LIBER combines expertise in the development of various life-inspired materials: molecular self-assembly, soft robotics, surfaces and interfaces, genetic engineering of proteins, biotechnological production of engineered biomolecules, and computational modelling. In the perspective “Materials Inspired by Living Functions” written by the LIBER PIs you can find their common viewpoint on life-inspired materials by presenting how they can (i) achieve autonomous and interactive properties, (ii) be driven to non-equilibrium states through energy input, and (iii) be produced and interfaced with biological organisms. They compare stimuli-responsive materials with multi- and algorithmically responsive systems and discuss non-equilibrium functions and mechanisms, highlighting field-driven systems and engineered biomolecular assemblies outside equilibrium. The living-nonliving interface phenomena and the biological production of materials are also assessed in the article.
A perspective paper about life-inspired materials written by LIBER PIs is available online!
Collaborative perspective article of 8 principal investigators of Life-Inspired Hybrid Materials (LIBER) Center of Excellence has been published in Advanced Functional Materials.