LEVEL 01 · 89 examples
89 examples. Form is the most direct kind of biomimicry: emulating a shape, pattern or structure, such as the bumps on a whale's fin or the hooks that became Velcro.
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.
Burdock plant (Arctium sp.)
The invention of Velcro — one of the most commercially successful products in history — came directly from Swiss engineer George de Mestral observing how burdock burrs clung to his dog's fur through thousands of tiny hooks that caught on microscopic loops in the fur.
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.
Lily (Zantedeschia aethiopica)
The PAX Water Mixer mimics the golden ratio spiral flow of a calla lily to circulate 10 million gallons of water with the energy footprint of just three 100-watt light bulbs.
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.
Spider (Araneus sp., UV-Reflective Silk)
Spiders add UV-reflective silk to webs. Birds see UV. 1 billion birds die from glass strikes yearly.
Tree fiber growth patterns
Tree fibre growth patterns inspire fibre-steered timber technology that achieves 90% weight reduction versus concrete.
Aquaporin water channel proteins (found in all organisms)
Reverse osmosis water filtration systems inspired by aquaporin water channel proteins that enable selective, efficient water transport across membranes.
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.
Vascular Plants, Sapwood (Xylem Tissue)
Sapwood xylem filters bacteria at 99.9%. Costs nearly nothing.
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.
Fog-harvesting beetle (Stenocara gracilipes)
Infinite Cooling developed fog harvesting technology inspired by the fog-harvesting beetle. Microscopic surface patterns collect water from fog without energy input, enabling water collection in arid regions.
Mosquito proboscis (Aedes aegypti, Culex pipiens)
Mosquito proboscis serrated geometry inspires less-painful micro-needles for drug delivery and blood sampling.
White beetles (Cyphochilus species)
Development of eco-friendly white cellulose pigments inspired by the structural color of white beetles.
Honeybee (Apis mellifera)
Interface designed modular carpet tiles inspired by the random, distributed positioning of honeybees in a hive. The random pattern prevents visible seams and wear patterns while maintaining aesthetic appeal and durability.
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.
Humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae)
The bumps (tubercles) on humpback whale fins turn out to be a breakthrough aerodynamic innovation. WhalePower Corporation's turbine blades, modelled on these tubercles, generate 20% more power, operate in 40% lower wind speeds, and stall less — transforming wind energy economics.
Diatoms (Bacillariophyceae class)
Aquammodate harnesses diatom algae for water purification. Diatoms naturally filter and clean water while removing contaminants and accumulating nutrients, enabling low-cost, low-energy water treatment.
Bromeliad water-capture leaf structure
Bromeliad rainwater-capture architecture inspires reforestation pods that establish seedlings in water-scarce regions without irrigation.
Morpho Butterfly, Jewel Beetle (Nanostructured Cuticles)
Non-toxic bright white from cellulose nanostructures.
Mallard Duck
Molecular grafting replicates duck preen-oil nanocoating
Gecko toe pads
A waterproof, biodegradable adhesive bandage developed using gecko-inspired dry adhesion technology that mimics the van der Waals forces in gecko toe pads.
Various bird species
Leonardo da Vinci's ornithopter studies and the Wright Brothers' airplane design based on bird flight mechanics and wing structures.
Soaring birds (Buteo and Aquila species)
Large soaring birds like eagles and vultures spread their primary feathers into finger-like tips to reduce induced drag during soaring. Aircraft designers have mimicked this with winglets that reduce drag by 5–7%, saving airlines billions of litres of fuel per year.
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.
Namib Desert beetle (Stenocara gracilipes)
The Namib beetle harvests water from fog in one of the world's driest deserts by using bumps on its back that attract water droplets, which then roll into its mouth. This principle is now used in fog nets, building materials, and greenhouse designs to collect drinkable water from thin air.
Night-flying moths (various nocturnal Lepidoptera)
Moths' eyes are covered in an array of tiny bumps that eliminate virtually all reflection, allowing maximum light to enter in darkness. This "moth-eye" anti-reflection structure is now used in high-efficiency solar cells, increasing energy capture by up to 40%, and in anti-glare screens for every device you own.
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.
Maple seed (Acer) autorotation; Barn owl (Tyto alba) silent flight feathers
Maple seed spinning descent inspires PowerCone retrofit for wind turbine blades, increasing energy capture by 10-13%.
