Bioinspired and Biomimetic Membranes: Toward Smart, Adaptive, and Next-Generation Biomedical Systems

Bioinspired and biomimetic membranes represent a rapidly advancing class of materials for biomedical and life-science applications by emulating the structure and function of natural biological systems. This review represents the current progress in these technologies, including membrane-coated nanoparticles, tissue-engineering scaffolds, and related constructs, and classifies them into four complementary functional categories. It further elaborates on material selection, fabrication methods, biomedical uses, translational barriers, and future directions. Natural biodegradable polymers contribute to biocompatibility and intrinsic bioactivity, whereas synthetic polymers afford adjustable mechanical properties and controlled degradation. Lipid-based formulations and cell membrane-mimetic nanostructures enhance functionality through improved targeting, immune evasion, and regulated drug release. Precise architectural control is achieved using advanced fabrication approaches such as electrospinning, layer-by-layer assembly, self-assembly, biomineralization, and 3D bioprinting. These membranes have shown in vitro experiments and preclinical animal studies, and for certain selected systems, such as dialysis membranes and liposomal systems, they have already reached clinical use for drug delivery, tissue regeneration, biosensing, and antimicrobial applications. Despite advances in recapitulating biological form and function, important obstacles remain, notably scalable manufacturing, long-term stability under physiological conditions, and cost-effectiveness. Nevertheless, owing to their selective molecular transport, adaptive behavior, and enhanced biointerface compatibility, bioinspired and biomimetic membranes are suitable materials for next-generation biomedical technologies.