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Biomimetics: forecasting the future of science,

engineering, and medicine
This article was published in the following Dove Press journal:
International Journal of Nanomedicine
8 September 2015
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Jangsun Hwang 1 Abstract: Biomimetics is the study of nature and natural phenomena to understand the principles
Yoon Jeong 1,2 of underlying mechanisms, to obtain ideas from nature, and to apply concepts that may benefit
Jeong Min Park 3 science, engineering, and medicine. Examples of biomimetic studies include fluid-drag reduction
Kwan Hong Lee 1,2,4 swimsuits inspired by the structure of shark’s skin, velcro fasteners modeled on burrs, shape
Jong Wook Hong 1,2 of airplanes developed from the look of birds, and stable building structures copied from the
backbone of turban shells. In this article, we focus on the current research topics in biomimet-
Jonghoon Choi 1,2
ics and discuss the potential of biomimetics in science, engineering, and medicine. Our report
1
Department of Bionano Technology,
proposes to become a blueprint for accomplishments that can stem from biomimetics in the
Graduate School, Hanyang University,
Seoul, 2Department of Bionano next 5 years as well as providing insight into their unseen limitations.
Engineering, Hanyang University Keywords: biomimicry, tissue engineering, biomaterials, nature, nanotechnology,
ERICA, Ansan, Korea; 3Department
of Biomedical Engineering, Boston
nanomedicine
University, 4OpenView Venture
Partners, Boston, MA, USA
Introduction
If the history of planet Earth was compressed into 1 year, humans would appear in the
last 15 minutes of it. Out of those 15 minutes, most recent industrial progress would
occur within 1 minute.1 Despite this small proportion, the industrialization that took
place in the last century is much greater than that from the start of mankind. Although
the rapid rate of industrialization has helped to prolong life and overcome disease,
it has also brought pollution and environmental destruction, which affect human
survival itself. In this drift toward industrialization, men have made a continuous
effort to create more products that can improve our lives. However, the survival of
mankind faces the physical dilemma of living on limited resources. Solutions to the
lack of resources and survival problems have not always been clear to us, although
the answer can always be found within nature. An interesting method to solve these
problems may lie in biomimetics, which uses nature as the ultimate model, standard,
and advisor.1,2 In recent times, mankind has newly opened its eyes to biomimetic
technology, and its efforts are being met with success. This review focuses on
recognizing specific examples of biomimetics, their current use, and how they will
continue to be used in the future.

Biomimetics: past, current, and future

Definition and concept of biomimetics
Definition of biomimetics
Correspondence: Jonghoon Choi
55 Hanyangdae-hak ro, Ansan, 426-791,
The term “biomimetics” originates from the Greek words “bios” (life) and “mimesis”
South Korea (to imitate), yet its definition is not as simple as just those two words. More specifi-
Tel +82 31 400 5203
Fax +82 31 436 8146
cally, biomimetics is a creative form of technology that uses or imitates nature to
Email [email protected] improve human lives.

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Hwang et al Dovepress

Concept of biomimetics currently extinct animals to the strongest cutting-edge carbon

