biomimetic

Biomimetic describes designs, materials, or processes that imitate structures, functions, or strategies found in living organisms. The word combines Greek bios (life) and mimesis (imitation). Biomimetics seeks to translate natural principles into technology, often emphasizing efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. The field is interdisciplinary, drawing on biology, engineering, materials science, and design. The concept has historical roots in observation of nature, with the term biomimetics popularized in the mid-20th century and later codified in popular science by Janine Benyus in 1997 as biomimicry.

Typical projects begin with studying a natural model, abstracting its underlying principle, and applying it to a human problem. Notable examples include gecko-inspired dry adhesives, nacre-inspired tough yet lightweight composites, and lotus leaf-inspired self-cleaning and water-repellent surfaces. Shark skin textures informed antifouling coatings, while humpback whale-inspired shapes have influenced wind and water propulsion designs. In medicine and bioengineering, bone-like materials, tissue scaffolds, and drug-delivery strategies are informed by natural materials and processes. Energy and architecture fields have explored photosynthesis-inspired light harvesting and structurally efficient, lightweight forms found in shells or bones.

Limitations include the difficulty of accurately copying complex biological systems, potential scalability or cost issues, and the risk of over-simplification. Critics urge careful evaluation of ecological impact and real-world performance, rather than marketing claims, in evaluating biomimetic designs.