title: The role of mechanics in biological and bio-inspired systems.
abstract: Natural systems frequently exploit intricate multiscale and multiphasic structures to achieve functionalities beyond those of man-made systems. Although understanding the chemical make-up of these systems is essential, the passive and active mechanics within biological systems are crucial when considering the many natural systems that achieve advanced properties, such as high strength-to-weight ratios and stimuli-responsive adaptability. Discovering how and why biological systems attain these desirable mechanical functionalities often reveals principles that inform new synthetic designs based on biological systems. Such approaches have traditionally found success in medical applications, and are now informing breakthroughs in diverse frontiers of science and engineering.
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Biology, and Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Egan
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sinko
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Computational Biology, and Biological Sciences, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
authors.forename: Philip R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: LeDuc
authors.affiliation: Department of Mechanical Engineering, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois 60208, USA.
authors.forename: Sinan
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Keten
mesh_terms: D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D040761:Biomimetic Materials; D019563:Mechanics; D036103:Nanotechnology
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials