Biomimicry Resources

PRX » Piece » Molecular Biomimetics: Let nature do the work!

PRX » Piece » Molecular Biomimetics: Let nature do the work!

"Dr. Sarikaya and his team have found that by engineering proteins, they can construct materials molecularly the way nature does. Specially engineered proteins bind specifically to particular molecules. Thanks to Dr. Sarikaya's work, today scientists are realizing they can use engineered proteins to make medicine more efficient and build better stronger materials. And the best part? The products of this technology are all non-toxic and biodegradable, so can return to the Earth without leaving a harmful footprint."

A 7.5 minute audio clip (free registration required) by science reporter Audrey Quinn describes how Dr. Mehmet Sarikaya (University of Washington, Materials Sciences and Engineering) was inspired by the properties of seashells 20 years ago to found the new science of molecular biomimetics.  While we rely in large amounts of energy (the 'beat, heat and treat' method) to form materials, biology constructs inorganic structures through proteins that bind inorganic molecules in a highly organized manner. 

Rather than engineering materials directly, Dr. Sarikaya's team engineers the underlying proteins which in turn determine the composition and structure of the inorganic material.  The team has developed over 1000 peptides that bind 30 specific materials. Potential applications discussed included better bone implants, rebuilding the surface of teeth and regenerating bone.  A detailed understanding of protein binding could also lead to new health treatments such as delivering drugs specific to cancer cells.  The team has recently been funded to study optical and electronic applications.

Molecular biomimetics shows promise in providing a viable alternative to the high energy and often toxic processes currently required to make technologically important materials.  One of the challenges will be either improving the rate at which materials can be produced or conversely reducing our demand for materials. 

For additional information, see Sarikaya Research Group at the University of Washington, which also includes a map of sites that are part of the World Biomimetic Network.

Janine Benyus on Biomimicry in Design on TH Radio (Part Two) : TreeHugger

Janine Benyus on Biomimicry in Design on TH Radio (Part Two) : TreeHugger.

The second part of the interview starts with the core principles of biomimicry: learning from nature, seeing what natures does (or does not do) within a specific context, and trying to understand the principles.  Rather than using the products of nature or domesticating nature, biomimicry strives to understand the underlying principles and then use them to inspire our designs. 

Janine discusses the various education programs ranging from K-12 to universities.  The goal is to give students at least an awareness of biology, ideally from a functional perspective, so that they can appreciate the range of possibilities that nature can bring to the design table. 

Janine points out that although life depends on nano-scaled constructs and processes, it uses these particles in a way different from our nanotechnology.  Many of the concerns are related to 'free' nano-particles, which have unique and potentially dangerous properties.  In nature, particles at this size are embedded as part of a hierarchical framework from the very tiny up to the macroscopic. 

Janine ends the interview by tell us to "Get outside!" and make connections between how nature  and humans solve similar problems.  Work with biologists to gain a deeper understanding and strive to understand the larger system of which we are just a part.

Janine Benyus on Biomimicry in Design on TH Radio (Part One) : TreeHugger

Janine Benyus on Biomimicry in Design on TH Radio (Part One) : TreeHugger.

The first interview describes the AskNature.org project, a portal that allows non-biologists to access solutions in the nature world by their function, rather than through the more traditional biological classification systems.  Janine describes the wealth of examples and applications already in the database, from dye-sensitized solar cells inspired by photosynthesis to potential replacements for platinum in fuel cells inspired by the the enzyme hydrogenase found in cyanobacteria.

Janine goes on to describe how biomimicry can be of value to everyone, not just engineers and inventors.  The deep patterns described by the Life's Principles, such as cooperation, modularity and diversity have diversity have universal value.

The interview closes with the Innovation for Conservation project, a way for companies who have benefited from biomimicry to donate a percentage of the proceeds back to nature, as a way of saying 'Thanks!' and helping to preserve the source of the idea.