Sea cucumbers have the fascinating ability to rapidly and reversibly alter the stiffness of their inner dermis. Several recent studies have related this dynamic mechanical behavior to the distinctive nanocomposite architecture of the collagenous tissue, in which interactions among collagen fibrils are regulated by neurosecretory proteins. We have previously reported the development of a new family of artificial polymer nanocomposites that mimic this architecture and the mechanic adaptability of the sea cucumber dermis. These nanocomposites employ cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) as the filler component and exhibit the ability of changing their mechanical properties. By photo-crosslinking the CNCs we have also shown that we can create water-enhanced mechanical gradient films that mimic the properties of the Squid Beak. Using these new mechanically adaptable materials we are currently investigating the development of a range of new stimuli-responsive materials with applications targeted toward biomedical implants.

Bioinspired cellulose nanocrystal composites: From structure to function

247th National Meeting (2014)

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