Soap bubbles, carbon molecules, pollen grains, dragonfly wings, pressurised natural membranes
The Eden Project's iconic biome enclosures use soap bubble geometry reinforced with hexagons and pentagons, achieving structures lighter than the air they contain using ETFE polymer 1% the weight of glass.
Sycamore trees (Acer species) seed pods
Ceiling fan blade design inspired by sycamore seed pod aerodynamics for improved air circulation efficiency.
Marine mollusc shells
This Manchester flue tower uses mollusc shell-inspired lace structure with thin steel sheets (6-8mm) and perforations to achieve remarkable lightness without sacrificing strength.
African termite (Macrotermes michaelseni)
The Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe uses no conventional air conditioning, yet maintains a constant temperature year-round — modelled entirely on how African termites regulate heat inside their 3-metre mounds.
Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda, Dactyl Club)
Herringbone structure rotates crack propagation. Purdue/UCR research.
Octopus (Octopodidae, Muscular Hydrostats)
Muscular hydrostats with infinite degrees of freedom.
Human retina photoreceptor and ganglion cell arrays
Human retinal architecture inspires event-based vision sensors generating 1000x less data than conventional cameras whilst capturing motion and edges.
Common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis)
Engineer Eiji Nakatsu re-designed the nose of Japan's Shinkansen 500 series bullet train based on the kingfisher's beak — eliminating the sonic boom when exiting tunnels, reducing energy use by 15%, and increasing speed by 10%.
Bio-inspired Nano-scale Surface Texture - Fusion Bionic Straight out of a science function, Fusion Bionic is opening a new door to new nano-scale surface textures.
Human / Mammalian Bone
Trabecular bone growth algorithms optimise structural components
Sea Urchin structure
The BUGA Wood Pavilion at the University of Stuttgart inspired by sea urchin structures for lightweight and efficient temporary architecture.
Namibian fog-basking beetle (Stenocara gracilipes)
This water amphitheatre mimics the Namibian fog-basking beetle's water harvesting mechanism, using hydrophilic/hydrophobic surfaces to condense atmospheric moisture into freshwater with 10x energy savings for desalination.
Trees (Multi-Canopy Leaf Architecture)
Biomimetic shade canopies for urban heat islands.
Forest floor ecosystem and animal camouflage patterns
Interface developed TacTiles modular carpet inspired by forest floor camouflage and animal pattern disruption. The non-directional design with organic, break-up patterns creates visual continuity regardless of installation direction.
Swift (Apodidae sp.) and dragonfly (Odonata order)
University of South Australia researchers developed drone designs based on swift and dragonfly flight mechanics. These aerial vehicles achieve superior agility, efficiency, and hovering capability by mimicking natural flight patterns.
A Cleaning Brush Inspired by Cats' Tongues Cats are vigorous self-groomers, and researchers at
Saguaro cactus (Carnegiea gigantea)
Cactus spines collect water from morning fog by using a gradient of surface chemistry and microstructure from tip to base, directing water droplets toward the stem. Researchers are now incorporating this principle into building facade cladding panels that harvest atmospheric water in arid climates.
Termite mounds (Macrotermes)
A 38,000 m² art and media complex in Melbourne featuring the largest thermal labyrinth installed at the time of construction, inspired by termite mound ventilation to achieve passive cooling without mechanical air conditioning.
Mangrove trees (Rhizophora species)
Using mangrove root architecture to design living sea walls that provide coastal protection and habitat restoration.
Red mangrove (Rhizophora mangle)
Mangrove root systems stabilise trees in shifting tidal sediments by spreading loads across dozens of branching roots rather than concentrating force in a single trunk. Engineers are applying this branching foundation principle to offshore wind turbines to dramatically reduce steel use and installation cost.
Branching biological systems (Murray's Law)
This data centre eliminates energy-intensive cooling by locating in a mountain tunnel and using Murray's Law of biological branching to optimise duct networks for thermal distribution.
Durian fruit (Durio zibethinus) thorny casing
Singapore Arts Centre's kinetic facade mimics durian fruit's spiky protective envelope, synchronising with sun movement to control tropical heat while maintaining natural lighting and reducing energy use by 30%.
Snake (Serpentes, Scale Surface)
Snake scales create directional friction. Applied to footwear.
Vertebrate Limb Joints (Synovial Articulation)
Flexible joint articulation absorbs seismic energy.
