Biomimicry uses nature as a model to develop sustainable solutions to challenges facing humanity. It involves studying biological methods and materials in nature, like the structure of abalone shells, and applying those learnings to develop new technologies. Abalone shells are 200% stronger than ceramics due to their layered structure of proteins and calcium carbonate, which provides both strength and flexibility. This natural material shows promise for developing new strong and durable materials through ambient manufacturing processes without high temperatures, as required for traditional ceramics. Over time, biomimicry has increased innovation from fields like transportation to new materials and could help address issues like energy production through artificial photosynthesis.

1. Biomimicry Nanditha MeeNaHow can biomimicry help in developing new materials?

2. Biomimicry is an adaptive system where
nature is used as a detailed ‘model,
measure and a mentor’ to develop
innovative and sustainable solutions to
hurdles we are facing as a global
community. It is the merge of biology
and technology and is also new view to
solve environmental issues we are facing
(eg. global warming) By using creatures’
natural adaptive techniques or structural
composition, which have been evolved
from millions of years ago, could
revolutionise the way we; construct
materials, generate energy and many
more. Even through simple structural
adjustments to current systems, like the
shape of a train, could save us energy.
What is the current theory
relating to this topic?

3. Abalone shells
&
Ceramic
Ceramics are composed of aluminosilicate (Al2SiO5) as it
mainly consists of clay. The desired properties of ceramics
includes; the hardness (yet brittle), very high melting points
and chemically inactive (inert). Nacres, being 200% stronger
than high tech ceramics…
Biomimicry has already made contributions
to this world as many sustainable solutions
has emerged in connection to this field.
Current applications include:
Imitation of Shark skin patterns onto
fabrics for swim wears and metallic
structures of Airplanes and ships to make
them bacteria resistant and decreases
friction in water.
Viscous secretions (Mucus), which could
withstand even flowing water, used as a
model to develop strong glue to reseal
incised organs. Useful for septal defects.
Spider webs (which is stronger than steel)
are imitated onto tape used on newborns to
attach wires from medical machines.
Material within the Abalone shells (similar
to pearl) are twice the strength of high tech
ceramics.
Porcupine quills used as a representation
to develop medical needles and adhesives.
How valid/reliable is this theory?

4. Nacres, being 200% stronger than high tech ceramics, are iridescent surfaces which
contains layers of organic proteins and inorganic calcium carbonate. Abalones produce this
material by using up Ca2+ and CO3
2- materials, which are prevalent in seawater, forming
Calcium carbonate through ionic bonding. In this biopolymer material, the CaCO3 layer, known
as aragonite, makes up 95% of the composite. It provides strength and toughness but it’s brittle due
its ionic crystal lattice structure. The brittleness of the aragonite is compensated by the protein layer
as it prevents breakage through its shock absorbing properties (elasticity). Along with these proteins
are also minute amounts of lipids and polysaccharides.
The main benefits of this material includes the fact that it could be manufactured in ambient
conditions, within an aqueous environment by using only natural resources. In contrast, high-
tech ceramics could only be produced in kilns which reaches temperatures more than 900
degrees Celsius.

5. Ceramics are composed of aluminosilicate (Al2SiO5) as it
mainly consists of clay. The desired properties of ceramics
includes; the hardness (yet brittle), very high melting points
and chemically inactive (inert). Nacres, being 200% stronger
than high tech ceramics…
Nacres, being 200% stronger than high tech ceramics,
are iridescent surfaces which contains layers of organic
proteins and inorganic calcium carbonate. Abalones produce this
material by using up Ca2+ and CO3
2- materials, which are prevalent in
seawater, forming Calcium carbonate through ionic bonding. In this
biopolymer material, the CaCO3 layer, known as aragonite, makes up 95%
of the composite. It provides strength and toughness but it’s brittle due its
ionic crystal lattice structure. The brittleness of the aragonite is
compensated by the protein layer as it prevents breakage through its shock
absorbing properties (elasticity). Along with these proteins are also minute
amounts of lipids and polysaccharides.
The main benefits of this material includes the fact that it could be
manufactured in ambient conditions, within an aqueous environment
by using only natural resources. In contrast, high-tech ceramics
could only be produced in kilns which reaches temperatures
more than 900 degrees Celsius.

6. How has our understanding of this topic changed over time?
From the time when Leonardo Da Vinci created the “flying machine,”
Biomimicry was prevalent. More innovative inventions are being
developed in present time. The design and engineering aspect of
biomimicry enables the product to be not only appealing to the human eye
but also more energy efficient (eg. bullet train and wind turbines). With
the involvement of nano fabrications shark-skin and other structures are
being synthesised. Currently, with an intention to cut down the use of
fossil fuels for production of materials and energy, biological processes
are being mimicked as well. Artificial photosynthesis systems (also known
as photo-electrochemical cells) are being developed to replicate plant
photosynthesis. In the future, when exposed to sunlight, it will produce
electricity and also supply pure oxygen into the atmosphere.

7. FACTORS IMPACT
SOCIAL
Biomimicry has been evolving in front of our eyes yet in certain parts of the
world there is still lack of knowledge in that area of science. In the past and
present times humanists have found nature to be influential among
communities to develop engagement and empowerment. With the
involvement of psychology, along with ecology, eco-psychology was
developed to help companies and entrepreneurs to face complex situations.
Biomimicry is aiding humans to building up resilience to face any issues.
ENVIRONMENTAL
& ECONOMIC
Business have started looking at the pros and cons of their product. Rather
than their short term profit, they are keen on initiating a more sustainable
outcome. An example of this is the use of bacteria to make cement.
Manufacturing cement needs a very long heating time. It contributes to very
large carbon footprints hence loss of money. Bacteria Sporosarcina pasteurii
has been used to produce bricks as they secrete calcium carbonate under
ambient temperatures. This reduces the over production of waste rather than
useful material.
Biomimicry’s impact on society

8. Dallon A. (2017 Jan). THE BEST OF BIOMIMICRY: HERE’S 7 BRILLIANT EXAMPLES OF NATURE-
INSPIRED DESIGN. Retrieved from http://www.digitaltrends.com/cool-tech/biomimicry-examples/
Ellen MacArthur Foundation. (2015). Schools Of Thought. Retrieved from: https://
www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/schools-of-thought/biomimicry
Michael Pawlyn. (Nov 2010). Using nature's genius in architecture. TEDSalon London.URL:https://
www.ted.com/talks/michael_pawlyn_using_nature_s_genius_in_architecture/transcript?
language=en#t-190000
Rebecca O.B. (2014). Biomimicry: How Nature Can Streamline Your Business For Innovation.Forbes.
Retrieved from: https://www.forbes.com/sites/rebeccabagley/2014/04/15/biomimicry-how-nature-can-
streamline-your-business-for-innovation/#4cf03e074380
The Biomimicry Institute. (2017). EXAMPLES. Retrieved from https://biomimicry.org/biomimicry-examples/
Wikipedia. (2017). Biomimetics. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biomimetics
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