Materials Research: Inspired by Nature Innovation Potential of Biologically Inspired Materials

Materials play a crucial part in virtually all products and areas of technology. Demographic change, greater shortages of resources and climate change require a more sustainable economy, while changing requirements are also increasing the levels of complexity to be managed in materials science. The biologicalization of materials research – that is to say taking inspiration from Nature as to how biological resources, principles and methods can be used – in particular holds major innovation potential for Germany as a location for research and business.

The acatech DISCUSSION uses examples to demonstrate the multiplicity of different possible structural, functional and synthesis principles with which Nature is already inspiring and will in future continue to advance materials research. Examples of novel material-based innovations at the interface of biology and technology which will benefit both society and the economy are presented from various fields of application.