Nanotechnology Inspired by Mussels and Seashells
Summary posted by Meridian on 4/3/2007
Source: Nanowerk
Author: Michael Berger
Researchers from the University of Michigan and Northwestern University, both in the U.S., have developed a high-performance composite film inspired by the natural nanostructure of nacre, the exceptionally strong and tough internal layer of many mollusk shells, and the marine adhesive secreted by mussels. Researcher Nicholas Kotov said: "[W]e have used a layer-by- layer (LBL) assembly technique to prepare a nanostructured analogue of nacre from inorganic nanosized sheets of a particular clay and a polyelectrolyte (PDDA). The structure, deformation mechanism, and mechanical properties of this material were found to be comparable with those of natural nacre and lamellar bones." He also described the LBL method as "simple and highly versatile" in comparison to other methods for combining multiple functionalities in a single composite. To further enhance the mechanical strength of the nanocomposite, the researchers developed a synthetic polymer that imitates the strong binding and hardening properties of protein-based adhesive materials secreted by mussels. Kotov said, "[T]he greatest challenge is to transfer the unique mechanical properties of nanoscale components such as clay sheets used here for nacre replication into the properties of the actual macroscale materials." The article can be viewed online at the link below.
The original article may still be available at www.nanowerk.com/spotlight/spotid=1723.php
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