Biomimicry, Innovation, Inspiration, and Challenges
Peter H. Niewiarowski1
Alyssa Y. Stark2
Ali Dhinojwala3
1Department of Biology, BRIC, University of Akron, Akron OH 44325
2Department of Biology, University of Louisville, Louisville Kentucky, 40290
3Department of Polymer Science, University of Akron, Akron OH 44325
Outline
• Biomimicry Research and Innovation Center
• Gecko Adhesion
• Biomimicry, Innovation, Inspiration and Challenges
Biomimicry PhD Fellows
FoundationFunding
CorporateFunding
Companies Using Biomimicry
Biomimicry Startups
Biomimetic Products and Services
Biomimicry Skills and Passion
K12 Biomimicry Curriculum
K12 Teacher Biomimicry Training
Biomimicry Innovation Ecosystem
R&DOD
K12
Gecko-Inspired Adhesion
Autumn et al. 2014
Hu and Xia 2012
Bartlett et al. 2012: GeckSkin
Aksak et al. 2014: Nanogriptech
Hu et al. 2012
Hsu et al. 2011
Self-cleaning; anti-matting
Hydrophobic; resistant to wetting
Badge et al. 2014
Material Composition and Functions
Jain et al. 2015
Bioinspired Adhesive
Fibrillar or Gecko Adhesive
Autumn et al. 2000 Autumn et al. 2002
Geim et al. 2003 Jeong et al. 2009
Adhesive microstructure and method of forming same US 6737160Forming microstructure
Adhesive microstructure and method of forming same US 7335271Establishing adhesion
US 6737160Forming microstructure
US 7335271Establishing adhesion
Biology
Biology
Design
Bu
sin
ess
Engin
eering
3.8 billion years of research
Biomimetic vs. Human Engineered Solutions
Existing Solutions
Databases
(TRIZ structure)
Vincent et al. 2006
Challenges and LimitationsBiology, Design, Tinkering and EngineeringAbstracting Biological Principles
Challenges and Limitations: Abstracting Biological Principles
Hydrophobicity
Chemistry andmorphology
Takeda et al. 1994
SFB
Self-Cleaning
Challenges and Limitations: Tinkering vs. Engineering/Design
Pattern and Process: Engineer vs. Tinker
Sole et al 2003
Youn et al 2014Valverde 2014
Reflections
•Repeatability and scalability
•What does adaptation mean
•Biomimetic solutions are not always better
•Biomimicry is an extraordinary platform for interdisciplinary collaboration
Acknowledgments
• Gecko Group
• Great Lakes Biomimicry
• NASA