Abstract:

A material inspired by natural insect cuticle and composed of chitosan and fibroin is created. The material exhibits the strength of an aluminum alloy at half its weight, while being clear, biocompatible, biodegradable, and micromoldable. The bioinspired laminate exhibits strength and toughness that are ten times greater than the unstructured component blend and twice that of its strongest constituent.

In the Media:

• The Guardian: Five wonder materials that could change the world(Article)
  Ian Sample, 2014
• Scientific American: 9 Materials That Will Change Manufacturing (Article)
  Steven Ashley and Larry Greenemeier, 2013
• National Geographic Magazine: Super Materials (Article)
  Ann Williams, 2013
• The Daily Mail: Shrilk’ is a lab-grown version of insect armour which could replace plastics (Article)
  Rob Waugh, 2011
• Science Daily: Inspired by Insect Cuticle, Scientists Develop Material That’s Tough and Strong (Article)
  Dan Hogan, 2011
• Fast Company: Insect-Inspired Material That Could Solve Our Plastic Problem (Article)
  Nidhi Subbaraman, 2011
• Scientific American: Insect Cuticle Inspires New Material (Article)
  Cynthia Graber, 2011
• PhysOrg: ‘Shrilk’: Inspired by insect cuticle, researchers develop low-cost material with exceptional strength” (Article)
  John Benson, 2011
• Science Business: Natural Lightweight Material Exhibits Strength, Toughness (Article)
  Alan Kotok, 2011