The role of biomimetism in developing nanostructured inorganic matrices for drug delivery.
BACKGROUND
Biomimetism of synthetic biomaterials can be carried out at different levels, such as composition, structure, morphology, bulk and surface chemical-physical properties. Biomaterials can be turned into biomimetic imprinting of all these characteristics in order not only to optimise their interaction with biological tissues, but also to mimic biogenic materials in their functionalities.


OBJECTIVE
This review outlines the biomimetic chemical-physical properties of inorganic matrices in controlling drug release.


METHODS
This review is restricted to phosphates and silica among inorganic biomaterials proposed as drug delivery vehicles.


CONCLUSIONS
By mimicking nature, we can design and synthesise inorganic smart materials that are reactive towards biological tissues and can release bioactive molecules by a kinetic that is controlled not only by the matrix tailored chemical-physical properties, but also by the response to stimuli induced by physiological or pathological processes.
Roveri
Norberto
N
University of Bologna, Laboratory of Environmental and Biological Structural Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, 'G Ciamician', via Selmi 2, 40126 Bologna, Italy. norberto.roveri@unibo.it
Palazzo
Barbara
B
Iafisco
Michele
M
D001031:Apatites / Q000737:chemistry*; D040761:Biomimetic Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry*; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*; D013499:Surface Properties
D001031:Apatites; D004364:Pharmaceutical Preparations; D012822:Silicon Dioxide