Biomaterials research in DMSE
Nanoindentation on a single scale from the Polypterus senegalus, the "dinosaur eel." The indentation mimics a predator attack, in which these scales "absorb" the bite by forcing a crack to run in a circle around the penetration site, rather than across the scale. Prof. Christine Ortiz is researching this behavior to develop new stronger materials that can be used for armor and other purposes.