A Polarised Light Capturing Satellite

Lotus leaf surface microstructure inspires PFAS-free, durable water-repellent textiles (Amphitex), eliminating persistent environmental pollutants.

• ✿Inspired by: Lotus leaf (Nelumbo nucifera) surface structure
• ⚡︎Function: Lotus leaves must shed water and debris to prevent fungal colonisation and maintain gas exchange. They overcome wettability through multi...
• ▣Company: Amphico
• ◉Where: UK

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.

• ✿Inspired by: Morpho butterfly (Morpho rhetenor)
• ⚡︎Function: Color production through light interference
• ▣Company: Qualcomm (Mirasol display); Lexus; structural colour researchers
• ◉Where: USA

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.

• ✿Inspired by: Burdock plant (Arctium sp.)
• ⚡︎Function: Mechanical attachment and adhesion
• ▣Company: George de Mestral / Velcro Industries
• ◉Where: Switzerland