Sharklet technologies offers the worlds first pattern designed to inhibit mrsa, staph a. As any fashionable cowboy or 1950s mafia boss can tell you, shark skin is made up of millions of. Innovation inspired by nature, the sophisticated almost progrowth angle of benyus shows the great potential profitability of copying some of natures timetested, nonpolluting, roomtemperature manufacturing and computing technologies. Other books have described biomimicry, its uses and. This inspiration is reflected in the design of the sharklet micropattern. Sharklet technologies took this research and turned it into sharkskin wound dressing, designed particularly for battlefield wounds, to speed healing and reduce patient discomfort, and other bacteriarepelling products. Florida based biotech company that has found a possible answer to inhibiting the survival of bacterial superbugs that have resulted from the overuse and misuse of antibacterial medicines.
Youve probably only encountered such natureinspired future technologies in the imagined worlds of science fiction and comic books, but the design approach already exists. There youll find inspired designs for making things waterproof, aerodynamic, solarpowered and more. The full grown morpho rhetenor butterfly, a native to south america. Dynamically modifiable polymer coatings and devices u. The biomimicry institute was founded to answer a need. Taking a systems perspective rather than focusing narrowly on materials or chemistry aspects, biomimetics. Natures designs and capabilities have always inspired technology, from the use of tongs and tweezers to genetic algorithms and autonomous legged robots. Highperformance swimsuits that are modeled after sharkskin, sleek front ends of bullet trains. Dec 05, 2019 an innovative physical antibacterial and antifouling technology base on marine biomimicrysharklet was introduced to the public. Biologically inspired technologies examines the field from every angle. Jan 28, 2017 biomimicry, as its called, is a method for creating solutions to human challenges by emulating designs and ideas found in nature. Biomimics engineers, architects and other innovators are natures apprentices, she. Sharklet technologies replicated this remarkable feature of the sharkskin to produce bacteria repelling medical tool and surfaces used in healthcare.
Biomimics engineers, architects and other innovators are natures apprentices, she said in a 2009 ted talk. Sharks skin features a unique texture and pattern which naturally slows the growth of. Sharklet technologies is also developing sharkletpatterned medical devices including a sharklet urinary catheter to help reduce hospitalacquired infections. Biomimicry, the practice of observing then mimicking natures strategies to solve business challenges, offers a path to healthy profit while working in partnership, and even reciprocity, with the natural world. The sharklet surface resists the growth of organisms such as bacteria, algae and barnacles, just like a sharks skin does. When you bother to stop and really look at them, theyre just flat out amazing creatures. By janine benyus price varies purchase on amazon biomimicry is innovation inspired by naturetaking advantage of the 3. Now, biomimicry is leading to advancements in medical technology. Digital trends helps readers keep tabs on the fastpaced world of.
Biomimicry and architecture michael pawlyn, 2011 explores the application of biomimicry to architecture. Summer reading list for biomimics biomimicry institute. Inspired by the pattern of shark skin, sharklet is the unique biomimetic technology that achieves antibacterial and antifouling activitie s t hrough microtopography on surfaces of various materials. Sharklet technologies announces a new product line of adhesively backed film. Unlocking business ideas hidden in the natural world. Kids can press, isbn 9781554534678 examines extraordinary innovations of the natural world and the human inventions they have inspired. Please contact the publisher if youd like a copy of the print publication. May 21, 1997 biomimicry, an excellently written survey, goes through with a fine tooth comb the technologies and processes which are biomimetic in nature. Yoseph barcohen,2005 explores biological models useful to engineering and the challenges awaiting future research. Biologically inspired science and technology, using the principles of math and physics, has led to the development of products as ubiquitous as velcrotm modeled after the spiny hooks on plant seeds and fruits. If chaos theory transformed our view of the universe, biomimicry is transforming our life on earth. Biomimics study natures most successful ideas over the past 3.
