Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
Chapter 1
Toward Intelligent Materials
W. Seth Childers, Anil K. Mehta, Thinh Q. Bui, Yan Liang,
and David G. Lynn
*
Center for Fundamental and Applied Molecular Evolution,
NSF/NASA Center for Chemical Evolution,
Departments of Chemistry and Biology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
*dlynn2@emory.edu
1.1
Introduction
The elaborate molecular assemblies, the intricate chemical strategies,
and the cooperative molecular networks that have emerged in living
systems continue to inspire the development of new materials [1].
From synthetic polymers, ceramics and metal alloys for prosthetics
to scaffolds that direct cellular development for tissue engineering
and smart materials that recognize multiple inputs to intervene in
human disease, screen for contaminants in food and water sources,
and provide early warning detection of biological warfare agents,
biomaterials now impact every facet of modern medicine and public
health [2]. These contributions have benefitted immensely from
the application of new synthetic and fabrication technologies to
existing biopolymers. Such efforts have recently culminated in the
