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.

Inhalt
1 Nacre of Abalone Shell: a Natural Multifunctional Nanolaminated Ceramic-Polymer Composite Material.- 2 The Formation of Mussel Byssus: Anatomy of a Natural Manufacturing Process.- 3 Reflections on the Structure of Mussel Adhesive Proteins.- 4 Composition and Design of Fasciola hepatica Eggshells.- 5 The Cell and Molecular Biology of Eggshell Formation in Schistosoma mansoni.- 6 Molecular Architecture of Helicoidal Proteinaceous Eggshells.- 7 Secretory Proteins of Chironomus Salivary Glands: Structural Motifs and Assembly Characteristics of a Novel Biopolymer.- 8 Spider Silk: a Mystery Starting to Unravel.- 9 The Nature and Role of Liquid Crystalline Order in Silk Secretions.- 10 Micromechanics of Natural Composites.