Structural Biological Materials: Critical Mechanics-Materials Connections

• DOI: 10.1126/science.1220854
• Publication Date: 2013-02-14T20:26:28Z
• Authors: Marc André Meyers; Joanna McKittrick; Po-Yu Chen
• Keywords: Biopolymers; Elastic Modulus; Silk; Animals; Spiders; Collagen; Stress, Mechanical; 02 engineering and technology; Shear Strength; 0210 nano-technology; Mechanical Phenomena

Spider silk is extraordinarily strong, mollusk shells and bone are tough, porcupine quills feathers resist buckling. How these notable properties achieved? The building blocks of the materials listed above primarily minerals biopolymers, mostly in combination; first weak tension second compression. intricate ingenious hierarchical structures responsible for outstanding performance each material. Toughness conferred by presence controlled interfacial features (friction, hydrogen bonds, chain straightening stretching); buckling resistance can be achieved filling a slender column with lightweight foam. Here, we present interpret selected examples other biological materials. Structural bio-inspired design makes use inserting synthetic processes that augment structures' capability while retaining their essential features. In this Review, explain idea through some unusual concepts.