Biology offers models for new synthetics

Abstract

Materials scientists can learn lessons from biology in their efforts to develop new classes of synthetic materials for use in such areas as aeronautics and space exploration, biomedicine, and telecommunications, says a report just issued by the National Research Council. The 142-page report, Hierarchical Structures in Biology as a Guide for New Materials Technology, focuses on a ubiquitous feature of biological materials—their hierarchical architectural design—and cites natural syntheses that can serve as models for creating new materials. The study was prepared by a panel under the direction of David A. Tirrell, Barrett Professor of Polymer Science & Engineering at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. The report was sponsored by the Department of Defense and the National Aeronautics & Space Administration. Nature is parsimonious in its use of constituent materials, the report notes. It returns to the same materials again and again to realize an astonishing range of structure and function. Skin...