Biomimetics is not a recent study or trend, but the idea of nanomaterials, bioengineering has always evolved along
looking into nature for inspiration has been in practical use with human history.
for a long time. It has been called by different names such Leonardo da Vinci’s (1452–1519) work is a fundamental
as “intellectual structure” in Japan and “smart material” in example of biomimicry. He designed a “flying machine”
the USA. Biomimetics is centered on the idea that there is inspired by a bird.4 In the Far East, General Yi Sun-sin
no model better than nature for developing something new built the turtleship, a warship modeled after a turtle, to fight
and has produced excellent results in productivity and func- Japanese raiders during invasions.5 The Wright brothers
tion. This idea has also opened doors to realistic gains by (1867–1948) took note of the wings of eagles and made a
eliminating waste and saving in research expenses.2 powered airplane that succeeded in human flight for the first
time in 1903. Over the next century, the airplane became
Field of biomimetics faster, more stable, and more aerodynamic.6,7 Schmitt was the
Humans have heavily impacted nature with industrializa- first to coin the term biomimetics in 1957, and he announced
tion and resource extraction; however, biomimetics can a turning point for biology and technology.8 Jack E Steele of
help to avoid this pattern. Biomimetics goes beyond simply NASA, who coined the word bionics in 1960, was also the
using natural properties as the basis for innovation of new first to use the word biomimetics in a paper in 1969, which led
products. Such products can be designed to play a part in to the addition of the term to the dictionary in 1974. In 1997,
general industry as well as to provide human convenience Janine M Benyus published her book Biomimicry, which
in the fields of chemistry, biology, architecture, engineering, emphasizes that biomimicry is leading the path to a new age
medicine, and biomedical engineering (Figure 1). Such a of technological development by taking lessons from nature
symbiotic relationship plays a critical role in the coexistence as the groundwork for products, rather than just using it for
of humans with nature, and the extent of its application can raw materials (Figure 2).1 Janine Benyus and others stepped
be boundless. It is therefore critical to understand these areas further to organize a social enterprise called Biomimicry 3.8
and examples for each of them.1,3 to share ideas and concepts of biomimicry and biomimetics
as well as to connect interdisciplinary researchers, scientists,
artists, engineers, business leaders, and stakeholders.
History of biomimetics and research
methods Research methods for biomimetics
The history of biomimetics The basic research method for biomimetics has six steps,
Found easily in everyday life and often used without our which can be used to apply biomimetics to design, product,
knowledge, biomimetics is a broad field with a long history. service, and agriculture.2
From knives and axes inspired by the dental structures of Like the sticky substance found in geckos’ feet,3,9,10
the functional possibilities of biologically inspired design
should be researched rather than just applying the design as
it is used by the organism. Although the discovery or fusion
of innovative technology is crucial for increased profits, a
$UW
$UFKLWHFWXUH simple creative design idea can provide greater convenience
for human life.
The function of the organism, the principles under which
that function is achieved, and the relationship between these
%LRPLPHWLFV
two must be established. Knowledge and application of
various materials need to be accumulated through research
0HGLFLQH
and database compilation. The relationship between struc-
ture and function usually comes from the surface structure,
(QJLQHHULQJ
which can be observed by a scanning electron microscopy
technique. These fine structures play an important role in the
organism and are said to be the first step for biomimetics.
The US researchers are using the Biomimicry Taxonomy as
Figure 1 The area of applications in biomimetics. a practical database (Figure 2).

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Dovepress Potential of biomimetics in science, engineering, and medicine

Reproduce
Physically assemble
Generate/convert energy
Chemically assemble
Chemically/
physically Attach/move
break down Make

Move or
Break down
stay put
Modify
physical,
Navigate
chemical, and
Send/process Process Biomimicry Modify electrical
Sense signals information taxonomy states
Compute
Decode/encode Adapt/optimize
Get, store,
Maintain
or distribute
community
resources
Coordinate
Cooperate
Maintain physical Capture/absorb
and compete
integrity Filter/store
Provide ecosystem
services Distribute/expel
Protect from biotic factors
Protect from abiotic factors
Manage structural forces
Regulate physiological
process

Figure 2 Biomimicry taxonomy categorizing the research interests of biomimetics.

Note: Republished with permission of Springer Science and Business Media, from Biologically Inspired Design: Computational Methods and Tools, Goel AK, McAdams DA,
Stone RB, editors, © Springer-Verlag London 2014; permission conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.11

The greatest challenge faced by biomimetics is to deter- uses of the new material must first be understood along with
mine how nano- and microstructures function in their rela- the pros and cons of biomimetics, and the results from their
tionship with the organism and the environment, especially combination have to be unraveled. Active research is being
if these have not been fully explored yet.2 Finding substantial performed on these fronts, but making progress in these areas
examples through the integration of biology, natural his- is realistically a difficult pursuit.
tory, and materials science is the next step in biomimetic The determined biological material’s structure and the
research. function become the source of innovation for the devel-
Identifying various functional and environmental adapta- opment of a new material while possibly providing links
tion mechanisms of organisms and their energy-minimizing to other materials.2 The structure and function of already
design is the next research frontier.2 A successful example known materials go through tests and assessments that help
of this is the antireflective coating that was inspired by them morph and evolve into new materials. By combining
the 200  nm structures reflecting visible light rays from a them with current advancements in medicine, chemistry,
moth’s eye.2,12,13 The nature of new biomimetic materi- and nanotechnology, we may find novel utilities that may
als lies in discovering hierarchical structures and their cor- benefit human life.
responding functions to remodel them into something we
can utilize. Examples of biomimetics in industry
The combination of newly discovered materials with bio- Velcro
mimetics research will be a key to understanding their appli- The name Velcro, a common hook-and-loop fastener, comes
cations and limitations.2 The morphological and functional from the French words for velvet, “velour,” and hook,

