BioInspired! So What? Now What!

Abstract: Effective bioinspiration requires dialogue between designers and biologists, and this dialogue must be rooted in a shared scientific understanding of living systems. To support learning from “nature’s overarching design lessons” the Biomimicry Institute has produced ten “Unifying Patterns of Nature”. These patterns have been developed to engage with those interested in finding biologically inspired solutions to human challenges. Yet, although well-intentioned and appealing, they are likely to dishearten biologists. The aim of this paper is to identify why and propose alternative principles based on evolutionary theory.

In the course of evolution, Nature has developed strategies that endow biological processes and materials with exquisite selectivity, specificity, and adaptability. This is wonderfully exemplified in the realm of inorganic materials formation by organisms, so-called "biomineralization", and in the self-assembled dynamic structures that enable organisms to respond to a constantly changing environment.

The Aizenberg lab's research is aimed at understanding some of the basic principles of biological architectures and the economy with which biology solves complex problems in the design of multifunctional, responsive materials. The goal is to use biological principles as guidance in developing new, bio-inspired synthetic routes and nanofabrication strategies that would lead to advanced materials and devices.

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Edited by Robert Allen (2010), The Ivy Press Limited, Lewes, UK.

Also available on Amazon.ca

This recently published book includes a wealth of natural strategies and shows how they are related to existing as well as future technologies.