Biomimetic materials for medical applications

Chin Med J (Engl). 2026 May 20;139(10):1426-1463. doi: 10.1097/CM9.0000000000004036. Epub 2026 Mar 27.

Abstract

Recent advances in biomedical research have facilitated the exploration of biomimetic materials and their potential for diagnosing and treating diseases. This review synthesizes reports of recent research into biomimetic materials and provides a focused analysis of their therapeutic and diagnostic efficacy across multiple physiological systems, including the locomotor, digestive, respiratory, urinary, endocrine, nervous, integumentary, hematopoietic, and circulatory systems. These findings highlight the transformative potential of these materials in the management of systemic diseases. They also reveal the challenges associated with material optimization, clinical translation, and future research. These challenges highlight the unresolved hurdles and largely untapped opportunities.

Keywords: Biomaterial; Biomimetic design; Cardiovascular diseases; Drug sustained release; Endocrine system diseases; Gastrointestinal diseases; Hematological diseases; Locomotor system disorders; Natural product; Neurological diseases; Respiratory diseases; Skin diseases; Tissue engineering; Urinary diseases.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biomimetic Materials* / chemistry
  • Biomimetic Materials* / therapeutic use
  • Biomimetics* / methods
  • Humans