Biopolymers–Function Carriers in Materials Research: Polymeric Materials with Biological Functions and Biomaterials for Medicine

Bionic systems that follow the approach of “learning from nature” have been around for many years. However, the fusion of biology and materials is currently being completely rethought at the Fraunhofer Institute for Applied Polymer Research IAP. Modern methods of molecular biology, biotechnology, polymer chemistry and materials science are enabling the development of innovative functional materials with outstanding properties and functions in interdisciplinary research projects. For this purpose, biomolecules such as proteins, peptides or carbohydrates are incorporated directly into polymers, thus transforming their natural function into a material. Filtration through protein pores, biocatalysis in thin films and sugar-mediated diagnostics become possible. The next step is implemented based on these advances at the molecular level: Strategies are developed for bringing together labile biomolecules and thermoplastic polymer processing—seemingly irreconcilable opposites—to produce biofunctional plastics. For medical applications, the need for congruence between materials and biology has been known for a long time. New implants allow even more precise control of the interaction with tissues, made possible by accurate knowledge and modification of the material properties in interplay with cells in complex biological systems. The biological transformation of polymers is in full swing, leading not only to future-oriented materials that are sustainable and functional, but also to materials that enhance engineering processes and facilitate new therapies or diagnostic platforms. Plastic material designers can not only learn from nature, they also need to develop plastics that use nature and deliberately interact with it—this is the next step in the evolution of polymer materials.