Not often we scientists write a paper in a journal with an impact factor as high as 19. My colleagues Richard W. van Nieuwenhoven from TU Wien and Manfred Drack from Tübingen University did exactly this in collaboration with myself. We are proud and happy, that our paper 

R. van Nieuwenhoven, M. Drack, I. Gebeshuber: Engineered Materials: Bioinspired "Good Enough" versus Maximized Performance

was published in Advanced Functional Materials late in 2023. We made it open access, you can read it here: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/adfm.202307127

What is it all about? And what is the connection to nanoscience?

Well, the article discusses the concept that 'good enough' can sometimes be more advantageous than striving for perfection in materials science. It highlights how materials research is constantly pushing boundaries to create stronger and more versatile materials. However, the article also emphasizes that in living Nature, materials are not always extreme but consider factors like durability, reparability, and recyclability. The research explores the idea of using biogenic materials and how they can be applied in science and technology. It mentions a trend in materials research known as "Engineered Living Materials" (ELMs) and concludes that studying natural materials can provide valuable insights for industrial-scale applications and change our approach to materials research in the future.

The connection to nanoscience is as follows: 

The text discusses the increasing global primary material extraction and its implications for recycling rates and resource circularity. In the context of nanoscience, it highlights the challenges posed by modern high-performance materials. These materials are designed at various length scales, including the nanoscale, to enhance their durability and resilience, making them less recyclable and reusable. T

In the realm of nanoscience, there is need to develop new strategies and technologies that allow for the recycling, reusing, and decomposing of complex materials at the nanoscale. It also emphasizes the importance of incorporating sustainability considerations into the design process of high-performance materials to mitigate their environmental impact. In essence, nanoscience can play a crucial role in addressing the challenges posed by modern materials by enabling the development of innovative, environmentally-friendly solutions for material utilization and resource management.

I look forward to your comments, dear nanopaprikas!

Ille C. Gebeshuber, physicist, TU Wien