Bionic systems that follow the approach of "learning from nature" have been around for many years. At the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research (IAP), the fusion of biology and materials science is currently being redefined by a team of molecular biologists, biotechnologists, polymer chemists and materials scientists. The collaboration results in the development of new functional materials with outstanding properties. For this purpose, biomolecules such as proteins, peptides or carbohydrates are incorporated directly into polymers, thus transforming their natural function into a material. For example, filtration through protein pores, biocatalysis in thin films, sugar-mediated diagnostics and antimicrobial parts become possible. The next step is implemented based on these advances at the molecular level: Strategies are developed for bringing together labile biomolecules and thermoplastic polymer processing - seemingly irreconcilable opposites - to produce biofunctional plastics.

Beyond bionics: The fusion of biology and materials science

ACS Fall 2021

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