The Center for Bio-Inspired Nanomaterials at MSU is an multidisciplinary research and education center focused on utilizing our fundamental understanding of the formation and hierarchical construction of biological materials such as viruses, cells, and biominerals (bones, teeth, seashells, etc.). One extension of this fundamental work is the utilization of biological macromolecular assemblies as templates for the construction of novel functional nano-materials. However, the goal of the center is to encompass the study of the wide range of materials, beyond those of biological origin, to achieve unique physical properties by design.