Designprinzipien in Biomaterialien - die Natur als Ingenieur

What it is about

You will learn about the construction and operating principles of various biomaterials and investigate how nature designs structures and transport processes. Topics include self-assembly (e.g. DNA origami, protein synthesis, virus replication), diffusion and its regulation, charge screening by electrolytes, the construction of selective structures and production of spatial gradients, as well as electrical signal transmission in neurons. In the end you will be able to analyze design principles of selected biomaterials and compare them with technical solutions.

What you will be able to do

• Understand the construction of selected biomaterials
• Explain principles of self-assembly
• Analyze diffusion processes and their regulation
• Explain effects of charge screening by electrolytes
• Assess design principles of selective structures
• Compare mechanisms of electrical signal transmission in neurons
• Contrast design principles of biological and technical materials

What the module consists of

• LectureConveying content through lectures and presentations; supplemented by board work

Teaching method

• PowerPoint lecture with downloadable slidesfor structured delivery of content and for pre- and post-processing
• Board workto supplement selected sketches and diagrams
• Short filmsto illustrate selected topics