In this paper we describe the first artificial bond that strengthens under stress. Not only did we find this catch bond, we also identified regime corresponding to ideal bond behavior, being insensitive to stress.
Great results of a collaboration with Joris Sprakel (Biochemistry) and Jasper van der Gucht (Physical Chemistry & Soft Matter), and the excellent work by graduate student Martijn van Galen and undergraduates Annemarie Bok en Taieesa Peshkovsky.
See also this interview in
C2W.