Embracing simplicity in biomaterials design

Biomaterials offer elegant frameworks to uncover mysteries of biology and vital tools to treat diseased or damaged tissues. Complex natural materials in the living world inspire the design of many engineered biomaterial constructs. Yet, complexity in materials design introduces practical, functional, and economic constraints. These challenges point to some virtues for a simplified approach in the design of biomaterials, especially when intended for clinical impact. But what is simplicity, and how can simple synthetic systems interface and intervene with application-specific complexities in the living world? Herein, both the philosophy and inherent benefits of simplicity in biomaterials design are discussed.