Bio-inspired Material Design

Metal-coordination bonds, a highly-tunable class of dynamic non-covalent interactions are pivotal to the function of a variety of protein-based natural materials like mussel byssal thread fibers or abrasion resistant arthropod mandibles. However, little is known about their fundamental behavior and what design principles are used in biological materials to create tunable, strong and tough materials. How is it possible to create resilient materials out of highly fluctuating bonds? In this paper led by Eesha Khare, and in collaboration with Kerstin Blank, David Kaplan and Niels Holten-Andersen, we study the intriguing mechanics of this class of bonds, focused specifically on size effects and a careful analysis of mechanisms using a joint computational-experimental analysis. We specifically explore an intriguing feature of biology's use of metal-coordination bonds, bond clustering, rather than relying on individual bonds. The work uncovered key binding motifs to produce strong, tough, and self-healing bioinspired materials for many potential applications in engineering. We rationally designed a series of elastin-like polypeptide templates with the capability of forming an increasing number of intermolecular histidine-Ni2+ metal-coordination bonds. Using single-molecule force spectroscopy and steered molecular dynamics simulations, we show that templates with three histidine residues exhibit heterogeneous rupture pathways, including the simultaneous rupture of at least two bonds with more-than-additive rupture forces. The methodology and insights developed improve our understanding of the molecular interactions that stabilize metal-coordinated proteins and provide a general route for the design of new strong, metal-coordinated materials with a broad spectrum of dissipative timescales. A highlight of this work was the amazing collaboration between four labs. Thank you Kerstin Blank for hosting Eesha Khare at the Max Planck Institute for Colloids and Interfaces where she did the experimental work! Paper: https://lnkd.in/ebYVPz3D Khare, E., Gonzalez Obeso, C., Martín-Moldes, Z., Talib, A., Kaplan, D. L., Holten-Andersen, N., Blank, K. G., & Buehler, M. J. (2024). Heterogeneous and Cooperative Rupture of Histidine–Ni2+ Metal-Coordination Bonds on Rationally Designed Protein Templates. ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering. American Chemical Society https://lnkd.in/e-ANrjzM

Northeastern University researchers create plastic that dissolves in water. Boston., USA. November 12, 2024. Excerpt: “The impact of human-made materials results in climate change, pollution and more,” said Avinash Manjula-Basavanna, a senior research scientist at Northeastern. “One way to address this is to make materials sustainable, smart or intelligent." Manjula-Basavanna and Neel S. Joshi, associate professor of chemistry and chemical biology at Northeastern call their bioplastic MECHS — acronym for Mechanical Engineered Living Materials with Compostability, Healability and Scalability. The research was published 12 November 2024 in the journal Nature Communications. Note: The study showcases the most recent work with engineered living materials, living cells to produce functional materials. Manjula-Basavanna and Joshi explain such materials have notable assets. Nature-inspired solutions can be made to regenerate, regulate and/or respond to external stimuli such as light and can heal itself. Second, unlike polluting plastics the materials are biodegradable in water and in compost bins. "A lot of conventional nonbiodegradable plastics are not needed for applications," Joshi said. “If replaced with our plastic, you could just flush it down the toilet, it would biodegrade.” Although engineered living materials have been manipulated to adhere, catalyze and remediate, soft or stiff, the materials have not been scalable for widespread production. MECHS consists of engineered E. coli bacteria with a fiber matrix to create a paper- or film-like material. The fibers give MECHS desirable properties. MECHS can stretch like plastic wrap, can be genetically engineered by adding proteins or peptides for stiffness and healable. A small amount of water disentangles the fibers, which re-entangle as the MECHS dry. A lot of water or a trip to a compost bin causes the material to dissolve faster than other biodegradable plastics, researchers found. The material can be easily mass produced in a process similar to paper manufacturing. Manjula-Basavanna and Joshi envision the product in “primary packaging” — filmy plastic that protects the screen and case of your iPhone. Detergent pods for dishwashers or washing machines are another potential use. Proteins embedded in the fibers could provide fertilizer as it breaks down if MECHS were used as a pot for plants.  Public policy on plastics is ‘absolutely critical’ “Plastic pollution is a global problem, we are focusing on targeting low-hanging fruit of plastic packaging, comprising nearly one-third of the plastic market,” Manjula-Basavanna says. Typical lifespan of this packaging could be a few days to two years.  “Petrochemical plastics can take hundreds of years to biodegrade. https://lnkd.in/eyw4Prgs.

