Averesch, Shunk and Kern reported growth of C. sphaerospermum aboard the ISS and its effect on ionizing radiation.
Built / tested: fungal radiation-shield test
As reported in: Averesch, Shunk, Kern (2022). Cultivation of the Dematiaceous Fungus Cladosporium sphaerospermum Aboard the International Space Station and Effects of Ionizing Radiation. Frontiers in Microbiology. doi:10.3389/fmicb.2022.877625
A high-strength, high-toughness sodium alginate/polyacrylamide double network hydrogel with self-healing and self-recovery, made in one pot.
Built / tested: hydrogels
As reported in: Zheng, Zhao, Wang et al. (2020). High-strength and high-toughness sodium alginate/polyacrylamide double physically crosslinked network hydrogel with superior self-healing and self-recovery properties prepared by a one-pot method. Colloids and Surfaces A: Physicochemical and Engineering Aspects. doi:10.1016/j.colsurfa.2019.124402
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Shunk and colleagues grew Cladosporium sphaerospermum on the International Space Station and measured radiation beneath it.
Built / tested: fungal radiation-shield test
As reported in: Shunk, Gomez, Kern et al. (2020). Growth of the Radiotrophic Fungus <i>Cladosporium sphaerospermum</i> aboard the International Space Station and Effects of Ionizing Radiation. . doi:10.1101/2020.07.16.205534
A review of methods to modify hemp fibres for structural fibre-reinforced polymer composites.
As reported in: Tanasă, Zănoagă, Teacă et al. (2019). Modified hemp fibers intended for fiber‐reinforced polymer composites used in structural applications—A review. I. Methods of modification. Polymer Composites. doi:10.1002/pc.25354
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A review of ways to use lignin in polymer and composite systems for engineering applications.
As reported in: Collins, Nechifor, Tanasă et al. (2019). Valorization of lignin in polymer and composite systems for advanced engineering applications – A review. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2019.03.069
Crosslinking collagen-fibre films with casein, keratin or soy protein improved mechanical properties and heat stability.
Built / tested: films
As reported in: Wu, Liu, Wang et al. (2018). Improved mechanical properties and thermal-stability of collagen fiber based film by crosslinking with casein, keratin or SPI: Effect of crosslinking process and concentrations of proteins. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.11.144
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De France and colleagues reviewed hydrogels and aerogels containing nanocellulose.
As reported in: De France, Hoare, Cranston (2017). Review of Hydrogels and Aerogels Containing Nanocellulose. Chemistry of Materials. doi:10.1021/acs.chemmater.7b00531
Shows how changing growth and processing conditions alters the physical properties of mycelium-based materials.
Built / tested: test materials
As reported in: Haneef, Ceseracciu, Canale et al. (2017). Advanced Materials From Fungal Mycelium: Fabrication and Tuning of Physical Properties. Scientific Reports. doi:10.1038/srep41292
Highly anisotropic, highly transparent wood composites.
Built / tested: transparent wood
As reported in: Zhu, Song, Li et al. (2016). Highly Anisotropic, Highly Transparent Wood Composites. Advanced Materials. doi:10.1002/adma.201600427
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A review of how the cell structure and chemistry of cork explain its properties.
As reported in: Pereira (2015). The Rationale behind Cork Properties: A Review of Structure and Chemistry. BioResources. doi:10.15376/biores.10.3.pereira
A review linking the molecular structure of silk fibroin to its mechanical behaviour and uses.
As reported in: Koh, Cheng, Teng et al. (2015). Structures, mechanical properties and applications of silk fibroin materials. Progress in Polymer Science. doi:10.1016/j.progpolymsci.2015.02.001
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Biomimetic fibres made of recombinant spidroins with the same toughness as natural spider silk.
Built / tested: biomimetic fibres
As reported in: Heidebrecht, Eisoldt, Diehl et al. (2015). Biomimetic Fibers Made of Recombinant Spidroins with the Same Toughness as Natural Spider Silk. Advanced Materials. doi:10.1002/adma.201404234
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A review of properties and challenges of cellulose nanocrystals and their nanocomposites.
