From Nature to Nanotech Biomimicry

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Blue Morpho Butterfly

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Iridescence What is iridescence?

– Colors change depending on the angle at which you look at the surface • Different thicknesses, like with bubbles, can create iridescence.

• Nano and micro features, as in the blue Morpho butterfly, also cause iridescence.

Close-up of peacock feather What does iridescence do in nature?

– Attract mates or pollinators – Camouflage

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The iridescence in Blue Bedder flowers attracts pollinators

Blue Morpho Butterfly Wing Scanning Electron Microscope image of the Blue Morpho butterfly showing repeating nanoscale features responsible for iridescence.

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Biomimicry of Iridescence Biomimicry of iridescence is used for security on currency and credit cards.

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Biomimicry of Iridescence Qualcomm has a new e-screen that mimics the iridescence of the blue Morpho butterfly. The screen gets brighter in sunlight.

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The Lotus Effect Lotus leaves and nasturtium leaves are self-cleaning due to nano and microscale structures and a waxy coating. Together these features create a superhydrophobic surface.

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Close-up of a nasturtium leaf, which exhibits the Lotus Effect, with a droplet of water

The Lotus Effect

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Biomimicry of the Lotus Effect Lotusan paint mimics the lotus plant’s self-cleaning properties.

Nano-Tex fabric repels liquids and stains, also mimicking the Lotus Effect.

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Nature’s inspiration Burrs Sharkskin

http://www.itsnature.org

Termite Dens Biomimicry Velcro Fast Swimsuit

Getty Images courtesy of Speedo

Self-cooling Buildings

Eastgate Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe