Structure, Cellular Synthesis and Assembly of Biopolymers

Many naturally occurring biopolymers have unique structures

and unique physical or mechanical properties. The understan-

ding of the moleclar basisof these biomolecules, their syn-

thesis, assembly and processing is a prerequisit for any ap-

plication to the design of novel biomolecular materials. Se-

veral classes of biopolymers are sampled in depth in this

volume, such as nanolaminated ceramics, adhesive proteins,

eggshellproteins, protein fibres and silk which are synthe-

sized by a variety of organisms (mulluscs, parasitic trema-

todes, fish and insects). The reader will be introduced to

the biological systems to understand Nature's use of each

biopolymer and the highly differentiated cells responsible

for their synthesis. Corresponding to the variety of organ-

isms and possible applications of biopolymers, the combined

expertise of interdisciplinary teams of scientists - such as

the authors of this volume - have the greatestopportunity

to decipher and exploit Nature's skill in biopolymer engi-

neering.