Why Biology Needs a Seat at the Design Table
Imagine spending billions of dollars and decades of research trying to solve a complex engineering problem, only to discover that evolution had already perfected the solution over millions of years. This isn't science fiction—it's the compelling premise behind bioinspired design. From trains shaped like kingfisher beaks to self-cleaning surfaces modeled on lotus leaves, nature's designs have increasingly influenced human technology. But are we truly tapping into nature's full potential, or just skimming the surface?
A concerning analysis reveals that less than half of all bioinspired research includes biologists as collaborators 1 . This significant gap suggests we're often imitating nature's forms without understanding their functions—like copying the answers to a test without understanding the underlying concepts.
The emerging paradigm of being "bioinformed" represents a crucial evolution in this field, where deeper biological understanding transforms superficial inspiration into revolutionary innovation. This article explores why greater engagement from biologists isn't just beneficial but essential for unlocking nature's deepest design secrets.
of bioinspired research includes biologists
of butterfly research on just one genus
of exponential growth in bioinspired research
The terminology in this field reveals much about its evolution. Bioinspiration refers to the creative approach where design concepts are sparked by biological systems, while biomimetics specifically involves transferring knowledge from biological systems to engineering and design 1 . Both sit under the broader umbrella of "bioinspired innovation," but there's a crucial distinction between being inspired and being informed.
Creative approach sparked by biological systems
Transferring knowledge from biology to engineering
Deep understanding of mechanisms and context
A bioinformed approach reflects a deep understanding of the mechanisms, evolutionary context, and ecological relationships behind biological solutions 1 . Consider the difference between early attempts at human flight—inspired by birds but poorly informed by biomechanics—versus the Shinkansen train design in Japan. The train's distinctive kingfisher-inspired nose wasn't merely aesthetic; it was informed by understanding how the kingfisher's beak allows it to dive from air into water with minimal splash, solving the problem of compression waves when trains enter tunnels 1 . This exemplifies being truly bioinformed: understanding why a particular biological solution works in its specific context.
When biological inspiration remains superficial, researchers risk missing the most valuable aspects of nature's designs. A striking example comes from analyzing which species receive attention in bioinspired research. Studies reveal that butterfly-inspired research draws heavily from just one genus, Morpho, which accounts for 44% of studies, while spider-inspired research shows 33% focused solely on the genus Trichonephila 1 . Given that there are approximately 18,000 butterfly species and 49,500 spider species described, this represents an extraordinary narrowness in biological perspective 1 .
This taxonomic bias matters because different species have evolved distinct solutions to similar problems based on their specific environmental contexts and evolutionary histories.
The beak of a kookaburra, for instance, wouldn't solve the same problem as the kingfisher's beak, despite both being kingfishers 1 . Without biological expertise, researchers may select inappropriate biological models or miss opportunities to discover better solutions from less-studied organisms.
To quantify biologist engagement in bioinspired research, a comprehensive analysis was conducted using the Web of Science database, tracking peer-reviewed articles and reviews from 1990 to 2020 that mentioned bioinspiration or biomimetics as key terms 1 . The research team then examined author affiliations to determine what proportion included researchers from biology-related departments (identified through keywords like "biology," "ecology," "environmental," "evolution," "zoology," or "botany") 1 .
This methodology allowed researchers to move beyond anecdotal evidence to systematically evaluate the interdisciplinary nature of the field. The 30-year timeframe provided sufficient data to identify trends while the specific search parameters ensured relevance to the research question.
The findings revealed both impressive growth and a significant collaboration gap. Research in bioinspiration and biomimetics has grown exponentially over the past 30 years, with 35,265 papers accumulated since 1990 1 . However, despite this growth and the inherently biological nature of the field, only 41% of these publications included an author affiliated with a biology-related department or organization 1 .
| Research Category | Number of Publications | Publications with Biologist Authors | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Bioinspired Research | 35,265 | 14,459 | 41% |
| Bioinspiration | Not specified | Not specified | Similar pattern |
| Biomimetics | Not specified | Not specified | Similar pattern |
This disconnect becomes even more pronounced when examining the taxonomic diversity of species studied. The heavy reliance on popular model species suggests that many researchers may be drawing inspiration from previous bioinspired research rather than directly engaging with biological systems.
| Organism Group | Total Described Species | Genera Represented in Research | Most Studied Genus | Percentage Focused on Top Genus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butterflies | ~18,000 | 35 | Morpho | 44% |
| Spiders | ~49,500 | 29 | Trichonephila | 33% |
The absence of biologists comes with significant scientific costs. Biologists bring crucial understanding of the evolutionary contexts and selection pressures that shaped biological solutions 1 . For instance, understanding why certain spider silk properties evolved requires knowledge of the environmental challenges those spiders faced—information that might be missed without biological expertise.