As reported in: Mariano, El Kissi, Dufresne (2014). Cellulose nanocrystals and related nanocomposites: Review of some properties and challenges. Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics. doi:10.1002/polb.23490
Chemically cross-linked cellulose nanocrystal aerogels with shape recovery and superabsorbent properties.
Built / tested: aerogels
As reported in: Yang, Cranston (2014). Chemically Cross-Linked Cellulose Nanocrystal Aerogels with Shape Recovery and Superabsorbent Properties. Chemistry of Materials. doi:10.1021/cm502873c
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A review of flax fibre and its composites.
As reported in: Yan, Chouw, Jayaraman (2014). Flax fibre and its composites – A review. Composites Part B: Engineering. doi:10.1016/j.compositesb.2013.08.014
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Phan and colleagues made reconfigurable infrared camouflage coatings from squid reflectin.
Built / tested: reflectin coatings
As reported in: Phan, Walkup, Ordinario et al. (2013). Reconfigurable Infrared Camouflage Coatings from a Cephalopod Protein. Advanced Materials. doi:10.1002/adma.201301472
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Tensile and interfacial properties of unidirectional flax/glass fibre hybrid composites.
Built / tested: hybrid composites
As reported in: Zhang, Li, Ma et al. (2013). Tensile and interfacial properties of unidirectional flax/glass fiber reinforced hybrid composites. Composites Science and Technology. doi:10.1016/j.compscitech.2013.08.037
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Evaluated mechanical properties of sisal-jute-glass fibre reinforced polyester composites.
Built / tested: hybrid composites
As reported in: Ramesh, Palanikumar, Reddy (2013). Mechanical property evaluation of sisal–jute–glass fiber reinforced polyester composites. Composites Part B: Engineering. doi:10.1016/j.compositesb.2012.12.004
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Furukawa and colleagues reviewed MOF chemistry and applications.
As reported in: Furukawa, Cordova, O’Keeffe et al. (2013). The Chemistry and Applications of Metal-Organic Frameworks. Science. doi:10.1126/science.1230444
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Sun and colleagues made hydrogels stretching over 20 times their length.
As reported in: Sun, Zhao, Illeperuma et al. (2012). Highly stretchable and tough hydrogels. Nature. doi:10.1038/nature11409
Oeffner and Lauder used a robotic flapping foil to show real shark skin can increase swimming speed; the biomimetic materials they tested did not match that effect.
Built / tested: biomimetic shark skin
As reported in: Oeffner, Lauder (2012). The hydrodynamic function of shark skin and two biomimetic applications. Journal of Experimental Biology. doi:10.1242/jeb.063040
A review of sol-gel silica nanoparticles, their surface modification and use in silica-polymer nanocomposites.
As reported in: Rahman, Padavettan (2012). Synthesis of Silica Nanoparticles by Sol‐Gel: Size‐Dependent Properties, Surface Modification, and Applications in Silica‐Polymer Nanocomposites—A Review. Journal of Nanomaterials. doi:10.1155/2012/132424
Wong and colleagues made self-repairing liquid-infused slippery surfaces inspired by the pitcher plant.
Built / tested: SLIPS coatings
As reported in: Wong, Kang, Tang et al. (2011). Bioinspired self-repairing slippery surfaces with pressure-stable omniphobicity. Nature. doi:10.1038/nature10447
Lee, Messersmith, Israelachvili and Waite reviewed mussel-inspired adhesives and coatings.
As reported in: Lee, Messersmith, Israelachvili et al. (2011). Mussel-Inspired Adhesives and Coatings. Annual Review of Materials Research. doi:10.1146/annurev-matsci-062910-100429
A step-by-step protocol for turning silkworm cocoons into fibroin solution and then into many material formats.
Built / tested: films, gels, sponges, fibres
As reported in: Rockwood, Preda, Yücel et al. (2011). Materials fabrication from Bombyx mori silk fibroin. Nature Protocols. doi:10.1038/nprot.2011.379
Studied water vapour sorption of thermally modified and densified wood.
As reported in: Hill, Ramsay, Keating et al. (2011). The water vapour sorption properties of thermally modified and densified wood. Journal of Materials Science. doi:10.1007/s10853-011-6154-8
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Harrington and colleagues showed mussel thread coatings use iron-DOPA bonds to be hard yet flexible.
