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Updated: Aug 15, 2025

Biofunctionalization of Magnetic Nanomaterials

Biofunctionalization of Magnetic Nanomaterials

Published on: July 16, 2020

Erythrocyte-Inspired Functional Materials for Biomedical Applications.

Zhiqiang Luo¹, Lingyu Sun¹, Feika Bian¹

¹Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.

Advanced Science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)

|December 29, 2022

Summary

Researchers are developing artificial biomaterials inspired by red blood cells (erythrocytes) for advanced medical uses. This review covers their creation, function, and potential in therapy and imaging.

Keywords:

biomaterial erythrocyte hydrogel microfluidics particle

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Last Updated: Aug 15, 2025

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Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Biomedical Engineering
Cellular Biology

Background:

Erythrocytes (red blood cells) possess unique biconcave discoid morphology and composition for optimal biological function.
These intrinsic features have inspired the development of artificial biomaterials.
These biomaterials show promise in diverse biomedical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide a comprehensive review of erythrocyte-inspired functional materials.
To summarize fabrication strategies and biomedical applications.
To discuss future perspectives for these advanced biomaterials.

Main Methods:

Literature review of existing studies on erythrocyte-inspired biomaterials.
Categorization of materials based on biomimicry of erythrocyte functions.
Analysis of synthesis strategies for erythrocyte-mimicking particles.
Evaluation of practical biomedical applications.

Main Results:

A wide range of biomaterials mimicking erythrocyte morphology and function have been developed.
These materials are effective in therapeutic delivery, bioimaging, and tissue engineering.
Various synthesis strategies enable the creation of particles with erythrocyte-inspired characteristics.

Conclusions:

Erythrocyte-inspired biomaterials offer significant potential for clinical applications.
Further research and development are needed to accelerate their translation to practice.
This review aims to inspire novel biomaterial design and application.