"The proof-of-concept presented in this study can be scaled up using made-to-measure chitin sheets and synthetic substitutes for limpet cell-conditioned media. Given that chitin is currently a waste by-product of the fishing industry⁴⁴, our approach would allow its repurposing into a novel composite material that could substitute for many existing synthetic materials that are manufactured in a polluting or unsustainable manner, and could help solve environmental challenges such as the ocean plastics crisis. Furthermore, as chitin is itself biodegradable, this bioinspired composite meets the key modern engineering challenge of sustainability. In short, this new material has the potential to be manufactured and disposed of without generating harmful waste products."