The strongest synthetic materials are often those that intentionally mimic nature. One natural substance scientists have looked to in creating synthetic materials is nacre, also known as mother-of-pearl. An exceptionally tough, stiff material produced by some mollusks and serving as their inner shell layer, it also comprises the outer layer of pearls, giving them their lustrous shine.<\/p>\n
But while nacre\u2019s unique properties make it an ideal inspiration in the creation of synthetic materials, most methods used to produce artificial mother-of-pearl are complex and energy intensive.<\/p>\n
Now, a biologist at the URochester has invented an inexpensive and environmentally friendly method for making artificial nacre using an innovative component: bacteria. The artificial nacre created by Anne S. Meyer, an associate professor of biology<\/a> at Rochester, and her colleagues is made of biologically produced materials and has the toughness of natural nacre, while also being stiff and, surprisingly, bendable.<\/p>\n The method used to create the novel material could lead to new applications in medicine, engineering\u2014and even constructing buildings on the moon.<\/p>\n