Elucidating Nature's Secrets for Creating Extraordinary Biomaterials: How far Have We Come?

Abstract

Abstract Nature produces exquisite structures under ambient conditions using raw materials found in its immediate environment. Examples of naturally resilient materials seem nearly infinite and include (but not limited to) strong composites like seashells and tough fibers like spider dragline silk, which has a breakage energy per unit weight two orders of magnitude greater than high tensile steel. These natural processes and the resulting materials are ultimately biodegradable and Eco-friendly. Scientists have been interested in nature's designs and processes for hundreds of years. The result of these studies has led to many unique synthetic materials such as KEVLAR™, styrofoam, PLEXIGLAS™, etc. Unfortunately, our “man-made” materials are usually produced under harsh conditions such as high temperatures or under vacuum. Rarely are these processes and the resulting products environmentally friendly. In order to mimic nature's designs, researchers have attempted to understand its basic mechanisms for making these resilient materials by studying the starting materials that nature produces.