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“crochet”.14 In the early 1940s, Swiss engineer George de upper part of the wings and slower on the bottom part of the
Mastral noticed the tendency of the fruit of the burr (Xanthium wings. The higher pressure from the bottom of the wings and
strumarium) to stick to dog’s hair and used a microscope to the speed of the plane enables the 100 ton airplane to fly. This
observe the hooks on the fruit which attach to animal hair. was the principle that led the Wright brothers to succeed in
He discovered that an elliptical fruit with a length of 1 cm their first flight, but it was also the result of numerous years
had densely packed hook-like projections. These latched of biomimetic research on the structure and design of birds’
onto peoples’ clothing or animals’ hair, allowing seeds to be wings and their feathers. Beyond individual birds, a flock of
dispersed widely. Inspired by this burr, de Mastral used nylon wild geese fly in a V formation, creating an ascending air
to create velcro fasteners. To enhance adhesive abilities, velcro current allowing those flying behind to fly with less effort.19,20
consists of a strip with round loops and a strip with burr-like AIRBUS, a French aviation company, uses these principles to
hooks. For its small surface area, velcro has exceptional adhe- design their planes. Furthermore, birds that fly short and long
sive strength and is used extensively as a simple and practical distances have different feathers and shapes. These insights
substitute for buttons or hooks in clothing and shoes.14–18 have been used to design airplanes that have to travel shorter
and longer distances in a different manner.21,22
Aircraft
The emergence of airplanes realized the age-long dream of Automobiles
mankind to fly, but it was also a groundbreaking form of Over the most recent decade, automobile design has not
transportation. The basic structure of the wings of airplanes only had an influence on the exterior of cars, but also had an
consists of a differing sized curved surface on the upper and influence on their function.23–25 The economizing and energy
lower part of the wing that creates hydrodynamic forces efficient aspects of biomimetics have been adopted in cars as
explained by the Bernoulli effect. Through this hydrody- demonstrated by DaimlerChrysler’s prototype bionic concept
namic structure, the velocity of the airstream is faster on the car (Figure 3).

A B

Cr
0.00 0.20 0.40 0.60 0.80 1.00 1.20

C D

Figure 3 DaimlerChrysler’s prototype bionic car (D), inspired by the box fish (A), skeleton structure of blowfish adapted for designing of vehicles (C), and tree growth
patterns (B).
Note: Republished with permission of Springer Science and Business Media, from Bannasch RB. Technology Guide. Springer;2009:178–183, © Copyright 2009; permission
conveyed through Copyright Clearance Center, Inc.28

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Dovepress Potential of biomimetics in science, engineering, and medicine

The exterior of this car is based on the shape of the 18%–20%. It has also been applied to swimsuits, bringing
boxfish (Figure 3A and B), making it stable and aerodynamic. better results for athletes.4,31
The basic structure of this car consists of a large outward
appearance and small wheels, and the design was evaluated Architecture
through computer simulation to achieve a minimal stress Biomimicry has the longest history of application in archi-
concentration. This car has an average fuel efficiency of tecture. Previous biomimetic technologies are being used
70 mi/gal (23 km/L) and a maximum speed of 190 km/h, to this day and will be developed further. The most notable
making it more fuel efficient than any existing car (Figure 3C example of biomimetic architecture is the 6 m-tall termite’s
and D).26,27 nest in the African grasslands. These nests are built from
The front of the Japanese bullet train was inspired by soil, tree bark, sand, and termite saliva, yet they are firmer
a kingfisher’s beak, so that the sonic boom when the train than concrete.32–34
exits a tunnel and air resistance can be minimized while Termites are extremely sensitive to heat, as they live in
acceleration and energy efficiency can be increased.29,30 This groups of over 2 million. Even when the external temperature
idea was taken from the observation that a kingfisher dives is as high as 40°C, the nests maintain an internal temperature
perpendicular to the surface of the water when hunting, caus- of 30°C. Although it seems that termites only developed this
ing minimal splashing. Since it simulated the rounded beak system due to their sensitivity to external stimuli, it is more
structure of the kingfisher, the Shinkansen also came to be effective at maintaining temperature than any ventilation,
known as the bullet train. Another example is SkinzWraps, heating, and cooling systems made by man.35
a film inspired by the microprojections on shark skin to Mike Pearce from Zimbabwe took note of these charac-
repel germs (Figure 4). The use of SkinzWraps in automo- teristics of termites’ nests and constructed Eastgate Centre,
biles reduced car pollution and increased fuel efficiency by the world’s first all-natural cooling structure, in Zimbabwe’s