We are excited to share our project: Eco-Resilient Tectonics: Living Building Materials in Multi-Species Earthen Construction, developed at the Computational Tectonics Lab, School of Architecture, University of Virginia. This research embeds mycelium (Pleurotus ostreatus) and radish (Raphanus sativus) into robotically 3D-printed soil structures, exploring how construction can become regenerative, ecologically embedded, and adaptive to changing environments. Read the full paper: https://lnkd.in/eSi8u4DR Presented at: – ACSA 113th Annual Meeting (2025) – ACSA/AIA Intersections Research Conference (2023) , and forthcoming in peer-reviewed conference proceedings. Key contributions include: • Bio-integrated, 3D-printed earth structures • Mycelium-based insulation and resilience • Radish-enabled surface greening • Architecture as a living, self-healing system We hope this work contributes to the growing discourse on ecological design, biological fabrication, and living materials in architecture. How might buildings evolve to become more like ecosystems? Thanks to my student research assistants at the Computational Tectonics Lab for pushing this research forward: I. Datta, A. Edson, M. Hsu, J. Jackson, E. Sobel, and T. Summers. Design and Images © Ehsan Baharlou, Computational Tectonics Lab The University of Virginia School of Architecture #LivingBuildingMaterials #SustainableArchitecture #MyceliumResearch #DigitalFabrication #EcoResilientTectonics #RegenerativeArchitecture #BioDesign #3DPrintedConstruction #ACSA2025 #ArchitectureResearch #MyceliumArchitecture #EcologicalDesign

🚨 New Paper Alert! 🚨 I am thrilled to share our latest work, "Nucleation Effects of Coccoliths in Portland Cement," which was recently published in Matter! A big thank you and congratulations to Danielle B. for leading this work! Here, we demonstrate that biologically architected calcium carbonate can induce seeding and nucleation effects more effectively than other precipitated calcium carbonates (PCCs). This study is a quintessential example of how the Living Materials Laboratory at the University of Colorado Boulder College of Engineering & Applied Science is learning and applying nature's principles to the design of sustainable and resilient construction materials. Follow us to learn more about how we're blurring the boundaries between the built environment and the natural world! Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g49twiDk

Massachusetts Institute of Technology engineers have drawn inspiration from mobula rays to enhance water filter designs. These rays filter plankton using comb-like plates in their mouths, achieving an optimal balance of permeability and selectivity that allows them to feed and breathe simultaneously. The researchers used additive manufacturing to create a simple filter mimicking the ray’s grooved plates, enabling precise replication and testing of the bioinspired design. Experiments showed that at higher flow rates, vortices formed between the grooves, trapping particles while allowing water to pass—similar to how rays capture plankton. This insight led to a blueprint for designing filters that leverage vortices for better performance. #additivemanufacturing #3dprinting #water #waterfilter #design #naturaldesign #BioinspiredDesign #EngineeringInnovation #WaterFiltration #MITResearch #3DPrinting #NatureInspired #CleanWaterTech #MechanicalEngineering #SustainableTech #MantaRayScience

Turning apple waste into furniture? Material innovation is being redefined with a groundbreaking vegan-certified leather alternative crafted from upcycled agricultural waste. This innovative material offers a premium, bio-based option that seamlessly blends environmental responsibility with practical versatility. Manufactured on wide rolls, it provides a luxurious, durable alternative to traditional leather while addressing the urgent need for eco-friendly solutions. By utilising by-products of agricultural processes, this innovation exemplifies how waste can become a cornerstone for transformative design, challenging industry norms and fostering a more circular economy. Recently, this material has been introduced in the furniture sector, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness in reducing carbon footprints. For example, when used in furniture, it achieves significant reductions in carbon emissions compared to traditional materials. This measurable impact highlights the potential of sustainable materials to advance both environmental and business objectives. Key Features of Bio-Based Materials →Transformative Origins: Converts agricultural by-products into high-quality materials. →Cross-Industry Applications: Ideal for furniture, fashion, and automotive sectors. →Design Customisation: Supports diverse finishes and textures, meeting unique design needs. →Supply Chain Transparency: Offers full traceability, ensuring ethical production and enhancing storytelling. Business Impact and ROI →Sustainability Leadership: Collaborating with material innovators demonstrates a commitment to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) goals. →Cost Optimisation: By utilising waste-based inputs, businesses can reduce dependence on costly, resource-intensive materials. →Market Differentiation: Offering products made with innovative materials positions companies as leaders in sustainability, appealing to a conscientious consumer base. →Carbon Reduction: Bio-based materials deliver tangible emissions savings, supporting corporate decarbonisation objectives. This innovation exemplifies how rethinking waste can drive sustainability and profitability, empowering businesses to lead in the era of bio-based innovation. Link for more info: https://lnkd.in/dmtMrnP3 #sustainability #esg #biomaterials #decarbonisation #wasteupcycling #innovation #bioeconomy #climateaction #circularity #greendesign