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