Preface: Biomimetic Nanotechnology Vol. 2

Abstract

Biomimetic nanotechnology relates to the most basic aspects of living systems, and the transfer of their properties to human applications. Biological materials, structures, and processes are predominantly based on functionalities at the nanoscale. These nanoscale functionalities are often peppered with added components embedded in beautiful hierarchical layers, moving from the nano- to the micro-, through the meso-, and finally to the macroscale [1]. This is of relevance in materials science, medicine, physics, sensor technologies, smart materials science, and various further fields. Biomimetics of nanoscale features of living systems is highly challenging, interesting, and rewarding. Yet, because of the inherent multifunctionality of most biological functions, sometimes it is complicated to isolate specific features that are interesting for potential novel applications in technology. Here, both smart approaches and a focus on properly identifying the underlying principles of Nature are necessary for us to be able to transfer lessons from living systems to technology, science, engineering, and the arts. This Special Issue on Biomimetic Nanotechnology calls for contributions from researchers and thinkers in all realms of biomimetic nanotechnology and welcomes theoretical, experimental, and review contributions from biomimeticians, physicists, biologists, material scientists, engineers, and mathematicians alike who are engaged and interested in this fast-growing field. Of specific interest for this Special Issue will be papers that touch upon safe nanotechnology and sustainable biomimetic nanotechnology that facilitates the high potential of this great field in combination with inherent safety for humans and nature. In the end of 2017, we launched such a Special Issue and received a significant amount of attention, with 8 related papers published. Various important developments have taken place since then, especially in medical biomimetic nanotechnology, and biomimetics as a field is growing and more consolidated. Because of the great success of "Biomimetic Nanotechnology Vol. 1", we have now decided it is time to launch "Biomimetic Nanotechnology Vol. 2", and we believe that with your support, it can be as successful as the original edition.