcare Research Center, Institute of Information Technology and Convergence, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Industry 4.0 Convergence Bionics Engineering, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Smart Gym-Based Translational Research Center for Active Senior's Healthcare, Pukyong National University, Busan 48513, Republic of Korea; Ohlabs Corp., Busan 48513, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Mondal S, Tanari P, Roy S, Bhunia S, Chowdhury R, Pal AK, Datta A, Pal B, Reddy CM. Autonomous self-healing organic crystals for nonlinear optics. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6589. [PMID: 37852998 PMCID: PMC10584936 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42131-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-centrosymmetric molecular crystals have a plethora of applications, such as piezoelectric transducers, energy storage and nonlinear optical materials owing to their unique structural order which is absent in other synthetic materials. As most crystals are brittle, their efficiency declines upon prolonged usage due to fatigue or catastrophic failure, limiting their utilities. Some natural substances, like bone, enamel, leaf and skin, function efficiently, last a life-time, thanks to their inherent self-healing nature. Therefore, incorporating self-healing ability in crystalline materials will greatly broaden their scope. Here, we report single crystals of a dibenzoate derivative, capable of self-healing within milliseconds via autonomous actuation. Systematic quantitative experiments reveal the limit of mechanical forces that the self-healing crystals can withstand. As a proof-of-concept, we also demonstrate that our self-healed crystals can retain their second harmonic generation (SHG) with high efficiency. Kinematic analysis of the actuation in our system also revealed its impressive performance parameters, and shows actuation response times in the millisecond range.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saikat Mondal
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, 741246, West Bengal, India
| | - Pratap Tanari
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, 741246, West Bengal, India
| | - Samrat Roy
- Department of Physical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, 741246, West Bengal, India
| | - Surojit Bhunia
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, 741246, West Bengal, India
| | - Rituparno Chowdhury
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, 741246, West Bengal, India
| | - Arun K Pal
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Ayan Datta
- School of Chemical Sciences, Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science, Kolkata, 700032, West Bengal, India
| | - Bipul Pal
- Department of Physical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, 741246, West Bengal, India.
| | - C Malla Reddy
- Department of Chemical Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Kolkata, Nadia, 741246, West Bengal, India.
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7
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Besnard C, Marie A, Sasidharan S, Harper RA, Shelton RM, Landini G, Korsunsky AM. Synchrotron X-ray Studies of the Structural and Functional Hierarchies in Mineralised Human Dental Enamel: A State-of-the-Art Review. Dent J (Basel) 2023; 11:98. [PMID: 37185477 PMCID: PMC10137518 DOI: 10.3390/dj11040098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Hard dental tissues possess a complex hierarchical structure that is particularly evident in enamel, the most mineralised substance in the human body. Its complex and interlinked organisation at the Ångstrom (crystal lattice), nano-, micro-, and macro-scales is the result of evolutionary optimisation for mechanical and functional performance: hardness and stiffness, fracture toughness, thermal, and chemical resistance. Understanding the physical-chemical-structural relationships at each scale requires the application of appropriately sensitive and resolving probes. Synchrotron X-ray techniques offer the possibility to progress significantly beyond the capabilities of conventional laboratory instruments, i.e., X-ray diffractometers, and electron and atomic force microscopes. The last few decades have witnessed the accumulation of results obtained from X-ray scattering (diffraction), spectroscopy (including polarisation analysis), and imaging (including ptychography and tomography). The current article presents a multi-disciplinary review of nearly 40 years of discoveries and advancements, primarily pertaining to the study of enamel and its demineralisation (caries), but also linked to the investigations of other mineralised tissues such as dentine, bone, etc. The modelling approaches informed by these observations are also overviewed. The strategic aim of the present review was to identify and evaluate prospective avenues for analysing dental tissues and developing treatments and prophylaxis for improved dental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cyril Besnard
- MBLEM, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Ali Marie
- MBLEM, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Sisini Sasidharan
- MBLEM, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, Oxfordshire, UK
| | - Robert A. Harper
- School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, 5 Mill Pool Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7EG, West Midlands, UK
| | - Richard M. Shelton
- School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, 5 Mill Pool Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7EG, West Midlands, UK
| | - Gabriel Landini
- School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, 5 Mill Pool Way, Edgbaston, Birmingham B5 7EG, West Midlands, UK
| | - Alexander M. Korsunsky
- MBLEM, Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford, Parks Road, Oxford OX1 3PJ, Oxfordshire, UK
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Wang D, Han S, Yang M. Tooth Diversity Underpins Future Biomimetic Replications. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8010042. [PMID: 36810373 PMCID: PMC9944091 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8010042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the evolution of tooth structure seems highly conserved, remarkable diversity exists among species due to different living environments and survival requirements. Along with the conservation, this diversity of evolution allows for the optimized structures and functions of teeth under various service conditions, providing valuable resources for the rational design of biomimetic materials. In this review, we survey the current knowledge about teeth from representative mammals and aquatic animals, including human teeth, herbivore and carnivore teeth, shark teeth, calcite teeth in sea urchins, magnetite teeth in chitons, and transparent teeth in dragonfish, to name a few. The highlight of tooth diversity in terms of compositions, structures, properties, and functions may stimulate further efforts in the synthesis of tooth-inspired materials with enhanced mechanical performance and broader property sets. The state-of-the-art syntheses of enamel mimetics and their properties are briefly covered. We envision that future development in this field will need to take the advantage of both conservation and diversity of teeth. Our own view on the opportunities and key challenges in this pathway is presented with a focus on the hierarchical and gradient structures, multifunctional design, and precise and scalable synthesis.
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