Inspired by Biology From Molecules to Materials to Machines An NSF-supported assessment of the emerging scientific opportunities at the interface between biology and condensed matter and materials research—the biomolecular domain) The report explores an exciting time at the crossroads of biology, physics, and materials science and engineering. It discusses new ways of measuring, manipulating, and computing the properties of biological systems to uncover the principles that govern these systems. This report presents a discussion of principles governing biomaterial design, a description of advanced materials for selected functions such as energy and national security, an assessment of biomolecular materials research tools, and an examination of infrastructure and resources for bridging biological and materials science. The report offers “imagine statements” that motivate and inspire the science of biomolecular materials. Imagine one could…… Engineer biological enzymes to convert organic matter to usable fuels with very high efficiency in order to substantially reduce dependence on foreign sources of fuel. Create new arrays of medical diagnostic assays that can predict susceptibility and progression of disease. Deploy new materials that will protect people and material assets from chemical and biological contamination. Create sensors having the exquisite sensitivity and accuracy of the immune system, able to detect minute quantities of molecules with a very high precision. Engineer advanced materials that mimic evolution and adapt their properties to address new environmental pressures or to self-heal disruptions. Develop advanced materials that self-replicate, storing structure and function information in the materials themselves, just as is done in the genomes of all living species. Create new biomolecular materials with highly adaptable and controllable properties based on the mechanical design principles of cells, where biomolecular motors can actively control the stiffness of the networks that give the cell its rigidity. And more as described in the report ……. Donald C Shapero, National Academy of Sciences, DMR

2 Realizing the Science Inspired by Biology In summary, the report recommends: Federal agencies should develop jointly sponsored multidisciplinary programs of innovative research at the crossroads of disciplines. University physics, chemistry, biology, materials science, mathematics, and engineering departments and medical schools should cooperatively examine their curricula to identify ways to prepare scientists and engineers for research at the intersection of the physical sciences, engineering, and the life sciences. Federal agencies should support the development of one- or two- week summer courses to train physical scientists and engineers in the tools and concepts of biology and medicine and conversely to train biologists in the tools and concepts of the physical sciences. Special attention should be given to developing ways of communicating fundamental physico-chemical concepts to biologists while using mathematical knowledge common to that community. Federal agencies should collaborate to build bridges from the most fundamental research to commercial applications. While it is imperative to recognize and exploit the connections between fundamental advances and opportunities to translate the advances into practice, curiosity-driven fundamental research on outstanding unsolved questions should be encouraged as it could lead to currently unforeseen technological advances. The effectiveness of recently created federal facilities to provide access to mid-range instrumentation and computational facilities for the advancement of interdisciplinary research in nanoscience and technology should be evaluated. Analogous, but distinct, centers could be created to facilitate research in biomolecular materials and processes. Report is available at or by contacting the Board on Physics and Astronomy at The report considers the challenges to realizing the promise of the science. Donald C. Shapero, National Academy of Sciences, DMR