**2. Design with functionality approach**

Addition of reinforcements to a bio-composite matrix does more than just enhance on the properties of the composite but also imparts some other "unexpected" properties that can satisfy these requirements. For example, bio-composites with conductive polymer matrices impart unique functional properties which makes them useful for medical applications. On the other hand, use of clay nanotubes as reinforcement materials not only enhances mechanical properties but also opens the way for surface topology enhancements resulting more unique applications. Moreover, smart choice of matrix-reinforcement combinations and understanding their surface interactions can result in applications never even thought about. Such as, keeping both the in-situ surface interactions and interactions with

the environment in the mind, choice of appropriate matrix-reinforcement combination can reward us with bio-degradable food packaging materials. This creates a situation where the excellent design of bio-composites provides an extension of the composite functionality. By combining the filler and manipulating the parameter space, bio-composite research holds a vast possibility to produce a wide range of functional materials with controllable properties. To illustrate functionality-based designs, a few of the bio-composites that have been formulated with functional properties are presented here.
