Review Article
Hydrogel ionic sensory systems
Hydrogels are promising ion conductors for ionic sensory systems. This review summarizes ion transport in hydrogels and highlights ionic sensors, transporters, processors, effectors, and power sources, along with challenges and future directions.
Circularly polarized-light-driven chiral optoelectronics: encoding, sensing, and neuromorphic processing from an information-flow perspective
A systematic overview of circularly polarized-light-driven chiral optoelectronics, integrating bioinspired material design with information encoding, sensing, and neuromorphic processing from an information-flow perspective.
Recent advances in patterned bio-inspired cholesteric liquid crystals: fabrication, stimuli-responsive mechanisms, and smart optical applications
Patterned bio-inspired cholesteric liquid crystals are reviewed as programmable photonic materials, focusing on helical design, fabrication strategies, stimuli responsiveness, and multifunctional applications.
Self-similar architectures for pressure-tolerant and mechanically durable superamphiphobic coatings
Pressure-tolerant and mechanically durable superamphiphobic coatings are prepared by constructing self-similar hierarchical micro-/nanostructures via a phase-separation-assisted spray-coating strategy.
Biomimetic Low-porosity Framework Membranes for Efficient Power Generation and Acid Recycling from Industrial Wastewater
Ice-assisted cryogenic embrittlement grinding for surfactant-free fabrication of soft nanomaterials
We introduce ICE-grinding, overcoming chemistry constraints and contamination in soft nanoparticle synthesis. Cryogenic vitrification embrittles gels via glassy ice, directing nanoscale fracture while preserving polymer networks for nanomedicine.
Communication
Interface-governed electromechanical coupling in bioinspired hierarchical piezoelectric poly(L-lactide) architectures
Interface-engineered soft piezoelectric architectures leverage chemically activated interfaces to amplify ultrasound-driven electromechanical coupling, enabling bioinspired, scalable communication with cells efficient.
Ion-electron coupling in a MXene/silk nanofluidic hydrovoltaic device for enhanced electricity generation
A MXene/silk nanofluidic hydrovoltaic device leverages ion-electron Coulomb drag at the solid–liquid interface to boost output voltage to 593 mV with dilute ionic droplets and further to 622 mV under infrared irradiation.
A bioinspired dual-modal laser-induced graphene tactile sensor for high-precision multimodal object recognition
Inspired by trichoid sensilla on insect antennae, a bioinspired trichoid tactile sensor (BTTS) that enables simultaneous acquisition of triboelectric and piezoresistive signals for material and shape recognition was developed.
Bio-inspired 3D-printed TPU/LiCl hierarchical porous cones for high-performance atmospheric water harvesting
Illustration of the fabrication process and working principle of the bio-inspired hierarchical porous cone.
Robust superamphiphobic coatings in confined and chemically inert tubular geometries enabled by a dynamic circulation coating strategy
Dynamic circulation coating enables robust superamphiphobic coatings on the inner walls of narrow, chemically inert tubes via flow-controlled interfacial assembly.
An elastic molecule–hierarchical topology–heat field synergy for a robust, multifunctional and integrated bioinspired nanofibrous helix
We prepared a bioinspired nanofibrous helix by elastic molecule-hierarchical topology-heat field synergistic strategy, demonstrated the applications in self-cleaning surfaces, medical caps, antennas, and electronics.
Thermal-driven H-bond reconfiguration for bioinspired high-strength anisotropic supramolecular hydrogels
Inspired by organisms, we develop a hydrogen bond reconfiguration strategy to build supramolecular hydrogels via thermally reversible alignment. Quenching pre-stretched networks yields anisotropic hydrogels with outstanding mechanical performance.
A bioinspired hydrogel with balanced adhesion and compliance for reversible underwater adhesion
Achieving strong yet reversible underwater adhesion while maintaining low mechanical stiffness remains a key challenge for hydrogel adhesives, especially for temporary stabilization of fragile submerged objects.
Wrinkled micropillar surfaces inspired by moss leaves for ultrafast superspreading and cooling
About this collection
Nature, through billions of years of evolution, has engineered material systems with exquisite architectures, remarkable functionalities, and unparalleled energy efficiency. Biological systems, such as the self-cleaning lotus leaf, the fracture-resistant nacre of abalone shells, the high-strength of spider silk, and the high-efficiency of photosynthesis, serve as an endless source of inspiration for materials scientists. This Materials Horizons and Materials Chemistry Frontiers collection provides a high-level platform for global researchers to discuss the challenges and future of bioinspired materials, fostering the transition from fundamental principles to practical applications, and offering innovative solutions to grand challenges in energy, environment, health, and advanced manufacturing.
Guest Edited by Professor Shu-Hong Yu (University of Science and Technology of China), Professor Shutao Wang (Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, CAS), Professor Mingjie Liu (Beihang University), Professor Huai-Ping Cong (Hefei University of Technology) and Professor Feilong Zhang (Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences), we hope you enjoy reading the latest high quality developments in the field.