Advances in Nature-Inspired Particles for Bioanalytical Applications

Nature has evolved sophisticated prototypes to achieve functions from efficient separation to selective capture, targeted interaction, and interactive communication. These biological blueprints provide transformative inspiration for engineering advanced particle materials tailored for bioanalytical challenges. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in nature-inspired particles from natural prototypes to preparation methods and various bioanalytical applications. The design principle of nature-inspired particles originates from the unique chemical and topological characteristics of natural prototypes including biomolecules (proteins and nucleic acids), subcellular particles (virus, extracellular vesicles (EVs), bacteria, and platelet), cells (erythrocyte, sperm cell, immune cell, and pollen), creatures (urchin and hedgehog), and minerals (zeolites). Various preparation methods have been developed to replicate the intricate features of these prototypes. These nature-inspired particles have demonstrated effectiveness in bioanalytical applications, such as i) adsorption, separation, and removal of biological molecules, ii) interaction, recognition, and capture of biological particles, iii) biological sensing, and iv) biological imaging. Some existing challenges and potential research opportunities have also been indicated in bioanalytical practice. It is anticipated that more nature-inspired particles would be created with programmable chemistry and topology, exhibiting integrated functions, and benefiting various practical bioanalytical applications with the assistance of artificial intelligence (AI) and big data processing.