Figure 4 SEM images illustrating the variation in dermal denticle shapes across the body surface of Scyliorhinus canicula.
Note: © IOP Publishing. Reproduced with permission from Sullivan T, Regan F. The characterization, replication and testing of dermal denticles of Scyliorhinus canicula for
physical mechanisms of biofouling prevention. Bioinspiration and Biomimetics. 2011;6(4):046001, doi: 10.1088/1748-3182/6/4/046001. All rights reserved.32
Abbreviation: SEM, scanning electron microscopy.

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A B
Termite mounts Airconditioned
Macrotermes termites in The red and blue arrows
Africa make nests that indicate the way in which
can be more than 20 ft air is circulated through
(6 m) high and rock solid. the mound to maintain
a stable temperature
with in the nest.

Figure 5 The Eastgate building in Harare, Zimbabwe, adapting the design of nests of termites.
Notes: Constructed building based on the design of termites’ nest (A) and internal structure and air flow of termite nest (B). © John Wiley and Sons 2010. Reproduced
with permission from John Wiley and Sons, from French JR, Ahmed BM. The challenge of biomimetic design for carbon-neutral buildings using termite engineering. Insect Sci.
2010;17(2):154–162.37

capital, Harare (Figure 5A and B). This building has holes which is due to byssi. A byssus pad with a radius of 2 mm
on the roof and the lower floors to allow natural ventilation, is capable of lifting weights up to 12.5 kg. The adsorptive
similar to what a termite’s nest does. Hot air exits through power of byssi is greater than any adhesive found in nature.
the roof, and the influx of the cold air from the bottom ven- The structure of byssi is composed of the crosslinking of col-
tilates the building. Hence, the energy consumption rate of lagen fibers and a protein known as Mefp-1, which is more
this building is ,10%, and an internal temperature of 24°C durable than any fiber (Figure 6B).39–41
is maintained even when the external temperature is higher Cultured carbon nanotube (CNT) fibers and cross-linked
than 38°C.35–37 macromolecule adhesives acting as collagen and Mefp-1
Furthermore, the Esplanade Theater (Michael Wilford & protein, respectively, led to the development of high-strength
Partners, DP Architects) in Singapore has a unique exterior CNTs. This led to the innovative development of high-
that is reminiscent of the eyes of a fly or the surface of a durian strength CNTs with a significant reduction in thickness from
fruit. Over 2,000 aluminum projections cover the exterior 100 nm to 17.1 nm while creating three times the strength.
glass walls, each providing a shade for each glass wall of the The properties of byssi have also led to their use in modern
greenhouse-shaped Esplanade Theater. As a result, the theater medicine to create new ways of stitching wounds and utiliz-
has a unique exterior while being very practical.38 ing them in surgery.42,43

