## 4 Bioinspired NEMS--The State of the Art
### The Last Decade--an Age of Great Promise  
Ten years ago, an exciting moment occurred in materials science. The ability of all complex biological organisms to self-repair minor damages [26] was described, as well as the prospect of mimicking this feature in nanodevices. \"We continually learn things and borrow ideas from nature, but we design devices beyond nature\" [27]. This beautiful, harmonious quote as well as the whole book by [PERSON] [27] represents a useful and exciting introduction to biomimetics. During this period, one gets the impression that thinking begins with a look at biomimetics; biomimetics finally gains its true meaning and becomes officially recognized. Bioinspired NEMS can play a crucial role in curing or preventing disease. There are currently many NEMS applications in biology and biomedicine, and thus many articles in this field [28; 29]. An example of such an application is a silicon micro-channel, used to provide an improved blood plasma separation from whole blood by acoustophoresis. [PERSON] et al. [30] harnessed the theory of acoustophoresis of dense suspension to understand the acoustic focusing of cells within blood capillaries. Such works are not only inspiring but also have promising applications. A new lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology is a kind of bioinspired nano system, recently described elsewhere [31; 32; 33]. It is a device that integrates one or several laboratory functions on a single integrated circuit. LOC can be defined as a subset of complex MEMS/NEMS devices. LOC is designed as a sensor capable of detecting different chemicals in bodily fluids and providing information about the current health condition. Currently, many MEMS are customized and programmed within LOC devices for various sensing applications. However, the ultimate goal is to detect any health issue without using expensive techniques and to stop the disease before it progresses. The potential uses of LOC in medicine and health application are unlimited. Recently, the _New York Post_ highlighted LOC technology for non-specialists [33]. An exceptional example is a prototype of a 3D-printed artificial lung [34]. In brief, lungs are a mechanical sensor that reacts to the external effects, which is analogous to microsystems. [PERSON] [34] foresaw this product for short- and long-term respiratory support. In the beginning, it was used as a temporary measure while waiting for transplantation or another healing process, but it could become a permanent solution in the future. Although it does not look like an original organ overall, the structure is perfectly imitated. Thanks to the flexibility enabled by 3D printing, the variation in dimensions and shape is a huge advantage and a step towards new possibilities. Biomimicry is a constant inspiration to researchers and engineers, and now with new 3D technology, better production possibilities are affordable. The successful replication of organ functions by natural materials, or biocompatible materials, represents the future of medical technology [35]. The possibility of replacing the lung is mind-blowing, with the potential to drastically change many patients' lives. Aside from that, [PERSON] et al. [28] studied a self-organization of sessile bacteria within a controlled and closed environment. The ability of bacteria to sense the environment and its gradients and to adjust their movements to them, in combination with the hydrodynamic properties, has a significant impact on the bacterial colonization and management of nutrient resources [29] and could have a substantial impact on understanding complex ecological interactions. Finally, the MEMS/NEMS applications reach the realm of pharmacy. The main challenge in pharmaceutical analytics is to find a fast and accurate test for sensing in the nano domain at a single-molecule or -particle level. Recently the PMTA method (Particle Mechanical Thermal Analyses) [36] was developed and uses a single particle as a resonator to determine changes in their mechanical properties.