An efficient method is reported, for the fabrication of composite microfibers that can be magnetically actuated and are biocompatible, targeting controlled drug release. Aqueous solutions of polyvinyl alcohol, incorporated with citric acid-coated Fe 3 O 4 magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), are subject to infusion gyration to generate 100− 300 nm diameter composite fibers, with controllable MNP loading. The fibers are stable in polar solvents, such as ethanol, and do not show any leaching of MNPs for over 4 weeks. Using acetaminophen as an example, we demonstrate that this material is effective in immobilization and triggered release of drugs, which is achieved by a moving external magnetic field. The remote actuation ability, coupled with biocompatibility and lightweight property, renders enormous potential for these fibers to be used as a smart drug release agent.

Gathering inspiration from nature for the design of new materials, products and processes is a topic gaining rapid interest among scientists and engineers. In this review, we introduce the concept of nature-inspired chemical engineering (NICE). We critically examine how this approach offers advantages over straightforward biomimicry and distinguishes itself from bio-integrated design, as a systematic methodology to present innovative solutions to challenging problems. The scope of application of the nature-inspired approach is demonstrated via examples from the field of biomedicine, where much of the inspiration is still more narrowly focused on imitation or bio-integration. We conclude with an outlook on prospective future applications, offered by the more systematic and mechanistically based NICE approach, complemented by rapid progress in manufacturing, computation and robotics.This article is part of the theme issue ‘Bioinspired materials and surfaces for green science and technology’.

An efficient approach to improve the catalytic activity of titanosilicates is introduced. The Doehlert matrix (DM) statistical model was utilized to probe the synthetic parameters of mesoporous titanosilicate microspheres (MTSM), in order to increase their catalytic activity with a minimal number of experiments. Synthesis optimization was carried out by varying two parameters simultaneously: homogenizing temperature and surfactant weight. Thirteen different MTSM samples were synthesized in two sequential 'matrices' according to Doehlert conditions and were used to catalyse the epoxidation of cyclohexene with tert-butyl hydroperoxide. The samples (and the corresponding synthesis conditions) with superior catalytic activity in terms of product yield and selectivity were identified. In addition, this approach revealed the limiting values of each synthesis parameter, beyond which the material becomes catalytically ineffective. This study demonstrates that the DM approach can be broadly used as a powerful and time-efficient tool for investigating the optimal synthesis conditions of heterogeneous catalysts. Abbreviation

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