This animated video series features innovative biomimicry startups and the organisms that inspired their technologies.
Explore how is shaping sustainable design and innovation in a variety of fields in these engaging 2-3 minute videos. Each one describes a biological phenomenon and how scientists and innovators applied lessons from nature to create sustainable new technologies. Consider using these videos in the classroom to introduce students to the topic of biomimicry and the applications of science in emerging technologies.
All of the companies featured in these videos were selected as finalists in the Biomimicry Institute’s Ray of Hope Prize®. Check out the related Ray of Hope Prize Ask Nature Collections for more detail on each of the innovations and the organisms that inspired them.
Enjoy a few of our favorite episodes below then browse the complete series in the YouTube playlist (link at the bottom of the page).
Spiders Reveal Solution for Textiles: Turning Liquid Into Thread
The team at Spintex wanted to mimic spider silk as a textile fiber. By creating a shear-sensitive protein gel and a uniquely biomimetic spinning mechanism, Spintex has developed a process that mimics a spider spinnerets’ ability to create a fiber from a liquid gel, at room temperature, without harsh chemicals. They can create fine and tough, silk-like thread that is produced 1,000 times more energy efficiently than creating plastic fibers. And water is the only by-product.
How the Pitcher Plant Inspired a Super-Slippery Coating to Keep Surfaces Clean
spotLESS Materials makes sprayable coatings that repel liquid, sludge, bacteria, mineral deposits, and more. They keep surfaces like toilets clean, drastically reducing the amount of water and cleaning chemicals needed. Their advanced materials are available for home use, and can be sprayed onto glass and ceramic at ambient conditions.
How the Mantis Shrimp’s Powerful Punch Inspired Stronger Materials
Helicoid Industries makes lighter, stronger, and more impact resistant composites by applying the same internal architecture found in the mantis shrimp’s extremely durable club. Applying the Helicoid® technology reduces raw material use, while creating lighter, more energy efficient components, at an overall lower production cost.