The biomimicry institute, a notforprofit organization that promotes learning from and then emulating natural forms, processes, and ecosystems to create more sustainable and healthier human technologies and designs, suggests that the design team look at nature as model, measure, and mentor. Tony brennan was inspired by both the practical function and mechanical design of shark skin. A read is counted each time someone views a publication summary such as the title, abstract, and list of authors, clicks on a figure, or views or downloads the fulltext. Promoting biomimetic materials for a sustainable construction. Our micropatterns were inspired by this pattern and use it to protect humans. The results are revolutionizing how materials are invented and how we compute, heal ourselves, repair the environment, and feed the world. We are near the university of colorado anschutz medical campus.
Pdf promoting biomimetic materials for a sustainable. Colins article on biomimicry with a focus on sharklet technologies made the cover of medical design magazine. Biomimicry is innovation inspired by nature taking advantage of evolutions 3. Feb 23, 2015 biomimicry is innovation inspired by nature, according to benyus. Sharklet, a biomimetic antibacterial and antifouling. And to top it all off, kevin told us that nike, the athletic shoe company, actually studies the hooves on mountain goats so as to mimic the animals ability to climb rocks. Featuring extensive illustrations, including a 32page fullcolor insert, biomimetics. The microstructure of a sharks skin has evolved in such a way that no bacteria or algae can grow on it. At the biomimicry institute, we remain optimistic about the future, because we hear daily from people who are inspired by biomimicry and, like us, see it as a solution. See more ideas about nature inspiration, bionic design, biomimicry examples. Elaines biomimicry video log series looks at companies and what living creatures inspired the design of their product. May, 2017 elaines biomimicry video log series looks at companies and what living creatures inspired the design of their product.
So, sharklet technologies uses the sharks skin design to keep bacteria from clinging to hospital surfaces. Taking inspiration from nature to solve human problems is the idea. Surfaces inspired by shark skin the microstructure of a sharks skin has evolved in such a way that no bacteria or algae can grow on it. The film has our patent protected technology on one side and can be adhered to multitouch surfaces in public places such as hospitals, offices, hotels, cruise ships, and public transportation to reduce colonization and transference of germs. Five things to know about biomimicry smithsonian science. Here she reveals dozens of new products that take their cue from nature with spectacular results. Benyus, biomimicry in architecture by michael pawlyn, the sharks pai. Four futuristic technologies inspired by sharks sharks are amazing. Here are the seven best technologies inspired by the animal kingdom.
I was introduced to the work of janine benyus by a student of mine about a year and a half ago, and have been meaning to read this book, biomimicry. Heres an excerpt the introductory paragraphs, along with a link to read the full. Biomimetics or biomimicry is the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems. Though not so easy on the eyes, the word lucidly explains its own meaning. Sharklet offers a triple threat in bacterial inhibition by.
How shark skin can save us from superbugs the hospital can be a place to get healthyand a place to get sick. Learn more about shark biomimicry and how observations of marine life, and sharks, in particular, helped advance medical technology to prevent infection. Imagine a smart microchip that is buried in the ground for a long time. A look at how the growing field of biomimicry has led to innovations inspired by nature. This video log biomimicry inspiration from shark looks at the biotechnology company, sharklet technologies, which has developed an innovative antibacterial surface technology without use of toxic chemicals. Janine benyus, author of biomimicry and founder of biomimicry 3.
Biomimicry has shown considerable potential in the development of novel and high performance materials and technologies with low or zero environmental impact 24. Janine benyus more videos janine has personally introduced millions to the meme of biomimicry through two ted talks, hundreds of conference keynotes, and a dozen documentaries such as 11th hour, harmony, second nature. Other books have described biomimicry, its uses and its benefits. We also explore some fascinating examples from the animal and insect kingdom and see how successful companies have applied these natureinspired designs into their products. Sharklet is one of countless advances in the field of biomimicry.
