https://doi.org/10.1016/j.coche.2019.02.011 We review the most recent developments in multiscale computational modeling of collagen-based biomaterials to determine their structural, mechanical, and physicochemical properties. Through the materials-by-design paradigm, these developments may eventually lead to rational algorithmic recipes for bottom–up multiscale design of these biomaterials, thereby minimizing the experimental costs of iterative material synthesis and testing. We also highlight the future perspectives and opportunities for expanding multiscale modeling capabilities to incorporate physicochemical and biological functions of collagen-based biomaterials. Inspired by the complex diversity of collagenous materials in mammalian tissue, collagen-based biomaterials are increasingly utilized for developing drug delivery vehicles and regenerative tissue engineering. Collagen’s broad utility poses important engineering challenges for the rational and predictive design of the resultant biomaterial’s physical and chemical properties.

https://doi.org/10.1002/mabi.201800253 In celebration of Stern Family Professor of Engineering David L. Kaplan, on the occasion of his 65th birthday, we review a selection of relevant contributions of computational modeling to understand the properties of natural silk, and to the design of silk-based materials, especially combined with experimental methods. Future research directions are also pointed out, including approaches such as 3D printing and machine learning, that may enable a high throughput design and manufacturing of silk-based biomaterials.

Tough bonding of hydrogels to diverse non-porous surfaces

Hyunwoo Yuk, Teng Zhang,Shaoting Lin, German Alberto Parada & Xuanhe Zhao

Nature Materials (2015) doi:10.1038/nmat4463

In many animals, the bonding of tendon and cartilage to bone is extremely tough (for example, interfacial toughness ~800 J m−2), yet such tough interfaces have not been achieved between synthetic hydrogels and non-porous surfaces of engineered solids. Here, we report a strategy to design tough transparent and conductive bonding of synthetic hydrogels containing 90% water to non-porous surfaces of diverse solids, including glass, silicon, ceramics, titanium and aluminium. The design strategy is to anchor the long-chain polymer networks of tough hydrogels covalently to non-porous solid surfaces, which can be achieved by the silanation of such surfaces. Compared with physical interactions, the chemical anchorage results in a higher intrinsic work of adhesion and in significant energy dissipation of bulk hydrogel during detachment, which lead to interfacial toughness values over 1,000 J m−2. We also demonstrate applications of robust hydrogel–solid hybrids, including hydrogel superglues, mechanically protective hydrogel coatings, hydrogel joints for robotic structures and robust hydrogel–metal conductors.

www.nature.com/nmat/journal/vaop/ncurrent/full/nmat4463.html

Dear imechanicans,

I am seeking for a postdoctoral position in the field of biomaterials. I am interested in the mechanical behaviour of natural systems and the development of new materials. I just finished my PhD on the mechanics of crotch and would like to continue my study in the field of biomechanics/biomaterials. I am highly motivated and well organized.

I am looking forward to hearing from you!

Anna Dolgran