INS13-1064
Bio-Inspired Polymer Materials – Engineering Emergent Function through Molecular Assembly
Topic
S13. Korea-Germany Polymer Symposium 2026: “Pioneering the Future of Polymeric Materials and Bridging Innovation in Sustainable Technologies”
When and Where
Sep 30, 2026
15:00 - 15:25
Room 203
Session Chairs
Markus BIESALSKI
Presenter(s)
Stephen Schrettl (Technical University of Munich)
Co-Author(s)
Abstract
Biological materials demonstrate that chemistry alone does not determine function. Instead, nature achieves exceptional mechanical performance, adaptability, and multifunctionality through the interplay of molecular recognition, hierarchical organization, and sophisticated processing, enabling functions to emerge across multiple length scales. From spider silk and mussel byssus to plant-derived structural materials, biological systems provide compelling blueprints for the design of next-generation polymer materials.
Inspired by these principles, our research explores how molecular assembly can be harnessed to engineer polymer materials whose properties emerge through the controlled self-assembly of complementary building blocks. Rather than relying exclusively on permanent covalent architectures, reversible molecular interactions enable adaptive, responsive, and reprocessable materials while providing new opportunities to tailor mechanical performance and functionality. In this context, chemistry defines the building blocks, while assembly determines their function.
Selected case studies illustrate how this philosophy enables polymer materials that unite properties traditionally considered mutually exclusive. By controlling molecular assembly, materials can be designed whose mechanical performance approaches that of conventional thermoplastics while retaining the adaptive characteristics of dynamic supramolecular systems. Representative examples include programmable and mechanoresponsive materials, bio-inspired building blocks, and emerging applications in sustainable packaging and water technologies.
Ultimately, biologically inspired assembly provides not merely inspiration, but a conceptual framework for designing future polymer materials. Through representative examples, this lecture demonstrates how engineering emergent function through molecular assembly offers a powerful strategy for uniting performance, adaptability, and sustainability.
Inspired by these principles, our research explores how molecular assembly can be harnessed to engineer polymer materials whose properties emerge through the controlled self-assembly of complementary building blocks. Rather than relying exclusively on permanent covalent architectures, reversible molecular interactions enable adaptive, responsive, and reprocessable materials while providing new opportunities to tailor mechanical performance and functionality. In this context, chemistry defines the building blocks, while assembly determines their function.
Selected case studies illustrate how this philosophy enables polymer materials that unite properties traditionally considered mutually exclusive. By controlling molecular assembly, materials can be designed whose mechanical performance approaches that of conventional thermoplastics while retaining the adaptive characteristics of dynamic supramolecular systems. Representative examples include programmable and mechanoresponsive materials, bio-inspired building blocks, and emerging applications in sustainable packaging and water technologies.
Ultimately, biologically inspired assembly provides not merely inspiration, but a conceptual framework for designing future polymer materials. Through representative examples, this lecture demonstrates how engineering emergent function through molecular assembly offers a powerful strategy for uniting performance, adaptability, and sustainability.
