From the nano to macro scale, materiomics reveals how biological protein materials achieve remarkable properties that inspire next-generation synthetic materials.
Explore the ScienceMateriomics is defined as "the study of the material properties of natural and synthetic materials by examining fundamental links between processes, structures and properties at multiple scales, from nano to macro" 6 .
This holistic, multi-scale view is crucial because nature builds hierarchically. The central quest of materiomics is to decipher how nature so elegantly balances often-disparate properties like strength and robustness within a single, sustainable material 6 .
Imagine trying to understand a Beethoven symphony by only looking at the sound waves of a single note. You would miss the entire masterpiece. Similarly, traditional materials science often focuses on a single scale, but this approach fails to capture the brilliance of biological materials 1 .
Materiomics bridges scales from molecular to macroscopic levels
Molecular interactions and protein folding at the atomic level
Fibrils, fibers and cellular structures that form tissues
Complete biological materials with integrated functions
In engineering, strength and robustness are typically a trade-off. Yet, many biological materials combine these properties effortlessly 6 .
Research has shown that the key lies in their hierarchical makeup. A materiomic analysis revealed that while most random structures fall on the traditional "banana curve" where strength and robustness are mutually exclusive, a small subset of specifically designed hierarchical structures can achieve both 6 .
Osteogenesis Imperfecta is a genetic disorder where even a slight trauma can cause bone fractures. The cause is a single-point mutation in the collagen protein—a change at the nanoscale 6 .
Multiscale computational models revealed how this tiny defect cascades upward through the material's hierarchy. The mutation weakens the adhesion between collagen molecules, leading to increased spacing and the formation of nano-cracks under stress 6 .
Single-point mutation in collagen protein structure
Weakened adhesion between collagen molecules
Increased spacing and nano-crack formation
Compromised bone strength and tissue failure
Scientists had long observed a common but poorly understood pattern in membrane proteins: a "Gly-X6-Gly" motif 7 .
The researchers hypothesized that this motif creates "sticky spots" that help the protein's helical segments bind tightly to each other 7 .
Proteins with optimal sequences remained intact even under boiling conditions, demonstrating exceptional stability 7 .
| Aspect Investigated | Finding | Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Gly-X6-Gly Motif Function | Creates "sticky spots" between helices | Confirmed the structural hypothesis for a common biological pattern |
| Synthetic Protein Stability | Remained folded under boiling conditions | Demonstrated the success of the computational design approach |
| Atomic-Level Driving Force | Cumulative effect of weak hydrogen bonds | Uncovered a new design principle biology uses to achieve stability |
The designed proteins demonstrated remarkable thermal stability compared to natural variants, validating the materiomics approach to protein design.
| Tool/Reagent | Function | Example Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Computational Design Software | Designs protein sequences with desired structures | Designing stable membrane protein "motifs" 7 |
| AI & Machine Learning Models | Predicts protein folding, stability, and function | AlphaFold2/3 for protein structure prediction 5 |
| Circular Dichroism Spectrometer | Determines protein secondary structure | Validating recombinant protein folding 8 |
| SOMAscan/OLINK Platforms | Measures thousands of proteins from small samples | Large-scale studies in the UK Biobank project 2 |
Software for molecular modeling and simulation
Techniques for synthesis and characterization
Machine learning for prediction and analysis
Stimuli-responsive microrobots for targeted pollutant removal from water 3 .
Bio-inspired materials for everything from cars to buildings, reducing ecological footprint.
As we stand at the confluence of biology, materials science, and artificial intelligence, materiomics offers a powerful lens through which to view and solve some of our most pressing challenges. It teaches us that the next great material revolution will not be found in a new chemical formula, but in a new way of structuring matter itself—a way that nature has been perfecting for billions of years.