Antireflective coatings Self-healing concrete adhesive supply pipe

Areflexia is a phenomenon observed in a moth’s eyes, which Current research in self-healing concrete focuses on diverse
reflect all wavelengths of light beyond the visible light spec- areas of adhesive supply pipes, the inclusion of fibers to pro-
trum to block them. The projections on moths’ eyes, spaced vide inherent adhesive properties and to create shape-memory
at intervals of 200 nm, absorb most visible light rays, as they alloys and leavening agents.44 More recently, progress is
are shorter than most wavelengths of light. The refraction being made on self-healing concrete through nanoconstruc-
of the light rays entering the eyes is increased, significantly tion materials45–47 (Figure 7). In this case, biomineralization
decreasing reflection. This allows the moth to avoid preda- technology is used to provide concrete with self-healing
tors and to see prey in the dark. This technology is being abilities. Sporosarcina pasteurii uses water, calcium ion,
used not only for military purposes but also for solar cell and carbon dioxide (CO2) in its metabolism and creates
light-emitting diodes.12 calcium carbonate (CaCO3) through calcification. This cal-
cium carbonate fills the gap in the concrete. In addition, the
High-strength carbon nanotubes cement complex is augmented with fiber that has a higher
Mussels do not detach easily from rocks even when hit by elastic modulus and aspect ratio to improve the tension and
powerful waves because they have high adhesive strength, metamorphosis.48

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Dovepress Potential of biomimetics in science, engineering, and medicine

Robots an iRobot sensitive to pressure and therefore capable of

Biomimetic technology is currently being used in various effective dry adhesion, inspired by the microhairs on the
fields such as design, agriculture, chemistry, medicine, and soles of a gecko3,9
material science. It has also been incorporated in robot-
ics research, giving rise to a novel field of biomimetic Current market size of biomimetics
robotics.49,50 The motor mechanisms of animals and insects In Europe, Japan, and the USA, biomimetics is being recog-
are being imitated, which has a significant influence on nized as the technology of the future and there is increasing
the motility of the machine, previously limited by wheels. interest and funding. In particular, global companies such as
In 1998, Dr Robert Full researched the mechanisms of Ford, General Electric, Herman Miller, HP, IBM, and Nike
cockroach legs to make a RHex (Figure 8) with robotic are collaborating with scientists and designing laboratories
legs and feet that overcomes the limitation of wheels.51 At to explore novel technologies.
Carnegie Mellon University, Dr Howie Choset is devel- Between 2005 and 2008, the market size for products and
oping robotic arms that apply the mechanisms of bones construction projects that applied biomimetics was estimated
and joints of a snake (Figure 9) and an elephant’s trunk.52 to be above $1.5 billion. By 2025, industry analysts project
Moreover, Dr Robert Full and Dr Fon Fearing developed that products and services in biomimicry will increase to

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Figure 6 (A) Structure of byssi in mussels. (B) Chemical structure of a Dopa-rich mussel foot protein (mfp).
Note: Reproduced with permission of Annual Review of Materials Research, Vol 41, © by Annual Reviews, http://www.annualreviews.org, from Lee BP, Messersmith PB,
Israelachvili JN, Waite JH. Mussel-inspired adhesives and coatings. Annual review of materials research. 2011;41:99.40

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Dovepress Potential of biomimetics in science, engineering, and medicine

A 1 mm B

0.29 0.24
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Control 3_cl_1.tif Before healing Bacteria 1_a3_4.tif Before healing

C D

Control 3_cl_1.tif 100 days of healing Bacteria 1_a3_4.tif 100 days of healing

Figure 7 Images of the crack-healing process in control mortar specimens before (A and B) and after 100 days of healing (C and D).
Note: Reprinted from Wiktor V, Jonkers HM. Quantification of crack-healing in novel bacteria-based self-healing concrete. Cem. Concr. Compos. 2011;33(7):763–770, with
permission from Elsevier.46

Figure 8 Image of RHex.

Notes: Reproduced with permission from Altendorfer R, Moore N, Komsuoglu Figure 9 Image of the snake robots.
H, et al. RHex: a biologically inspired hexapod runner. Autonomous Robots. Note: © 2007 IEEE. Reproduced with permission, from Wright C, Johnson A, Peck
2001;11(3):207–213, with kind permission from Springer Science and Business A, et al. Design of a modular snake robot. Paper presented at: Intelligent Robots and
Media.52 Systems, 2007. IROS 2007. IEEE/RSJ International Conference on 2007.53

