1) What are ‘Biological Design Paradigms’™ of Engineering and Product-Innovation Value?

These are Nature’s repertoire of distinct biomaterial assembly programs and structural/ functional outcomes, including neuronal architectures and signal processing dynamics, that have innovative engineering and product design value.

2) What are some examples of successful ‘Biological Design Paradigms’™?

Material Sciences

Velcro™, inspired by the seed-burr of goosegrass, is the most widely recognized material science example. Lotusan™, a surface design used in paints, coatings and textiles to keep surfaces free of moisture and dirt, was inspired by the unique nano-scale structures found on the surface of the lotus plant. Fastskin™, a drag-reducing swimsuit, mimics the surface structures found on shark-skin. A similar design has been used to coat aircraft. Morphotex™ and Diphorl™, are innovative textiles inspired by the color-generating structural features of particular butterfly scales.

In adhesives, research on the abilities of gecko feet to stick to many surfaces and materials has resulted in synthetic gecko tape now entering the commercialization stage (2007).

Seeking to mimic the remarkable mechanical characteristics of ‘Mother of Pearl’ (Nacre) several universities have developed (2007) synthetic ceramics which use ‘Nacre’ as a structural guide.

Bio-Medical Material Sciences

Biomimetic product development in Tissue Engineering falls into three major areas: scaffolds and active domains, bi-layers, and tissues and organs. Typical developments include novel polymers which, via cross-linking or self-assembly, mimic the extra-cellular matrix for a wide range of tissue types. In many instances these polymers have been designed to bring about natural cellular differentiation, integration and re-growth. The results are stable tissues for use in areas such as vascular grafts and heart valves. Similarly, synthetic bi-layers, mimicking natural phospholipids membranes have also been created. These have been directed for use as coatings for medical implants to help promote device acceptance and long-term integration.

Product developments in biomimetic Bone, Cartilage and Dental research include technologies and materials which mimic natural mineralization processes and lead to more natural-like bone, cartilage, and dentin structures. Applications have resulted in enhanced bone and cartilage repair, improved dental crowns, and better integration of implants.

Biomimetic developments directed at Cosmetics include polymers which enhance the natural appearance of skin, and synthetic membranes which mimic the natural structural and functional components of skin and that can be used as skin substitutes in chemical testing.

Optical Engineering

AutoFlex MARAG™, based on the structural surface features of moth eyes, is an optical thin-film coating that eliminates light reflection and glare. Applications include coatings for PDAs and solar cells. The 20µ optically perfect GRIN lenses found on the exoskeleton of certain brittle sea stars, and the glass fibers found on a particular glass sea sponge, are influencing the development of micro-lenses and fiber optics respectively.

Acoustical Engineering

The award-winning Ultracane™, inspired by the bat’s use of ultra-sound, provides a blind person with a more comprehensive coverage of the spatial environment than afforded by the traditional cane.

Mechanical Engineering

The Libelle™ High-G flight suit, inspired by the fluid control mechanics of dragonflies, has extended the ability of pilots to maintain function while experiencing high G forces.

Intelligent Software, Systems and Control

LogiTek’s Marble™ trackball, a wireless computer mouse, was inspired by the fly’s image processing system. BioAvert™, an object-avoidance software program, is based on the neural network behavior of cockroaches.

3) In which product sectors is Biomimetics best positioned to accelerate product innovations?

Material Sciences: Textiles, ceramic composites, glass composites, paints and coatings, adhesives, and biomedical materials (e.g. tissue-organ engineering, orthopedic, dental-craniofacial restoration, vascular grafts and valves replacement).

Basis for biomimetics: These product sectors rely heavily on polymer structure/assembly design paradigms. The near limitless diversity of polymer composite arrangements found throughout nature provides a wealth of polymer assembly and structural design paradigms at the nano, micro and macro level from which to draw insight.

Optical Engineering: Optical components and materials (e.g. micro and GRIN lens designs, thin-film coatings, periodic media, fiber optics), optical systems and sensors (e.g. vision, color, polarization, thermosense).

Basis for biomimetics: Light management paradigms in biology are almost as diverse as the number of species. These paradigms have evolved to engage the UV to infra-red spectrum, and represent maximum material-use efficiency, resulting in simplified optical component and system design at remarkably small scales.

Acoustical Engineering: Diagnostics (e.g. ultrasound, image processing, non-destructive testing, biometrics), sensors (e.g. hearing aids, assistive technology, robotics).

Basis for biomimetics: Species display a striking range of vibration sensing structures and mechanism that provide remarkable sensitivity, selectivity, sound-sourcing and imaging abilities not matched by current acoustic technology.

Mechanical Engineering:

Biomedical (e.g. orthopedic, dental/craniofacial restoration, rehabilitation equipment), sports (e.g. apparel, equipment design, performance optimization), robotics, intelligent toys, MEMS, air/fluid management, noise control/acoustics, tribology (e.g. friction, wear, lubrication).

Basis for biomimetics: Biology rewards structures/functions that both maximize a mechanical performance in a biological role and performance in an ecological niche. These successful structures/functions have evolved to display an efficient integration of material resources and energy expenditure.

Intelligent Software, Systems and Control:

IT/ Software (e.g. autonomic computing, intelligent-user interface, logistics, optimization), image analysis (e.g. biometrics, industrial machine vision, medical image analysis), data mining/pattern recognition, control algorithms (e.g. sensor/actuator integration, robotic motion control, data fusion, feedback system design)

VLSI Systems: medical electronic implant prostheses (e.g. artificial eyes, ears, nose, limbs, pacemakers, defibrillators, muscle stimulants), optical sensing (e.g. motion detection/tracking, surveillance/security), smart sensors (e.g. light, temperature, pressure, vibration, humidity control), machine vision (e.g. industrial, military, medical), acoustic sensing (e.g. biometrics, translation systems, sound localization, target/object identification)

Basis for biomimetics: Species behavioral strategies, whether in acting as independent entities or in groups, engage an integrated network of diverse mechanical and cell-based sensors, dedicated control circuits and highly efficient neural architectures to reduce computational burdens and energy expenditure.