Biological composites have evolved elaborate hierarchical structures to achieve outstanding
mechanical properties using weak but readily available building blocks. Combining the …

Nature has achieved materials with properties and mechanisms that go far beyond the
current know-how of the engineering-materials industry. The remarkable efficiency of …

The design and fabrication of synthetic structural components often result in homogeneous
materials with uniform microstructures and properties. In contrast, nature has evolved …

Structural biological materials are multiphase composite materials in nature. Their
mechanical properties are extraordinary despite their weak constituents. This review aims to …

In the quest of increasing safety and efficiency in structural applications, learning from
natural materials can be a promising approach. Nature has evolved for billions of years to …

Biological materials are typically multifunctional but many have evolved to optimize a chief
mechanical function. These functions include impact or fracture resistance, armor and …

Recent far-reaching advances in synthetic biology have yielded exciting tools for the
creation of new materials. Conversely, advances in the fundamental understanding of soft …

Biological materials have a wide range of mechanical properties matching their biological
function. This is achieved via complex structural hierarchies, spanning many length scales …

The surprising properties of biomaterials are the results of billions of years of evolution.
Generally, biomaterials are assembled under mild conditions with very limited supply of …

Next-generation structural materials are expected to be lightweight, high-strength and tough
composites with embedded functionalities to sense, adapt, self-repair, morph and restore …