Interest · 38 examples
38 examples where people turned a strategy from nature into materials solutions.
Lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) surface structure
Lotus leaf surface microstructure inspires PFAS-free, durable water-repellent textiles (Amphitex), eliminating persistent environmental pollutants.
Spiders (various species producing different silk types)
Development of high-performance synthetic spider silk proteins for next-generation materials with exceptional strength and flexibility.
Mycelium (fungal networks, various Basidiomycete species)
Ecovative Design engineered mycelium-based packaging materials that are completely compostable and biodegradable. Mycelium (fungal root networks) grows as a natural binder, creating foam-like structures that replace plastic packaging.
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.
Bacillus bacteria
Hendrik Jonkers (Dutch researcher) developed self-healing concrete using Bacillus bacteria. The bacteria produce limestone when exposed to water and oxygen, automatically healing concrete cracks.
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.
Tree fiber growth patterns
Tree fibre growth patterns inspire fibre-steered timber technology that achieves 90% weight reduction versus concrete.
Coral Reef Organisms
Mycosporine-like amino acids replace oxybenzone in sunscreen
Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko)
Gecko feet can attach and detach from almost any surface instantly, without glue or suction, simply using van der Waals molecular forces created by millions of tiny hair-like structures. This has inspired reusable dry adhesives now used in robotics, medical devices, and space applications.
Blue mussel (Mytilus edulis)
Mussels attach themselves to wet, wave-battered rocks using protein threads that bond to virtually any surface underwater — something no synthetic adhesive has ever matched. Scientists have now synthesised the key molecule (DOPA) to create biomedical glues that work inside the body.
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)
AirLoom™ Hides from Forager (by Ecovative) grow sheets of pure fungal mycelium on agricultural waste into a durable, fully compostable leather alternative. The hides preserve the natural fibrous architecture of mycelium without grinding or binding — matching animal leather in tear resistance and available in custom colours, textures, and thicknesses from 0.4 to 1.3 mm for fashion, accessories, and footwear.
Plant leaves, citrus peel, rubisco enzyme
Development of biodegradable bioplastics using plant-based materials and enzymatic processes inspired by natural photosynthesis and plant metabolism.
Ecotune: Scaling bio-based, plastic-free leather (and future materials) Pioneers of 100% bio-based materials engineered from the molecular level up, Ecotune mimics the structure and performance of leather.
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.
White beetles (Cyphochilus species)
Development of eco-friendly white cellulose pigments inspired by the structural color of white beetles.
Hard corals (Scleractinia order)
Blue Planet developed concrete aggregates using CO2-sequestering minerals inspired by coral calcium carbonate structures. These aggregates lock CO2 into concrete, reducing emissions while improving building material sustainability.
Shortfin mako shark (Isurus oxyrinchus)
Shark skin is covered in microscopic tooth-like scales called denticles that create a riblet surface — this texture physically prevents bacteria from attaching, without any chemical biocides. Sharklet Technologies has commercialised this as the world's first physical (not chemical) anti-bacterial surface for hospital use.
Anew Material: (Re)imagining the future of Nail Varnish (and all other coatings) Most coatings and nail polishes are made from plastic and harsh chemicals. Anew Material uses proteins found in nature to make coatings that are tough but completely biodegradable.
Cyanobacteria / Blue-Green Algae
Harmful algal bloom biomass replaces petroleum-based EVA foam
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.
Recycling textile waste into fibre for fabric Fiberly uses biotechnology to turn cellulosic textile waste into fibre, using cotton as an inspiration.
Morpho Butterfly, Jewel Beetle (Nanostructured Cuticles)
Non-toxic bright white from cellulose nanostructures.
Mallard Duck
Molecular grafting replicates duck preen-oil nanocoating
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.
Hemoglobin and iron-binding proteins
Hemoglobin's oxygen-binding mechanism inspires metal-free catalysts for energy storage, replacing rare-earth elements.
Electrogenic Bacteria
Electrogenic bacteria extract lithium and cobalt without smelting
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.
Panther Chameleon
Structural colour from chameleon nanocrystal lattices
Sustainable synthetic mucus lubricant What do we use animal-derived mucus for? Gel Matter has developed a mucus product based on that secreted by snails (a massive market for this currently is the skincare industry) which could also be used for different purposes including lubrication, adhesion and
Grass cell structures
A 3D printable foam ink developed by Harvard SEAS and Wyss Institute inspired by grass cell structures for lightweight, strong materials.
Earth and clay composition used by humans historically
Traditional adobe building materials and techniques providing thermal mass, breathability, and sustainability for climate-responsive architecture.
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