Accessing biology's toolbox for the mesoscale biofabrication of soft matter
Journal
Soft Matter
Journal Volume
9
Journal Issue
26
Pages
6019-6032
Date Issued
2013
Author(s)
Payne, G.F.
Kim, E.
Cheng, Y.
Wu, H.-C.
Ghodssi, R.
Rubloff, G.W.
Raghavan, S.R.
Culver, J.N.
Bentley, W.E.
Abstract
Biology is a master of mesoscale science, possessing unprecedented capabilities for fabricating components with nano-scale precision and then assembling them over a hierarchy of length scales. Biology's fabrication prowess is well-recognized and there has been considerable effort to mimic these capabilities to create materials with diverse and multiple functions. In this review, we pose the question-why mimic, why not directly use the materials and mechanisms that biology provides to biofabricate functional materials? This question seems especially relevant when considering that many of the envisioned applications-from regenerative medicine to bioelectronics-involve biology. Here, we provide a sampling to illustrate how self-assembly, enzymatic-assembly and the emerging tools of modern biology can be enlisted to create functional soft matter. We envision that biofabrication will provide a biocompatible approach to mesoscale science and yield products that are safe, sustainable and potentially even edible. © 2013 The Royal Society of Chemistry.
Other Subjects
Biofabrication; Emerging tools; Length scale; Modern biology; Multiple function; Nano scale; Regenerative medicine; Soft matter; Biocompatibility; Functional materials; Biology
Type
review