As reported in: Harrington, Masic, Holten-Andersen et al. (2010). Iron-Clad Fibers: A Metal-Based Biological Strategy for Hard Flexible Coatings. Science. doi:10.1126/science.1181044
Dean and Bhushan reviewed shark-skin-inspired surfaces for reducing drag in turbulent flow.
Built / tested: riblet surfaces
As reported in: Dean, Bhushan (2010). Shark-skin surfaces for fluid-drag reduction in turbulent flow: a review. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences. doi:10.1098/rsta.2010.0201
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Describes a way to separate crab-shell chitin into nanofibres of consistent width.
Built / tested: chitin nanofibres
As reported in: Ifuku, Nogi, Abe et al. (2009). Preparation of Chitin Nanofibers with a Uniform Width as α-Chitin from Crab Shells. Biomacromolecules. doi:10.1021/bm900163d
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A review of cork-based composite materials.
As reported in: Gil (2009). Cork Composites: A Review. Materials. doi:10.3390/ma2030776
Lee and colleagues measured graphene as the strongest material ever tested.
As reported in: Lee, Wei, Kysar et al. (2008). Measurement of the Elastic Properties and Intrinsic Strength of Monolayer Graphene. Science. doi:10.1126/science.1157996
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Capadona and colleagues made a polymer composite that switches between stiff and soft when wetted, inspired by sea cucumber dermis.
Built / tested: stiffness-changing composite
As reported in: Capadona, Shanmuganathan, Tyler et al. (2008). Stimuli-Responsive Polymer Nanocomposites Inspired by the Sea Cucumber Dermis. Science. doi:10.1126/science.1153307
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Cordier and colleagues made a rubber that heals when broken pieces are pressed together.
Built / tested: self-healing rubber
As reported in: Cordier, Tournilhac, Soulié-Ziakovic et al. (2008). Self-healing and thermoreversible rubber from supramolecular assembly. Nature. doi:10.1038/nature06669
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Synthesis, properties and characterisation of silica aerogel.
As reported in: Soleimani Dorcheh, Abbasi (2008). Silica aerogel; synthesis, properties and characterization. Journal of Materials Processing Technology. doi:10.1016/j.jmatprotec.2007.10.060
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Harrison and colleagues made polyethylene and boron nitride composites for space radiation shielding.
As reported in: Harrison, Weaver, Bertelsen et al. (2008). Polyethylene/boron nitride composites for space radiation shielding. Journal of Applied Polymer Science. doi:10.1002/app.27949
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Geim and Novoselov reviewed graphene and its prospects.
As reported in: Geim, Novoselov (2007). The rise of graphene. Nature Materials. doi:10.1038/nmat1849
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Studied how water absorption affects the mechanical properties of hemp fibre-reinforced polyester composites.
Built / tested: fibre composites
As reported in: DHAKAL, ZHANG, RICHARDSON (2007). Effect of water absorption on the mechanical properties of hemp fibre reinforced unsaturated polyester composites. Composites Science and Technology. doi:10.1016/j.compscitech.2006.06.019
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Lee and colleagues found dopamine forms a thin coating on almost any surface, inspired by mussel proteins.
Built / tested: polydopamine coatings
As reported in: Lee, Dellatore, Miller et al. (2007). Mussel-Inspired Surface Chemistry for Multifunctional Coatings. Science. doi:10.1126/science.1147241
Lee, Lee and Messersmith combined gecko-like pillars with a mussel-inspired coating for adhesion wet or dry.
Built / tested: geckel adhesive
As reported in: Lee, Lee, Messersmith (2007). A reversible wet/dry adhesive inspired by mussels and geckos. Nature. doi:10.1038/nature05968
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Toohey and colleagues used a skin-like network of channels to heal a coating repeatedly.
As reported in: Toohey, Sottos, Lewis et al. (2007). Self-healing materials with microvascular networks. Nature Materials. doi:10.1038/nmat1934
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Studied how matrix and fibre modification, fibre content, water uptake and recycling affect short flax fibre/polypropylene composites.