Bird eggs (various species)
A hen's egg can withstand 50 kg of compressive force despite its shell being less than 0.4mm thick — because the double-curved form distributes stress evenly across the entire surface. This principle, understood and applied by engineers like Félix Candela and Pier Luigi Nervi, produced the most material-efficient large-span structures ever built.
Human femur bone trabeculae
The Eiffel Tower's curved structure and hierarchical truss system mimic the efficient load-bearing design of human femur bone, with supporting elements aligned along lines of force like trabeculae.
Physarum polycephalum (slime mould)
A campus master plan for George Brown College in Toronto that uses slime mould algorithms to optimise transportation routes between multiple urban campus patches, revealing resilient redundancies in the network.
Oceanic Manta Ray
Oscillating fin propulsion for silent, efficient AUVs
Songololo millipede
Modular furniture design by Haldane Martin inspired by the songololo millipede's segmented body structure for adaptable, expandable furniture systems.
Sharks (various species with dermal denticles)
High-performance swimsuit featuring sharkskin-inspired surface texture to reduce drag and improve swimming speed.
Human DNA structure and skiing mechanics
This Taipei tower's DNA double-helix form provides panoramic views, privacy, and structural resilience while absorbing 130 tons of CO2 annually through integrated green systems.
Moth
Kelp Forest, Sea Grass (Flexible Swaying Motion)
Kelp and sea grass movement → wave energy converters.
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.
Various insects and human biomechanics
Development of robotic systems combining human movement capabilities with insect-inspired locomotion, strength, and coordination.
East African climate and environment adaptation
The bePRO helmet designed by Design Without Borders using biomimetic principles adapted to East African climate conditions for improved safety and comfort.
Specialized smell sensor technology Figuring out how insects smell led to an amazing discovery—a set of specially made smell receptors that can be used to create highly sensitive biosensors. These sensors can detect and measure thousands of different compounds, the human nose can not.
Venus flower basket sponge (Euplectella aspergillum)
30 St Mary Axe (the Gherkin) in London uses a ventilation strategy directly inspired by the Venus flower basket sponge, creating natural air spirals that reduce energy consumption by 50% compared to buildings of equivalent size.
Grass cell structures
A 3D printable foam ink developed by Harvard SEAS and Wyss Institute inspired by grass cell structures for lightweight, strong materials.
Heterogeneous biological membranes and circulatory systems
A 121,000 m² airport and commercial complex in Singapore that uses heterogeneous glazing patterns and embedded chilled water pipe systems inspired by biological membranes and circulatory systems to strategically condition a vast indoor garden without massive energy consumption.
Yellow boxfish (Ostracion cubicus)
Despite its square shape, the boxfish is one of the most hydrodynamically efficient swimmers in the ocean. Mercedes-Benz engineers discovered it has a drag coefficient of just 0.06 — and designed a concept car based entirely on its body plan that achieves unprecedented aerodynamic efficiency.
Pangolin (Manis sp.)
Overlapping keratinous scales provide armour-like protection with full flexibility.
Plant cell structures
A 3D printed chair by Lilian van Daal designed using plant cell structures for strength, comfort, and material efficiency.
Plant cell structures
A 3D printed soft seating design by Lilian Van Daal that mimics the cellular structure of plants for ergonomic comfort and material efficiency.
Animal and plant cells
The Shanghai Natural History Museum designed by Perkins + Will using cell structures (both animal and plant) as inspiration for architectural organization and design.
Beetle wings
Pavilion designs by the University of Stuttgart inspired by beetle wing structures for lightweight and structurally efficient architecture.
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.
Lattice Structures: Strength & Lightweight Design Lattice structures in nature provide strength, flexibility, and efficiency through repeating patterns of interconnected elements. Bird bones have lightweight lattice-like interiors for flight, balancing strength with reduced weight.
Optimized Flow: Fluid Flow & Energy Efficiency Fluid and aerodynamics in nature help organisms move efficiently through air and water. Birds and fish have streamlined bodies to reduce drag, allowing for faster, energy-efficient movement.
Spirals: Growth and Efficiency in Space Spirals are common in nature, appearing in shells, galaxies, hurricanes, and even DNA. These patterns optimize growth, strength, and energy efficiency.
Tessellations: Efficient Tiling Without Wasting Space Tessellation in nature involves repeating geometric patterns that fit together without gaps, optimizing strength, efficiency, and space usage. Honeycomb structures in beehives use hexagonal tessellation to store honey with minimal wax.
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