Bioinspiration and biointegration

*Updated version of the 2023 article.

Definition

Bioinspiration is an approach to developing advanced materials, systems and structures modelled on nature. The characteristic features of these natural models are outlined and their most important functions are abstracted in order to translate them into technical solutions. Biomimicry or biomimetics is the precise imitation of the characteristics observed in natural systems. Biointegration, in turn, integrates natural or biologically inspired materials, processes or even living systems such as microorganisms into technical systems, for example when producing medicines or in waste disposal. Bioinspiration and biointegration play an important role in biotechnology, the chemical/pharmaceutical industry, materials development, architecture, diagnostics and the circular economy. 

Current applications and opportunities

Insects and plants whose surfaces repel water, proteins or other substances serve as the inspiration for developing advanced materials on which no organisms can settle or whose surfaces are water-repellent. In aviation and shipping, bioinspiration plays a major role in the design of the most energy-efficient means of transport. For example, the aerodynamically advantageous winglets on the wings of modern passenger jets are modelled on eagles’ wings. In shipping, improved hydrodynamics inspired by fish help to reduce water resistance. 

Other examples that are already being marketed come from the fields of medicine and materials science. Xemperia, a spin-off from the University of Fribourg, is producing an innovative blood test for breast cancer modelled on the body’s natural immune response. The test detects biomarkers in immune cells that have been altered by the presence of cancer cells. The EPFL spin-off Morphotonix uses nanolithography to identify products in order to protect banknotes, passports and watches against counterfeiting, for example. In this case, tiny structural changes are engraved directly into the products as irreplicable security features. This technology is modelled on the nanostructural changes in the wings of the tropical morpho peleides (blue morpho butterflies), which shimmer different shades of blue depending on the angle at which light hits them. 

Thanks to resource-conserving and sustainable processes, bioinspiration and biointegration can be part of a bioeconomy with a small environmental footprint. When it comes to the use of biogenic resources, optimising wood use by means of bioinspiration is very important to the Swiss economy. Its fibrous cell structure with high porosity offers high stability at low density. These properties are combined with concrete to create hybrid timber construction elements, enabling more sustainable architecture. Due to the large CO₂ footprint in the building sector, this represents a particularly sizeable lever. At the same time, the porous structure of the wood provides space for adding functions to the material, for example integrating bio-based electronics. In addition to flax, hemp or cotton, wood is a valuable raw material for producing biogenic microcellulose and nanocellulose, which are used in composite materials, in the packaging industry, in medicine, in electronics and in environmental technology. 

The use of biointegration is less common and usually only takes place at the laboratory level. The most advanced technologies are biologically motivated processes for producing antibodies using microorganisms or breaking down microplastics using optimised bacterial enzymes. Microorganisms also play a key role in producing biofuels. 

In principle, bio-inspired products and applications offer many advantages. Producing them is more sustainable, often less toxic and puts less strain on resources and the environment than conventional products. The discovery of new biological systems and properties lays the basis for innovative applications. The technology is therefore driven by universities. Initiatives such as the NCCR Bio-Inspired Materials based at the University of Fribourg’s Adolphe Merkle Institute or the ALIVE – Advanced Engineering with Living Materials – research programme at ETH Zurich are well positioned to tackle the upcoming technical challenges. Industry and university research are equally involved in the progress of using wood as a biogenic resource.  

Challenges

Scaling innovative ideas and patents still poses a number of challenges. On the one hand, the lack of stability of materials and systems – both in the production process and over a long product life – represents a major challenge. On the other hand, basic researchers often have little understanding of the technical difficulties involved. Networking and communication between academia and industry should therefore be encouraged to facilitate the process of scaling. 

When using wood as a biogenic resource in the building sector, the durability and water resistance of the product are amongst the most important challenges. To overcome these obstacles, wood-based elements often have to be modified or treated with wood preservatives. The latter pollute the environment and can limit the wood’s ability to be recycled. Another challenge is the high amount of energy required to break down cellulose from wood as a starting material for high-quality microcellulose and nanocellulose.  

Focus on industry

The focus on natural processes and raw materials offers many advantages to industry.  Companies that bring these types of products to market are considered innovative and can increase their competitiveness in the field of sustainable technologies. Bioinspiration and biointegration encompass the entire value chain, from resource procurement and production to sales and marketing. 

For employees working in research and development, a university education in natural sciences, materials science or engineering is essential, while knowledge of process technology is required in production. In addition, the development and application of the technology is strongly influenced by interdisciplinary dialogue between different fields. In addition to proven specialist knowledge, employees must therefore also have the ability to think beyond the bounds of their own field. 

International perspective

Switzerland is a leader in the design and production of timber construction elements, above all. This is reflected during the implementation of relevant construction projects, in which Switzerland can make a difference beyond its borders. Scandinavian countries are one step ahead in the research and development of new wood-based products such as cellulose, hemicellulose or lignin. 

In other areas of bioinspiration and biointegration, Switzerland plays a strong role in research in specific areas, but is not at the forefront of implementation. Thanks to the international focus of major priority programmes such as the NCCR Bio-Inspired Materials, selected research groups play a leading role in the European network. Swiss institutions also work closely with European research partners in the EU’s INTEGRATE funding programme. 

Future applications

The potential of bioinspiration and biointegration for future applications is massive. Research is being carried out, for example, on innovative pigments that could be used in food or cosmetics. The start-up Seprify – a spin-off from the University of Fribourg – is developing natural, cellulose-based white pigments to replace the conventional whitening agent titanium dioxide used in toothpaste and cosmetics, as this substance is potentially harmful to the environment and carcinogenic. In the field of wound care, the Adolphe Merkle Institute is developing bio-based chemicals as self-healing materials with an antiviral or antibacterial effect. The electricity-producing cells in electric eels serve as a model for a self-charging and biocompatible power source for implants such as pacemakers, sensors, prostheses or medication pumps that do not need batteries to work and make replacement operations a thing of the past. Applications in the field of “responsive materials”, i.e. biosensors that register and respond to external influences, are also promising. Bio-inspired processes such as artificial photosynthesis are also being developed in order to produce synthetic fuels – or synfuels – with the help of light and CO₂. 

The potential of bioinspiration and biointegration for sustainable products and energy-efficient processes is huge. The approach could play a role in ensuring more sustainable production because natural processes take place at an ambient temperature and use renewable raw materials. Nature has already provided its proof of principle and the processes have been optimised by means of evolution over thousands of years. In order to exploit this potential, Switzerland needs targeted funding for basic research and national, interdisciplinary programmes that link science and industry and support commercialisation.