This document provides an overview of biomimicry, which is modeling design after nature. It defines biomimicry as the design and production of materials, structures, and systems inspired by biological entities and processes. Examples given include shark skin which reduces drag for speed and prevents parasites, and termite mounds which use tunnels and chimneys for cooling. The document explains that biomimicry is important as it allows designs that function sustainably like the natural world, after 3.8 billion years of evolution. It promotes a circular economy with no waste. Future applications discussed include an artificial leaf that mimics photosynthesis for sustainable energy, and a flexible material inspired by dragonfly skeletons.

1. What is
Biomimicry?
Diaochan Chen, Kristina Ireland, Karim
Moussaoui, Michael Santerre

2. What is Biomimicry?
2 Google Dictionary
noun
the design and production of
materials, structures, and
systems that are modeled on
biological entities and processes.
For example…

3. 3
disrupts the formation of
eddies (for speed) &
discourages parasitic
growth
Applications:
• Swimsuit
• Hulls
• Surfaces in hospitals
Sharkskin

4. 4
a lot of cooling chimneys
and tunnels
Applications:
• Sustainable design
Termite den

5. Why is biomimicry important?
• The more our world functions like the natural world,
the more likely we are to endure on this home that is
ours, but not ours alone.
• Biomimicry uses an ecological standard to judge the
sustainability of our innovations - after 3.8 billion years
of evolution, nature has learned what works and what
lasts.
• Use of ‘sustainable design’ concepts so that there is no
such thing as waste – move towards the ‘circular
economy’.
• Biomimicry is a new way of viewing and valuing
nature. It introduces an era based not on what we can
extract from the natural world, but what we can learn
from it.
5 The Biomimicry Institute [http://www.biomimicryinstitute.org]

6. Future applications
• Artificial LeafTechnology developed by Professor Daniel NACERA at MIT
(mimicry of photosynthesis) this technology can create sustainable energy at
low cost
• Shrilk a thin, flexible component inspired by dragonfly skeleton component
the chitin that is easy and affordable to produce, it can replace the plastic
6

7. Future applications
• Zone libellule (Dragonfly) developed by GDF Suez by recreating a biodiversity
zone downriver of water treatment plant that purify waste waters
7

8. Questions?