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RESEARCH PRODUCT

Biomimetic routes to micro/nanofabrication

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Abstract The discovery of inorganic polyphosphate (polyP), an evolutionarily ancient biopolymer, and of its function in energy storage/supply and induction of cell differentiation through specific gene expression (“morphogenetic activity”) has opened new opportunities in regenerative medicine, including therapy of bone, cartilage, and vascular diseases. Inspired by nature, various procedures have been developed for the preparation of amorphous nano and microparticles of polyP with different counterions, which mimic the physiological polyP found in blood platelets/acidocalcisomes, as well as for the preparation of morphogenetically active polyP coacervate complexes. This chapter summarizes the techniques used for the fabrication of these “smart” nano/microparticles and (nano) materials based on them, including materials for three-dimensional (3D) printing and 3D cell bioprinting, as well as their unique biological morphogenetic properties even adaptable to specific physiological/pathological conditions.