Biomimicry, as its called, is a method for creating solutions to human challenges by emulating designs and ideas found in nature. And to top it all off, kevin told us that nike, the athletic shoe company, actually studies the hooves on mountain. Interest in biomimicry has skyrocketed over the past decade, and there are now thousands of resourcesincluding books, articles, videos, lesson plans, groups, training programs, and moreavailable to folks who want to learn, teach, and practice this valuable problem solving approach. Importantly, the surface works without killing microorganisms. January 16, 2015 sharklet sharklet in the news 0 denvers channel 7 news, kmgh, ran a story and a short video interview with ceo mark spiecker. Inventors and engineers have been looking to nature for inspiration ever since prehistoric times. With benyuss humor and wit you will find this compendium of technologies very palatable and informational if not inspiring. Readers will learn to take ideas and concepts like this. Inspired by the pattern of shark skin, sharklet is the unique biomimetic technology that achieves antibacterial and antifouling activities through microtopography on surfaces of various materials. Shark skin biomimicry from hull coating to health care. Biomimicry has enabled the development of functional finishes, soft materials, textile technologies, binders and other products.
The biomimicry evolution, and the nature of things with david suzuki, which aired in 71 countries. Jul 24, 2017 we asked leaders in the biomimicry community including institute staff, founders of the biomimicry global networks, our friends at biomimicry 3. Benyus is the author of four books in the life sciences, including. Sharklet technologies uses an engineered microscopic topography inspired by sharkskin to reduce the ability of bacteria to adhere to surfaces without the use of biocidal toxic chemicals. Shark biomimicry and infection prevention technology. Our lab and executive offices are located in aurora, co, a suburb of denver. Heres an excerpt the introductory paragraphs, along with a link to read the full article on the magazines website. Sappi north america announces neoterixst, the first. In this video benyus explains the practice of biomimicry and what. The patented sharklet microtexture is biomimicry in action as it is inspired by the texture of shark skin. An innovative physical antibacterial and antifouling technology base on marine biomimicrysharklet was introduced to the public. Sharklet technologies, a floridabased biotech company, has figured out a way to capitalize on shark skin specifically on the way parasites and. Shark skin biomimicry has yielded the worlds first manufactured material to inhibit bacterial growth by imitating the texture of a sharks skin. Oct 30, 2009 sharklet technologies, a floridabased biotech company, has figured out a way to capitalize on shark skin specifically on the way parasites and bacteria cant stick to sharks.
The terms biomimetics and biomimicry derive from ancient greek. The majority of the book details brilliant inventions based on things evolved by nature. The sharklet technology and products are protected by the granted patents listed below. Sharklet technologies inc biostream and biowave technology. It asks how we humans can benefit from mimicking the intricate and graceful systems. Surface topography for nontoxic bioadhesion control u. This summer, i decided it was going to be a priority for my summer reading list, and it is the first one that i get to cross off. Biomimicry and how nature is inspiring innovation by jay harmon this book is about the business opportunities in transfering inventions from the natural world to the manufacturing world. Biomimicry is innovation inspired by nature, according to benyus. In this episode we talk about the best innovator on the planet nature and how we can learn and apply its ingenious solutions to solve some of the most challenging problems we humans face.
Sharklet, with brennan as its chief scientific officer, decided to put that adaptation to good use. Sharklets technology could keep dirty devices from making us sick, but its not just smartphone surfaces that could benefit. Shyamal an efficient way of collecting solar energy is setting up a arsenal of mirrors that redirect the light to a focal point to heat water and produce energy. Biologically inspired technologies provides unmatched breadth of scope as well as lucid illumination of this promising field. Apr 07, 2016 janine benyus is a biologist, innovation consultant, and author of six books, including biomimicry. Cofounder and board president janine benyuss book biomimicry. This profound and accessible book, written by biomimicry 3. Surface topography for nontoxic bioadhesion control cip u. Prabha, assistant professor at the avinashilingam institute, india, has extracted flavonoids from natural products such as phyllanthus niruri leaves to make cotton fabrics naturally repellent to mosquitoes. When solving a design problem, look to nature first. Books on biomimicry natureinspired technologies biomimicry. Startup sharklet technologies uses shark skin biomimicry to produce the hygienic pattern on materials that can be applied to everything from boat hulls to hospital equipment. Our building, the bioscience park center, is the flagship for the fitzsimons redevelopment authority. Engineered biomimicry covers a broad range of research topics in the emerging discipline of biomimicry.