Welcome to the Comparative Biomaterials Lab at Chapman University led by Dr. Douglas Fudge. We study a wide range of materials made by animals, including nano-scale filaments within cells, slimes secreted to ward off predators, and large structures like the keratinous plates of baleen whales. Our work on the biomechanics of predator defense in hagfishes has led us to explore many other aspects of hagfish biology, including bioenergetics, burrowing behavior and biomechanics, reproduction, and biodiversity. Recent work in the Galápagos Islands, Ecuador led to the discovery and description of four new species of hagfishes.

We are also committed to applying what we learn from the study of biomaterials to real-life challenges. Animals make outstanding materials for a wide variety of functions without the benefit of petroleum and without fouling their environments. Our expertise in biomaterials creates rich opportunities to collaborate with engineers on bio-inspired design projects, including efforts to produce biomimetic hagfish slime.

To learn more about our research, click on the links below and check out our Publications.