Division/Committee: [COLL: Division of Colloid and Surface Chemistry]

Nature offers a rich source of inspiration for the design and assembly of nanostructures, materials, and devices, where interfaces play a central role in their function. In biology, cellular membranes are equipped with pumps, gates, motors, and other functional elements. Compartmentalized systems, such as mitochondria and the chromatophore vesicles of photosynthetic bacteria, are crucial in regulating energy flow. While evolution provides abundant inspiration for material and device design, natural systems aim to grow and replicate, whereas engineered materials and devices are designed to meet human needs. The fundamental challenge lies in drawing inspiration from natural systems and adapting it for anthropomorphic purposes. Simply copying biological systems will only replicate biology, but successfully integrating abiotic materials, and mechanisms with biologically inspired design concepts offers the potential to transform the engineering of materials and devices.

Phillip Messersmith

University of California, Berkeley

Appearances