To date, the development of materials to mimic the unique mechanical properties of human skin is still a great challenge. Human skin exhibits highly nonlinear elastic properties that are essential to its physiological functions. It is soft at low strain but stiff at high strain, thereby protecting internal organs and tissues from mechanical trauma. Here we report a bioinspired design of nanostructured elastomers combining two abundant plant-based biopolymers, stiff cellulose and elastic polyisoprene (natural rubber), to mimic the mechanical properties of human skin. Importantly, the mechanical properties of these nanostructured elastomers can be tuned by adjusting cellulose content, providing the opportunity to synthesize materials that mimic the mechanical properties of different types of skins. The nanostructured elastomers show highly nonlinear mechanical properties closely mimicking that of human skin. Given the simplicity, efficiency, and tunability, this design may provide a promising strategy for creating artificial skin both for general mechanical and biomedical applications.

Bioinspired design of nanostructured elastomers to mimic mechanical properties of human skin

256th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.