Built / tested: composites
As reported in: Arbelaiz, Fernández, Ramos et al. (2005). Mechanical properties of short flax fibre bundle/polypropylene composites: Influence of matrix/fibre modification, fibre content, water uptake and recycling. Composites Science and Technology. doi:10.1016/j.compscitech.2005.01.008
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Used ionic liquids as solvents to dissolve and blend wool keratin fibres.
Built / tested: keratin blends
As reported in: Xie, Li, Zhang (2005). Ionic liquids as novel solvents for the dissolution and blending of wool keratin fibers. Green Chemistry. doi:10.1039/b502547h
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Otsuka and Ren reviewed the physics and metallurgy of Ti-Ni shape-memory alloys.
As reported in: Otsuka, Ren (2005). Physical metallurgy of Ti–Ni-based shape memory alloys. Progress in Materials Science. doi:10.1016/j.pmatsci.2004.10.001
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Reports electrospinning chitin into nanofibres and then converting them to chitosan.
Built / tested: electrospun fibre mats
As reported in: Min, Lee, Lim et al. (2004). Chitin and chitosan nanofibers: electrospinning of chitin and deacetylation of chitin nanofibers. Polymer. doi:10.1016/j.polymer.2004.08.048
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Novoselov, Geim, and colleagues made and measured atom-thin carbon films, work that won the 2010 Nobel Prize in Physics.
As reported in: Novoselov, Geim, Morozov et al. (2004). Electric Field Effect in Atomically Thin Carbon Films. Science. doi:10.1126/science.1102896
Geim and colleagues made a microfabricated adhesive copying gecko foot hairs.
Built / tested: gecko tape
As reported in: Geim, Dubonos, Grigorieva et al. (2003). Microfabricated adhesive mimicking gecko foot-hair. Nature Materials. doi:10.1038/nmat917
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Gong and colleagues made double-network hydrogels with very high strength.
As reported in: Gong, Katsuyama, Kurokawa et al. (2003). Double‐Network Hydrogels with Extremely High Mechanical Strength. Advanced Materials. doi:10.1002/adma.200304907
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Made a nanostructured artificial version of nacre.
Built / tested: nacre-like films
As reported in: Tang, Kotov, Magonov et al. (2003). Nanostructured artificial nacre. Nature Materials. doi:10.1038/nmat906
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Tested how environmental aging affects bamboo-glass fibre hybrid polymer composites.
Built / tested: hybrid composites
As reported in: Thwe, Liao (2002). Effects of environmental aging on the mechanical properties of bamboo–glass fiber reinforced polymer matrix hybrid composites. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. doi:10.1016/s1359-835x(01)00071-9
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Compared three ways of growing hydroxyapatite crystals from solution and found that aging and precipitation speed are critical for purity.
As reported in: Koutsopoulos (2002). Synthesis and characterization of hydroxyapatite crystals: A review study on the analytical methods. Journal of Biomedical Materials Research. doi:10.1002/jbm.10280
Kirk, Borchert and Fuglsang reviewed enzyme uses in detergents, food, feed, textiles and other industries.
As reported in: Kirk, Borchert, Fuglsang (2002). Industrial enzyme applications. Current Opinion in Biotechnology. doi:10.1016/S0958-1669(02)00328-2
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Investigated making carbon fibres from lignin for use in fibre-reinforced composites.
Built / tested: carbon fibres
As reported in: Kadla, Kubo, Venditti et al. (2002). Lignin-based carbon fibers for composite fiber applications. Carbon. doi:10.1016/s0008-6223(02)00248-8
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Feng and colleagues reviewed superhydrophobic surfaces from natural examples to artificial ones.
Built / tested: superhydrophobic coatings
As reported in: Feng, Li, Li et al. (2002). Super‐Hydrophobic Surfaces: From Natural to Artificial. Advanced Materials. doi:10.1002/adma.200290020
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Reviewed adhesives and plastics based on soy protein products.
As reported in: Kumar, Choudhary, Mishra et al. (2002). Adhesives and plastics based on soy protein products. Industrial Crops and Products. doi:10.1016/s0926-6690(02)00007-9
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Studied how fibre treatments change the performance of coir-polyester composites.
Built / tested: composites
As reported in: Rout, Misra, Tripathy et al. (2001). The influence of fibre treatment on the performance of coir-polyester composites. Composites Science and Technology. doi:10.1016/s0266-3538(01)00021-5
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Schmid and colleagues reviewed how enzymes and whole cells were used in industrial chemical production and where the field was heading.