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$1 trillion in market size. In the US alone, it is expected Dr Stephen Mann at the University of Bristol suggested
to have a $35 billion market with over 1.6 million new job that biology and nanoscale phenomena share similar behav-
opportunities.2,53,54 iors and functions.55 For example, phospholipids are one of
the major cell constitutes and extracted molecules of them
Present and future of biomimetics spontaneously self-assemble in water to produce vesicles or
In promoting the coexistence of nature and humans, the liposomes. The self-assembly rates of solubilized phospholip-
economic, environmental, and social aspects of biomim- ids are dependent on the molecular size and shape. The biomi-
icry are increasingly in demand and greater is the scope of metic study of the physicochemical property in phospholipids
application. Developed countries are actively investing in has helped to engineer self-assembling nanoparticles and
research to build the foundations for future innovation and nanostructures for drug deliveries, the protocell mimick-
development in biomimicry.2 ing the cellular organelles and structures. The protocell has
After Janine M Benyus established the consulting com- compartmentalized microarchitectures decorated with the
panies Biomimicry Institute and the Biomimicry Guild, she assembly of protein–polymer nanostructure conjugates used
created the website Asknature.org to use as a platform for for encapsulation or selective permeation of biomolecules,
advancing biomimetic technology in the USA. Furthermore, protein synthesis, and enzymatic activities.56 As shown in
the New York State Energy Research and Development these examples, beyond incorporating biomimetics design
Authority (NYSERDA) is enforcing the use of biomimicry into nanotechnology, applications of biomimetics in biomedi-
to solve various problems in energy. cal engineering have potential to significantly impact and
Twenty-eight research centers studying biomimet- create abundant value for human society in the future.
ics have collaborated to establish BIOKON in Germany.
Sponsored by the Federal Ministry of Education and Biomimetics in biomedical engineering
Research in Germany, 35 projects involving biomimetic With designs originating from organisms, biomimetics
products and technology are being conducted. In the UK, has facilitated and improved human life through many
The Biomimetics Network for Industrial Sustainability convenient products. In the future, biomimetics will have
(BIONIS), a network that connects businesses with universi- a greater impact through the combination of medicine, sci-
ties is being operated. The Ministry of Education, Culture, ence, and biomedical engineering to treat diseases, physical
Sports, Science and Technology is carrying out the Century disabilities, and wounds. Regenerative medicine and tissue
Center of Excellence, a graduate program focusing on bio- engineering are particularly promising fields. Principles and
mimetic monozukuri (biomimetic manufacturing) and novel functions of biomimetics that can be applied in biomedical
uses of biotic resources in the field of agriculture in Japan. engineering are derived from many sources, including how
The majority of past biomimetic materials have been a lizard regenerates its tail and a buckhorn regenerates its
developed in Europe, and the functional mimicries mostly horns every year, the adhesive, plegmatical, and regenerative
originated from nanoscale or microscale parts of insects and properties of a spider web, and leukocyte adhesion/migration
plants. In recent years, due to the advancement of nanotech- in inflammation.
nology, a new wave of biomimetics is being extended to the An example would be a biocompatible medical bandage
imitation of animals. Europe is at the center of development, that can be made compatible with human tissue and integrated
and the USA and Japan are actively participating in research. with a ubiquitous health care (U-health) system to get real
Forefront of biomimetics research is being advanced by time reports on the granular status of recovery or disease.
nanotechnology and is vigorously developed through the use A biocompatible, short-lived medical bandage or tape can be
of scanning electron microscopy -like electron microscopies used to detect signals, allowing us to monitor heart attacks or
that enable us to observe and analyze the structure, function, myocardial infarction that cannot be monitored or detected
and physical properties of natural organisms. With these tools using current medical devices. Such a bandage would also
of nanotechnology, biomimetic engineers can investigate at be compatible with our skin and result in fewer side effects
the scale of single cells, especially for cell organelles and and less irritation despite better attachment. Such function
interactions between cells. The biomimetic analysis of com- is derived from the foot hair of the gecko, as mentioned
munities of cell organelles and their structures would give previously.57
us insights on how to develop nanoscale constructs that may Next-generation biomimetics combines biology with other
behave or function as the cellular constructs perform.55 technology in solving problems. In particular, nanotechnology

