Expert Committee

Bioinspired and interactive materials

Nature as a model for interactive materials and manufacturing processes.

Interdisciplinary exchange on natural models, material formation, and interfaces.

Members100

Founded2009

UnitDGM e.V.

Chair

Prof. Dr. Andreas Fery
Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research Dresden (IPF)
Prof. Dr. Thomas Scheibel
University of Bayreuth

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The DGM Expert Committee connects materials science with the natural and life sciences. It brings together engineers and basic-research scientists from the natural and life sciences to discuss bioinspired and interactive materials and their manufacturing processes.

The focus is on the systematic study of natural models, material-structure interactions, and processes at static and dynamic interfaces. Molecular biological processes of material formation and the biologization of materials are also part of the field.

01 · Bioinspiration

Applying biological principles in technology

Natural materials combine structure, function, and interaction with their environment. Hierarchical structures, self-organization, and self-assembly are particularly relevant principles for materials science.

The Expert Committee considers how these principles can be transferred to technical materials and processes. It addresses properties that respond to external signals, adapt, or combine several functions.

02 · Technical focus areas

Nature, material, and process

Systematics

Understanding natural models

Nature as a starting point for materials-science questions.

The systematic study of natural models provides a basis for identifying and understanding biological principles for technical applications.

Interactions

Material and structure

Structure and material are considered together.

Material-structure interactions are among the Expert Committee’s technical focus areas.

Interfaces

Static and dynamic processes

Interfaces connect differing material and environmental conditions.

Processes at static and dynamic interfaces are considered.

Material formation

Including biological processes

Material formation at the interface of biology and technology.

Molecular biological processes of material formation and the biologization of materials extend the field.

03 · Exchange

Connecting science, strategy, and application

The Expert Committee coordinates exchange among experts from the engineering, natural, and life sciences. The international conference “Bio-inspired-Materials” provides a regular forum for this exchange.

In addition, the Expert Committee contributes to major research programs and strategic position papers. Exchange with companies is also part of its work where bioinspired materials replace conventional materials or bioinspired processes are used.

Bioinspired materials transfer insights from biological materials and structures to technical applications. Key principles include hierarchical organization, interaction with the environment, and material formation supported by self-organization and self-assembly. These principles provide starting points for materials that combine multifunctional, adaptive, interactive, or stimuli-responsive properties.

Applying such principles concerns materials development and technical manufacturing processes. This includes modern manufacturing processes in medical technology and tissue regeneration, such as biofabrication.

The Expert Committee supports interdisciplinary exchange on these questions. It regularly hosts the international conference “Bio-inspired-Materials” and contributes to the establishment of major research programs and the preparation of strategic position papers.