Biomímesis: What is and examples

Biomímesis is a current of scientific thought that comes from the Greek “bios”, “life”, and “mimesis”, “imitation”. Seeks emulate nature as a source of inspiration and learning to solve current anthropocentric problems that nature has solved by itself. Either from innovative technology or simpler systems.

Jaine M. Benyus deepens his book Biomímesis, on how Innova science inspired by nature. It exposes the strategies that biomimetics acquires from the analysis of the functioning of nature:

• Use solar energy as energy source.
• Consume only the energy that is needed.
• Adjust the form to the function.
• Recycle everything as the cycles of matter.
• Reward cooperation between individuals.
• Have the diversity of cultures and species.
• Sue local technology.
• Stop excesses from within the system.
• Take advantage of the limitations.

In short, it is sought to be more efficient both in terms of resources and energy to achieve a objective through Nature observation. If we observe ecosystems we find very diverse and complete models. In all, the cycles of matter and energy are self -regulated. If there is an excess of individuals or matter, the system will be in charge of re -adjusting it to return to the climax by slight fluctuations, consuming the minimum possible energy.

Each organism has evolved until a perfect model of being alive, within its limitations, adapted to its conditions and circumstances, so you should only study what adaptations have developed to overcome the different adversities. Already in the Great Al-Andalus, the Andalusian sage Abbas Ibn Fire, who died in 887d.C., created a gadget to fly imitating the birds. Although it was not an invention of success, it was learned that it should add a tail so as not to plumn and better control the flight.

Within the Biomimetic Engineering It should be considered that to develop the product, you must reduce your carbon emissions and be respectful of your production model. Since it is meaningless if the analysis of its life cycle is more polluting and occurs in countries where working conditions are less strict. Therefore, it is a philosophy that not only encompasses the imitate natureif not the one who is also respectful and can be maintained ethically and sustainably over time. If you have deepened the circular economy, you will appreciate how it has been inspired by this scientific current. Here are some Examples of biomímesis To understand it more thoroughly.

Within the Biomimetic architecture The Eastgate Center by Mick Pearce, in Zimbabwebuilding that has a passive cooling system from learning the operation of the African termiters.

The nests of the termites are built from the principles of thermoregulation. First, they guide it in the NS axis, then it has a structure similar to that of a chimney. It extracts the hot air that is less dense and allows the passage of the coldest air in the base from a network of ducts built by the termites. In this way they end up refrigerating the Termiter in situations in which the external temperature can reach 42 ºC.

Sharks, despite moving their skin with great slowness, is not populated by tiles, algae or other organisms. This fact is what has led the Sharklet company to create surfaces that imitate the structure of shark skin so that microorganisms do not proliferate.

This invention has great interest to use it in hospitals, as in the handles of the doors, railings or switches. It is estimated that millions of people acquire nosocomial or hospitable infections for going to the hospital, although there is a constant cleaning of common spaces. Shark skin limits the growth of microorganisms by having a structure that generates stress on them due to their superficial disposition, generating that they die without giving them time to multiply.

Another of the forms of nature More studied is how to transform solar energy into usable energy by human being. A line seeks to imitate the natural photosynthesis produced by photosynthetic organisms where from carbon dioxide, water and sunlight end up producing oxygen and cellular material.

When copying the light phase of the photosynthesis of the plants, through the construction of photoelectric cellsDioxide and oxygen molecules end up dissociating water. And with it, use it as an energy vector.

Within the Biomimetism It has been studied how mussels even in very adverse situations of pressure, humidity and temperature, manage to segregate a glue capable of adhering to rocks. One of the benefits of this glue is that in addition to being very resistant, it is not ecotoxic, so it would be more respectful in front of the rest.

Next, we indicate Other bioinspired examples in nature:

• Shythy -inspired swimsuits to reduce water friction.
• Bullet train that simulates in the peak of Martín Pescador.
• Alternatives to resistant and biodegradable plastic inspired by insect cuticle.
• Fan -based fans of Jibarte.
• Radar based on the echolocation of bats.
• Photovoltaic solar panels that trace the movement of sunflower.
• Shoes that mimic the feet of the Geko.
• Armadillo -shaped backpack.
• Velcro bioinpire in the thistles.
• Baston for blind that copy the echolocation of bats.

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