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Dovepress Potential of biomimetics in science, engineering, and medicine

is becoming a key discipline that will be utilized to help under- communicate upon immunological cues. As the biomimetic
stand the material and its structures along with accelerating microenvironments become more elaborated and sophisti-
development of secondary structure of proteins. Protein- cated, researchers preparing biomimetic cellular environments
functionalized nanoparticles, peptide-functionalized gold will be enlightened and find solutions to the enigmatic relation-
nanoparticles, and carbohydrate-functionalized nanoparticles ships between cells and their adjacent microenvironment.
are areas of nanotechnology that are finding biomimetic
applications.58 Furthermore, biomimetic approaches may Conclusion
open up promising new fields. Various hybrid composites Biomimetics or biomimicry have been used and advanced
inspired by the nature have been fabricated and used as a even without formal research in many areas. Accumulating
template that can regulate biological processes in tissue engi- creative ideas as a foundation, mankind has accelerated the
neering. Structural biomaterials such as bones or nacres are speed of development and evolution of civilization. However,
hierarchically constructed and organized. In order to elucidate such rapid industrialization has resulted in environmental
the structural complexity of these biomaterials, studies have pollution and a shortage of natural resources that is threat-
demonstrated the development of morphological structures ening the survival and future of humanity. As a result, it
of inorganic–organic hybrid materials to mimic biological has become critical and urgent to find alternative methods
and structural formations like sponge spicule formation or to engineer materials, products, and services. Biomimetics
the nacre (brick-and-mortar) structure of mollusks.59 is potentially the best method to help us cope with future
Multifunctional fibrous scaffolds have been developed development of civilization, environmental pollution, and
as native tissue architecture, which have high potential for resource shortage threats.
bone regeneration. One group recently tested nanofibers as a We believe that biomimicry has the best potential to be
scaffold made of poly d,l-lactide-co-trimethylene carbonate harmonious with nature while resulting in better outcomes
(PLMC). The biomimicking attributes of poly d,l-lactide- than any artificial means of development. Animals, plants,
co-trimethylene carbonate nanofibers showed enhanced and insects have utilized such technology to establish their
efficacies and efficiencies as scaffold materials for tissue ecosystem with no adverse effects to nature, and such
repair and regeneration.60 behavior and way of life is what we humans may need in
The integration of biomimetics in biomedical engineer- the current era. Even meager creatures show that they have
ing is advancing technology in many ways. Painless syringe evolved in their DNA and surface structures over lengthy
needles developed by Kansai University (Osaka, Japan) is one periods of time and contain a compressed set of technology
example of biomimetics meeting bioengineering to develop that we may learn from.
a new material to improve medical operations. This group As with many great ideas, biomimetics started from
modeled the structure of mosquito mouthparts that are able simple imitation of natural organisms. Over time, it has
to extract blood from the host animal with the least amount evolved through integration and combination with modern
of nerve irritation. Such needles are used to help diabetics science and engineering to help us discover new materials,
or during surgery to help patients overcome fear of needles. ways of combining nano/microstructures, applications, and
They use a biodegradable polymer, polylactic acid, which alternative ways of production. Biomimetics has developed
makes the needles safer and more practical than traditional from mere imitation to a stage where we are using the struc-
microsilicon needles. Such needles can be inserted at par- tures and functions of nature to create. Soon, we will be
ticular angles with certain sensitivity to result in painless able to take ourselves to the next stage, where we can apply
insertion. Painless needles are a great example of significant the newly discovered principles of biomimetics to help us
contribution to advancement of biomimetics and biomedical create an economy that better follows natural evolution and
engineering.61,62 development. By building technology in such a manner, we
Due to the heterogeneous nature of the cellular microen- hope to create a more stable and productive future where
vironments, biomimetic analytical platforms conveying com- products are more biodegradable and more compatible with
plex environments in vivo models have been studied to probe nature, rather than being destructive.
the characteristics of cells and their microenvironments.63 Our creativity for new materials and innovation is limited
By engineering the microenvironments (ie, microwells), by how much we are able to employ the great idea bank of
researchers mimicked the cell-to-cell interactions in lymph nature. Every organism on Earth has evolved through adapta-
nodes or other tissues where two types of cells dynamically tion and survival of the fittest. The creatures have lost what

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