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Biological and Bio-Inspired Materials
Last Updated: 2026-02-05 16:16:30
Abstract
This course explores the mechanisms that govern the adaptive functions of out-of-equilibrium systems in living organisms at the molecular scale and the microstructural design principles of biological materials at larger length scales. Throughout the course, we will also explore how these design principles can be incorporated into synthetic systems to improve targeted functions.
Objective
By the end of this course, students will be able to explain how natural selection optimizes biological materials at the molecular and microstructural levels and how this optimization process has resulted in the emergence of biological design principles that fulfill essential functions for species' survival. Students will gain the ability to analyze and integrate bio-inspired adaptive functions into synthetic material systems, as well as interpret the correlation between function, microstructure, and performance of biological and bio-inspired materials. Through engaging activities, students will also develop strategies to create bio-inspired solutions for typical engineering problems and predict the performance of bio-inspired materials.
Content
This course is divided into two main blocks. The first block focuses on the primary molecular adaptations of living organisms, while the second block covers the fundamental microstructural design principles present in biological materials. Block I: Molecular Adaptations of Living Organisms and Creation of Adaptive Bio-inspired Materials - Temporal regulation in biological and bio-inspired molecular systems; - Autonomous molecular structures and out-of-equilibrium systems; - Molecular motion and work generation mechanisms in biological and bio-inspired systems; - Sensing, adaptation, and communication in biological and bio-inspired material systems; Block II: Principles of Microstructural Design in Biological Materials and Their Synthetically Engineered Counterparts - Fundamentals of engineering in biological and bio-inspired materials; - Replicating biological design principles in synthetic materials (structural, optical, surface properties, etc.); - Bio-inspired design and systems (mechanical actuation and bio-inspiration in the built environment).
Resources
Lecture Notes
Copies of the slides will be made available for download before each lecture.
Literature
The course is mainly based on the books listed below. Additional references will be provided during the lectures. 1. M. A. Meyers and P-Y. Chen; Biological Materials Science - Biological Materials, Bioinspired Materials and Biomaterials. (Cambridge University Press, 2014). 2. P. Fratzl, J. W. C. Dunlop and R. Weinkamer; Materials Design Inspired by Nature: Function Through Inner Architecture. (The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2013). 3. A. R. Studart, R. Libanori, R. M. Erb, Functional Gradients in Biological Composites in Bio- and Bioinspired Nanomaterials. (Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, 2014), pp. 335-368.
Learning Materials (Links)
- Main link
- Lecture notes
General Information
- Language
- English
- Levels
- BSC , DR , MSC
- Frequency
- Yearly recurring
Examination
- Type
- session examination
- Mode
- written 120 minutes
- Aids
- None
Course Components
| Type | Title | Time & Place | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| lecture with exercise | Biological and Bio-Inspired Materials |
|
6 h weekly |
Offered In
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Electives (A list with possible electives will be published separately.)
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Doctorate Materials Science (Further information at: )
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