Industry · 24 examples
24 nature-inspired innovations in materials, each traced from the organism to the design principle behind it.
Lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) surface structure
Lotus leaf surface microstructure inspires PFAS-free, durable water-repellent textiles (Amphitex), eliminating persistent environmental pollutants.
Morpho butterfly (Morpho rhetenor)
The Morpho butterfly's iridescent blue wings contain no blue pigment — the colour is created entirely by microscopic structures that interfere with light. This inspired a range of structural colour technologies that could eliminate toxic textile dyes entirely.
Spiders (various species producing different silk types)
Development of high-performance synthetic spider silk proteins for next-generation materials with exceptional strength and flexibility.
Sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera)
The lotus leaf is covered in microscopic waxy bumps that make water form perfect spheres and roll off instantly, carrying dirt with them. This "lotus effect" has been commercialised in self-cleaning building materials, textiles, medical devices, and solar panels worldwide.
Waterbirds (uropygial gland preen oil)
Cellulotech's chromatogeny process mimics waterbird preen oil by grafting nanoscale fatty acid molecules onto cellulose fibres, making paper and cardboard superhydrophobic while preserving full recyclability and biodegradability.
Fungal mycelium (Ganoderma and other species)
Ecovative Design grows packaging, leather, and foam from fungal mycelium fed on agricultural waste, replacing petroleum-based polystyrene and plastics with materials that are home-compostable in 30–45 days and produce 90 % fewer greenhouse gas emissions.
Pitcher plant (Nepenthes sp.)
Adaptive Surface Technologies developed SLIPS (Slippery Liquid-Infused Porous Surfaces) inspired by pitcher plant slip properties. These surfaces are extremely slippery, self-healing, and prevent adhesion of virtually any material without fouling or degradation.
Golden silk orb-weaver spider (Nephila clavipes)
Spider silk is five times stronger than steel by weight, more elastic than nylon, and biodegradable — yet spiders have never been farmed like silkworms. Bolt Threads and other companies have now synthesised spider silk proteins using yeast fermentation to create the world's highest-performance natural material.
Methanotrophic bacteria (methane-oxidising microorganisms)
Methanotrophic bacteria inspire carbon-negative bioplastic from greenhouse gases, converting methane to polyhydroxyalkanoate polymer.
Fungal mycelium (Ganoderma species and related fungi)
MycoFlex® Foam from Forager (by Ecovative) is a 100% biobased foam grown from pure mycelium on agricultural waste in just 7 to 9 days. The foam is antimicrobial, thermally insulating, flame resistant, and aerobically compostable — delivering a sustainable alternative to petroleum-derived foams across footwear, upholstery, and accessories.
Eco-friendly, enzymatic cement How would nature make cement? Oysters, for example, produce an extremely hardy, glue-like substance to attach to rocks.
High-performance material made from seaweed waste Soarce is a company using nanoceramics combined with seaweed to make versatile fabrics and materials for the fashion and gear industry without using any plastic.
Gecko lizard (Gekkota sp.)
Interface developed glue-free carpet tiles using gecko-inspired dry adhesive principles. The tiles use van der Waals forces to create reusable, pressure-sensitive attachment without permanent adhesives.
Spider (Araneae order), specifically orb-weaver spiders
Spintex Engineering and biotech companies develop synthetic spider silk fibers for textiles. Spider silk is stronger than steel of equivalent weight and can absorb significant impact energy, making it ideal for high-performance applications.
Red abalone (Haliotis rufescens)
Abalone shell (nacre) is made of 95% calcium carbonate — chalk — yet is 3,000 times tougher than chalk. The secret is a microscopic "brick-and-mortar" architecture that deflects and dissipates cracks. This has inspired bulletproof glass, ceramic armour, and self-healing materials.
Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda, Dactyl Club)
Herringbone structure rotates crack propagation. Purdue/UCR research.
Scleractinian coral fluorescent proteins
Coral fluorescent proteins inspire biodegradable, vibrant coloured fibres without synthetic dyes, eliminating textile industry's water pollution.
Cellular Geometries inspired Metamaterials - Metavoxel When we look at cell structures, it’s easy to understand why small is beautiful.
Cold Retention Material Inspired by Camels Camels are extremely well adapted to regulate their own body temperatures and stay cool in hot climates.
Branching: Optimal Distribution of Resources Branching is a common pattern in nature that maximizes efficiency in growth, transport, and resource distribution. Trees and plants use branching to spread leaves for optimal sunlight absorption.
Camouflage: Color matching, disruptive camouflage, mimesis Camouflage is a method of concealment that allows an organism or object to blend into its surroundings, making it less visible to predators, prey, or observers.
Dendritic Patterns: Growth & Flow Optimization Dendritic patterns resemble the roots of trees and are found in nature for efficient transport and distribution. Blood vessels and nerve cells use dendritic structures to optimize oxygen flow and signal transmission.
Fibonacci Sequence: Mathematical Growth & Proportion The Fibonacci Sequence, or Golden Ratio, is a mathematical pattern where each number is the sum of the two before it (1, 1, 2, 3, 5, 8…). It appears in nature to optimize growth, efficiency, and structure.
Fractals: Maximize Distribution & Surface Area Fractals are self-repeating patterns found throughout nature. These structures maximize efficiency and adaptability. For example, trees and blood vessels use fractal branching to optimize nutrient and oxygen distribution.
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