Fibrous proteins such as collagen and fibrinogen form a thin solid layer on the surface of an aqueous solution, could lead to more efficient bioprinting and tissue engineering.
A desalination membrane acts as a filter for salty water: Push the water through the membrane, get clean water suitable for agriculture, energy production and even drinking.
Reactive molecules, such as free radicals, can be produced in the body after exposure to certain environments or substances and go on to cause cell damage.
Piezoelectric materials hold great promise as sensors and as energy harvesters but are normally much less effective at high temperatures, limiting their use in environments such as engines or space exploration.