Definition

Biomimicry is the practice of emulating nature's designs and processes to solve human challenges, leading to innovations across various fields such as engineering, architecture, and medicine.

Historical Background

The concept of drawing inspiration from nature is longstanding. Leonardo da Vinci's studies of bird flight in the 15th century informed his designs for flying machines. However, the term "biomimicry" gained prominence in the late 20th century, notably through the work of biologist Janine Benyus, who popularized the concept and emphasized its importance in sustainable innovation. Her consultancy, Biomimicry 3.8, has guided over 250 companies, including Interface and Boeing, in incorporating nature-based solutions. Projects range from non-toxic adhesives inspired by geckos to white pigments based on beetle exoskeletons and sustainable building designs. (reuters.com)

Principles

Biomimicry operates on several core principles:

• –Nature as Model: Studying biological models to solve human problems.
• –Nature as Measure: Evaluating the sustainability of innovations against nature's standards.
• –Nature as Mentor: Valuing nature not just as a source of raw materials but as a guide for design and process.

Applications

Engineering

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  Transportation: The Shinkansen bullet train in Japan faced issues with noise and air resistance. Engineer Eiji Nakatsu, inspired by the kingfisher's beak, redesigned the train's nose, resulting in a quieter, faster, and more energy-efficient train. (oneearth.org)

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  Adhesives: Inspired by the microscopic hairs on gecko feet, researchers developed synthetic adhesives that create strong, residue-free bonds, applicable in robotics and medical devices. (oneearth.org)

Architecture

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  Passive Cooling: The Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe, designed by Mick Pearce, mimics termite mounds' natural cooling systems. The building uses a ventilation system that draws in fresh air, cooled while passing through underground ducts, reducing energy consumption by 90% compared to conventional buildings. (theoverview.art)

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  Structural Design: The Gherkin in London features a double-layer glass facade inspired by the Venus flower basket sponge, enhancing energy efficiency and reducing wind resistance. (theoverview.art)

Medicine

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  Antimicrobial Surfaces: Sharkskin's unique texture, composed of dermal denticles, inspired the development of antimicrobial films that prevent bacterial growth, applicable in medical settings to reduce infections. (digitaltrends.com)

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  Surgical Adhesives: The adhesive properties of gecko feet have led to the creation of medical adhesives that can bond tissues without causing damage, offering alternatives to traditional sutures. (oneearth.org)

Challenges and Future Directions

While biomimicry offers innovative solutions, challenges include accurately replicating complex biological systems and ensuring that biomimetic designs are sustainable and ethical. Ongoing research aims to deepen the understanding of natural processes to develop more effective and environmentally friendly technologies.

Notable Examples

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  Velcro: Swiss engineer George de Mestral invented Velcro after observing how burrs clung to his clothing and his dog's fur. The burrs had tiny hooks that latched onto loops in fabric and fur, inspiring the two-part fastening system. (oneearth.org)

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  Wind Turbines: The tubercles on humpback whale fins inspired the design of wind turbine blades with serrated edges, resulting in increased efficiency and reduced noise. (sciencefocus.com)

Organizations and Research

Institutions like the Biomimicry Institute and Biomimicry 3.8 are at the forefront of promoting and researching biomimetic innovations. They collaborate with industries to develop sustainable solutions and advocate for funding mechanisms to preserve biodiversity, urging companies to support initiatives like the Cali Fund, which encourages corporate responsibility by financially supporting regions housing genetic resources exploited by various industries. (reuters.com)