Toward Intelligent Materials

1.1 IntroductionThe elaborate molecular assemblies, the intricate chemical strategies, and the cooperative molecular networks that have emerged in living systems continue to inspire the development of new materials [1]. From synthetic polymers, ceramics and metal alloys for prosthetics to scaffolds that direct cellular development for tissue engineering and smart materials that recognize multiple inputs to intervene in human disease, screen for contaminants in food and water sources, and provide early warning detection of biological warfare agents, biomaterials now impact every facet of modern medicine and public health [2]. These contributions have benefitted immensely from the application of new synthetic and fabrication technologies t