Rigidity, Resilience, and Robustness in Network-like Soft Materials: Insights from Biopolymer Networks and Circadian Colloids

Living systems exhibit unique emergent properties such as self-assembly, rigidity, resilience, and robustness. In this talk, I will present results from projects that underscore the importance of understanding these collective properties in network-like soft materials and help to address key questions in the rational design of biomimetic soft materials: Can we engineer composite soft matter to display life-like emergent properties? How can we enhance the tunability and control of such soft matter systems? And, is it feasible to activate synthetic soft materials using biological processes? I will begin by examining potential physical mechanisms that underlie robust and resilient mechanical properties in biopolymer networks in cells and tissues. Utilizing rigidity percolation theory, we explore how the composite and heterogeneous composition influence cell and tissue mechanics and suggest design principles for artificial constructs with tunable and robust mechanics. Following this, I will discuss the formation and manipulation of colloidal networks using functionalized clock proteins—proteins that regulate biological clocks—to engineer robust self-assembly kinetics and material properties in colloidal systems. Leveraging such protein-based reaction networks allows us to endow synthetic systems with life-like properties. Our findings demonstrate how understanding the emergent structure-function properties in biological and bio-hybrid systems can support the development of biomimetic materials that not only mirror the robustness and adaptability of living systems but also offer enhanced control over their physical properties and functions.