Artificial Catch Bonds: From Molecular Design to Network Mechanics

ABSTRACT

Catch bonds are interactions whose lifetimes paradoxically increase with applied force, in contrast to conventional slip bonds that dissociate faster under load. Over the past two decades, extensive biophysical research has uncovered catch bonds in diverse biological systems and investigated the molecular mechanisms that produce force‐stabilized binding. These insights have inspired a growing effort to engineer artificial catch bonds using proteins, DNA, polymers, and nanoparticle assemblies. Recent advances now provide experimental demonstrations of synthetic catch bonds with tunable force‐lifetime behaviors. In parallel, computational and experimental studies reveal how catch bond kinetics reshape the mechanics of polymer and biomolecular networks, enabling materials that strengthen or adapt under load. This review discusses the progress from natural systems and theoretical models to emerging strategies for engineering artificial catch bonds and their collective behaviors in networks.