As reported in: Schmid, Dordick, Hauer et al. (2001). Industrial biocatalysis today and tomorrow. Nature. doi:10.1038/35051736
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Used elastic theory and fracture mechanics to explain the strength of layered biocomposites like nacre.
As reported in: Okumura, de Gennes (2001). Why is nacre strong? Elastic theory and fracture mechanics for biocomposites with stratified structures. The European Physical Journal E. doi:10.1007/s101890170150
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White and colleagues embedded healing-agent capsules that burst and repair cracks in plastic.
Built / tested: self-healing composite
As reported in: White, Sottos, Geubelle et al. (2001). Autonomic healing of polymer composites. Nature. doi:10.1038/35057232
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An early overview of how bacteria produce cellulose and why its structure is unusual.
As reported in: Iguchi, Yamanaka, Budhiono (2000). Bacterial cellulose—a masterpiece of nature's arts. Journal of Materials Science. doi:10.1023/a:1004775229149
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Used lignin as a compatibiliser to improve coconut fibre-polypropylene composites.
Built / tested: composites
As reported in: Rozman, Tan, Kumar et al. (2000). The effect of lignin as a compatibilizer on the physical properties of coconut fiber–polypropylene composites. European Polymer Journal. doi:10.1016/s0014-3057(99)00200-1
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Improved mechanical properties of jute/epoxy composites by alkali treatment of the fibres.
Built / tested: composites
As reported in: Gassan, Bledzki (1999). Possibilities for improving the mechanical properties of jute/epoxy composites by alkali treatment of fibres. Composites Science and Technology. doi:10.1016/s0266-3538(98)00169-9
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Li, Yaghi, and colleagues made an exceptionally stable, highly porous metal-organic framework.
As reported in: Li, Eddaoudi, O'Keeffe et al. (1999). Design and synthesis of an exceptionally stable and highly porous metal-organic framework. Nature. doi:10.1038/46248
Hypotheses linking the sequence, structure and mechanical properties of spider silk proteins.
As reported in: Hayashi, Shipley, Lewis (1999). Hypotheses that correlate the sequence, structure, and mechanical properties of spider silk proteins. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules. doi:10.1016/s0141-8130(98)00089-0
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Effect of fibre surface treatment on jute-polypropylene composites.
Built / tested: composites
As reported in: Gassan, Bledzki (1997). The influence of fiber-surface treatment on the mechanical properties of jute-polypropylene composites. Composites Part A: Applied Science and Manufacturing. doi:10.1016/s1359-835x(97)00042-0
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Barthlott and Neinhuis explained how micro-rough waxy leaf surfaces make lotus leaves self-cleaning.
As reported in: Barthlott, Neinhuis (1997). Purity of the sacred lotus, or escape from contamination in biological surfaces. Planta. doi:10.1007/s004250050096
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Studied crystallinity in starch bioplastics.
As reported in: van Soest, Hulleman, de Wit et al. (1996). Crystallinity in starch bioplastics. Industrial Crops and Products. doi:10.1016/0926-6690(95)00048-8
An early study dispersing layered clay inside epoxy resin to make a nanocomposite.
Built / tested: epoxy nanocomposites
As reported in: Lan, Pinnavaia (1994). Clay-Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites. Chemistry of Materials. doi:10.1021/cm00048a006
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Buehler and colleagues described the phase changes behind the unusual properties of near-equal nickel-titanium alloys.
As reported in: Buehler, Gilfrich, Wiley (1963). Effect of Low-Temperature Phase Changes on the Mechanical Properties of Alloys near Composition TiNi. Journal of Applied Physics. doi:10.1063/1.1729603
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Kistler made the first aerogels by drying gels without collapsing them.
As reported in: KISTLER (1931). Coherent Expanded Aerogels and Jellies. Nature. doi:10.1038/127741a0
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Samuel Kistler first made aerogels by replacing the liquid in a gel with gas.
Built / tested: aerogel
As reported in: KISTLER (1931). Coherent Expanded Aerogels and Jellies. Nature. doi:10.1038/127741a0
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