This collaboration gap also represents a missed opportunity for biologists themselves, who could gain unique insights into biological phenomena from the perspective of other disciplines, particularly engineering 1 . The bioinformed approach creates a two-way street where biology informs design while engineering perspectives can offer new ways to test biological hypotheses.
Bioinspired materials research relies on specialized reagents and tools to replicate and study nature's designs. The table below outlines key components essential to this innovative field.
| Reagent/Tool Category | Specific Examples | Function in Research |
|---|---|---|
| Custom Antigens | Species-specific proteins, biological markers | Critical for antibody discovery campaigns; help researchers target and study specific biological structures 8 |
| Anti-Idiotypic Antibodies | Anti-id antibodies | Serve as valuable reagents for quality control, ensuring specificity and efficacy in developed materials; used in pharmacokinetic and immunogenicity assays 8 |
| Custom Cell Lines | Genetically modified cell lines | Support specific experimental goals in studying biological mechanisms; enable testing of bioinspired materials in biological systems 5 |
| Nanoparticles | Silver, gold, iron oxide nanoparticles | Used in nanomedicine and materials science for their size similarity to biological molecules; enable creation of biomimetic structures 2 |
| Biomimetic Polymers | Polymer composites, bio-based plastics | Replicate natural material properties; used to create self-healing materials, lightweight composites, and sustainable alternatives 2 |
These tools enable the translation of biological principles into practical applications, from medical innovations to sustainable building materials. The quality of these reagents is particularly crucial when working with novel biological models less established in scientific literature.
Using biological templates to create novel materials with enhanced properties
Examining biological structures at multiple scales to understand design principles
Evaluating performance of bioinspired materials in simulated environments
Iterative refinement based on biological principles and performance data
Closing the biology engagement gap requires intentional interdisciplinary collaboration. Institutions like the BioInspired Institute at Syracuse University demonstrate successful models, bringing together experts from biology, physics, chemistry, and engineering to tackle complex challenges 2 . These collaborations have addressed diverse issues from health challenges like cancer and COVID-19 to developing novel materials inspired by natural systems 2 .
Specific strategies for fostering collaboration include establishing interdisciplinary focus groups, providing professional development in "soft skills" like project management and entrepreneurship, and hosting annual symposia that bring together diverse stakeholders 2 . Such initiatives create spaces where biologists and engineers can jointly define research questions rather than simply asking biologists to validate pre-existing engineering concepts.
As bioinspired research advances, environmental considerations become increasingly important. Lifecycle analysis of bioinspired products is essential for understanding their full environmental impact 2 . Researchers must consider material selection, production processes, and end-of-life disposal to ensure these innovations genuinely contribute to sustainability goals.
Bioinspired materials also play a crucial role in the circular economy by encouraging sustainable practices and reducing waste 2 . For instance, using organic materials like bio-aggregates and bio-based plastics can minimize environmental impact while creating effective products 2 . Future directions include creating new materials with enhanced strength and electrical properties, incorporating nanomaterials like graphene into polymers, and developing smart interfaces that manipulate light and color 2 .
Responsive systems that adapt to environmental changes
Closed-loop materials with minimal environmental impact
Integrating living components with synthetic materials
Energy-efficient production inspired by natural processes
The transition from bioinspired to bioinformed represents more than semantic precision—it signifies a fundamental shift in our relationship with nature's designs. Rather than simply copying nature's forms, the bioinformed approach seeks to understand the deep principles behind these designs, potentially unlocking innovations we haven't yet imagined.
As the field advances, the benefits of greater biologist engagement extend beyond improved technology. This collaboration fosters a deeper appreciation for biodiversity and the evolutionary processes that have shaped our natural world.
In embracing the bioinformed approach, we not only create better technologies but also develop a more nuanced understanding of the natural systems we seek to emulate—potentially leading to more sustainable innovations that work with, rather than against, the principles that govern life itself.
The next breakthrough in material science, robotics, or sustainable design might already exist in nature, waiting not just for our admiration, but for our understanding. By bringing biologists to the design table, we ensure we're equipped to not only recognize these solutions but comprehend them deeply enough to adapt their genius to human challenges.