"Bioinspiration and Biomimicry in Chemistry: Reverse-Engineering Nature" ed.by Gerhard F. Swiegers

This book reviews and summarizes the many and varied forms of bioinspiration and biomimicry that are found in chemistry, from the crude to the highly sophisticated, from the near-biological to the totally industrial and abiological. It critically evaluates our true understanding of biological processes and systems by considering our ability to replicate them in non-biological settings. Research chemists will find critical and holistic evaluation of chemical processes in nature.

The book explores the chemistry of Nature and how we can replicate what Nature does in abiological settings. Specifically, the book focuses on wholly artificial, man-made systems that employ or are inspired by principles of Nature, but which do not use materials of biological origin.

Beginning with a general overview of the concept of bioinspiration and biomimicry in chemistry, the book tackles such topics as:
• Bioinspired molecular machines
• Bioinspired catalysis
• Biomimetic amphiphiles and vesicles
• Biomimetic principles in macromolecular science
• Biomimetic cavities and bioinspired receptors
• Biomimicry in organic synthesis

Written by a team of leading international experts, the contributed chapters collectively lay the groundwork for a new generation of environmentally friendly and sustainable materials, pharmaceuticals, and technologies. Readers will discover the latest advances in our ability to replicate natural systems and materials as well as the many impediments that remain, proving how much we still need to learn about how Nature works.
This book is recommended for students and researchers in all realms of chemistry. Addressing how scientists are working to reverse engineer Nature in all areas of chemical research, the book is designed to stimulate new discussion and research in this exciting and promising field.


CONTENTS
Foreword: Jean-Marie Lehn
Foreword: Janine Benyus
Preface
Contributors
1. Introduction: The Concept of Biomimicry and Bioinspiration in Chemistry
2. Bioinspired Self-Assembly I: Self-Assembled Structures
3. Bioinspired Self-Assembly II: Principles of Cooperativity in Bioinspired Self-Assembling Systems
4. Bioinspired Molecular Machines
5. Bioinspired Materials Chemistry I: Organic-Inorganic Nanocomposites
6. Bioinspired Materials Chemistry II: Biomineralization as Inspiration for Materials Chemistry
7. Bioinspired Catalysis
8. Biomimetic Amphiphiles and Vesicles
9. Bioinspired Surfaces I: Gecko-Foot Mimetic Adhesion
10. Bioinspired Surfaces II: Bioinspired Photonic Materials
11. Biomimetic Principles in Macromolecular Science
12. Biomimetic Cavities and Bioinspired Receptors
13. Bioinspired Dendritic Light-Harvesting Systems
14. Biomimicry in Organic Synthesis
15. Conclusion and Future Perspectives: Drawing Inspiration from the Complex System that Is Nature
Index
Supplemental Images