Biomaterials and tissue engineering
The latest chemistry news and research on biomaterials, including biopolymers, biomimetic materials and tissue engineering, from the Royal Society of Chemistry's magazine, Chemistry World
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OpinionPolicies for advanced wound care dressings in India
India faces a growing crisis in wound treatment, driven by diabetes and an ageing population. A new policy approach could enable Indian innovation to meet this need.
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ResearchGluten-based vegan leather gains strength with heat and UV treatment
Process triggers protein denaturation and crosslinking to create material that gets close to imitating the strength, pliability and texture of natural leather
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FeatureHow soft electronics are transforming medical devices
Degradable pacemakers and artificial neurons showcase how flexible, tissue-compatible electronics are revolutionising medicine. But translating these materials from lab bench to clinic requires solving complex structure–function relationships
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ResearchWolffish teeth contain a rare material that shrinks when squeezed rather than expanding
Osteodentin found in the core of this bottom-dwelling Atlantic Ocean predator’s teeth could inspire new designs for stronger, more resilient materials
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ResearchThis deep-sea worm turns two toxins into a harmless mineral
Unusual biomineralisation strategy used for detoxification rather than reinforcing tissues
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NewsHow the extraordinary science of everyday items is bringing chemistry to the public
Three analytical chemists explain how turning powerful techniques towards ordinary objects inspires public engagement with science
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Research3D printing deep in the body using ultrasound could deliver drugs, heal wounds
Biocompatible inks allowed polymers to be printed in animals without harming them
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ResearchMystery of how polar bears keep their coats ice free unravelled
Analysis of fur sebum could inspire new icephobic coatings
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ResearchProtein cement is the trick to how ticks stick
New insight into bioadhesive proteins could aid development of future biomedical tissue sealants
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ResearchSpaghetti-like nanofibres made by electrospinning wheat flour
Team calculate their ‘nanopasta’ is ‘approximately a thousand times’ thinner than threads of god
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ResearchProtective coating for timber made from tree bark compounds
Coating avoids using fossil hydrocarbons so could provide a sustainable alternative to traditional solvent-based paints, varnishes and oils
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ResearchSelf-dyeing vegan leather made by genetically engineered bacteria
Material can be shaped into shoes and wallets, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional leather
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ResearchIntelligent ionotronic wood device can keep an eye on people’s health
Infusing wood with ionic liquid enables creation of electronic wood
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OpinionJulia Kornfield: ‘I’ve often followed an instinct about a person’
The polymer expert on power imbalances and following her instinct
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FeatureMedical uses for silk
Nina Notman speaks to the researchers exploring medical applications for silkworm silk
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ArticleMimicking our eyes’ sun protection
Sóliome is developing sunscreens based on natural UV-filtering peptides
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BusinessBio-based plastics compete for space
From drop-in replacements to new polymers, what role will renewable materials play in a sustainable future?
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FeatureCan biorefineries eliminate fossil fuels and petrochemicals?
Plans to develop the world’s largest vegetable oil refinery reveal diverging views on the sustainability, profitability and scale of plant-based supply chains, finds Andy Extance
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ResearchTwisted carbon nanotubes make ideal replacements for damaged ligaments
Rabbits and sheep can still walk and jump normally after transplantation of synthetic ligaments
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FeatureA new generation of materials inspired by teeth
Ian Le Guillou finds that some of nature’s toughest structures are helping scientists to develop new fibres that could revolutionise fabrics