BIOMIMICRY

Biomimetics is the science that observes nature and its living systems, as a source of inspiration for the solution of some of humanity's problems. We expose some of the designs inspired by nature, to which researchers turn their eyes, with the aim of imitating or modifying them for our benefit.

Applications of the BIOMIMICRY

Gecko Foot Adhesiveness

Geckos are a family of lizards, their most curious trait is their ability to stick to almost anything. Based on this discovery, researchers have created a waterproof adhesive bandage to be used in operating rooms to close surgical wounds or internal injuries; Inspired by some of the principles that make the feet of the Gecko unique, a bandage was created that mimics its structure, and can even be used in humid areas such as the heart, stomach, and in general in all organs. These adhesives have useful properties for the medical sector: they are biocompatible, biodegradable, and elastic.

Abalone

The beautiful iridescent shell of the abalone is made of calcite, the same material as the disintegrating chalk on blackboards, but three thousand times stronger. The abalone shell is harder than most armor, a blow to its surface causes tiny cracks that do not propagate, dissipating the force of the blow and preventing the fracture from spreading, as well as self-healing the damage.

Abalone

Ultra Resistant Eels

The family tree of the Dinosaur Eel dates back 96 million years. Its scales made up of multiple layers provide it with an ultra-resistant armor, therein lies the secret to defend itself from its predators and to have survived the passage of time. Scientists have been in charge of studying these structures in order to imitate them by applying them to improve military and civil armor, making them lighter and more resistant.

Bacteria-Making Viruses

Viruses are capable of building elements atom by atom, to order viruses to specific tasks, they are genetically modified, rewriting the recipe in their genome so that they can be manufactured by cathodes of bacteria, from iron phosphate and carbon nanotubes. Researchers have arranged for viruses to build solar cells or to make ethylene from methane, an essential component in plastics.

Bacteria-Making Viruses

Trees that Generate Electricity and Prevent Fires

A battery has been developed that, by placing it in the roots of the tree, supplies energy to sensors located in its trunk; the sensors collect information from the environment and send it wirelessly every six hours or immediately if it detects an unusual increase in heat, which provides an early warning in the event of a fire being detected.

The Eye of the Starfish and the Optical Network of the Sponge

A creature known as Brittlestar has been discovered, it is a starfish, its eye that acts as an optical lens is capable of achieving a complete 360-degree vision. Its biological fibers bear a striking resemblance to those used in optical fibers in telecommunications; They use the same material, have similar dimensions and are similar in structure.

The Eye of the Starfish and the Optical Network of the Sponge

The Optical Network of the Sponge

Certain types of sponges were the forerunners in the development of optical fibers, long before humans did. Commercial fiber optics require high temperature manufacturing processes and expensive equipment. However, the sponge produces its own fibers in a kind of cheap and efficient molecular factory.