The company, sharklet technologies in aurora, colo. Developer of bacteriainhibiting microtexture surface technologies designed to control bacteria and other microorganisms. Biomimicry consulting natural and healthy material science. Repelling germs with sharkskin science news for students. Importantly, the surface works without killing microorganisms. Dynamically modifiable polymer coatings and devices u. Sharklet technologies replicated this remarkable feature of the sharkskin to produce bacteria repelling medical tool and surfaces used in healthcare. The structure of the pattern alone inhibits bacteria from attaching, colonizing and forming biofilms.
Sharks inspire a feeling of awe in many people, partly due to their natural speed and representation of power. A look at how the growing field of biomimicry has led to innovations inspired by nature. Readers will learn about marvels such as highperformance swimsuits modeled after sharkskin and the sleek front ends of japanese bullet trains based on the long, streamlined beak of the kingfisher. Whales, ships, and other objects that travel through the water accumulate algae, seaweed, barnacles, and other types of biofouling that decrease their swimming efficiency. Findings from the study revealed technology, policy, and education as major areas where. Champion of the earth for science and technology 2009, the rachel carson. Biomimicry is defined in the book as a new science that studies natures. From shark skin to speed usc viterbi school of engineering. An innovative physical antibacterial and antifouling technology base on marine biomimicry sharklet.
The film has our patent protected technology on one side and can be adhered to multitouch surfaces in public places such as hospitals, offices, hotels, cruise ships, and public transportation to. The sharklet surface is comprised of millions of microscopic features arranged in a distinct diamond pattern. Sharklet offers a triple threat in bacterial inhibition by. Since the books 1997 release, janine has evolved the practice of biomimicry.
The biomimicry institute was founded to answer a need. Sharklet technologies is collaborating with the us navy to create an alternative to copperbased paints now in use as marine anti fouling agents sharklet technologies, 2015. The book contains pioneering approaches to biomimetics including a new perspective on the mechanization of cognition and intelligence, as well as defense and attack strategies in nature, their applications, and potential. Benyus, biomimicry in architecture by michael pawlyn, the sharks pai. A biotechnology company has been developing the sharkskinlike texture. Through modern biomimicry, scientists have been able to imitate shark skin and design speedenhancing technologies to benefit transportation, medicine, and apparel design. The majority of the book details brilliant inventions based on. Taking a systems perspective rather than focusing narrowly on materials or chemistry aspects, biomimetics. Heres 7 brilliant examples of natureinspired design by dallon adams. With its tiny ridges just 3 micrometers tall, the texture feels smooth to the touch. Introduction biomimicry toolbox the biomimicry institute. Biomimetics or biomimicry is the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for the purpose of solving complex human problems. Biomimicry examines the extraordinary innovations of the natural world and the human inventions they have inspired.
Heres 7 of the best examples of biomimicry and nature. And to top it all off, kevin told us that nike, the athletic shoe company, actually studies the hooves on mountain goats so. Surface topography for nontoxic bioadhesion control cip u. Welcome to the biomimicry toolbox, your guide to applying natures lessons to. A sneak peek into the future kicked off in beijing on december 3, 2019. Cofounder and board president janine benyuss book biomimicry. The primary sharklet micropattern is very small about 3 microns tall and 2 microns wide.
The sharklet technology and products are protected by the granted patents listed below. Benyus articulated what was going on and championed its progression. At the biomimicry institute, we remain optimistic about the future, because we hear daily from people who are inspired by biomimicry and, like us, see it as a solution. Sharklet technologies, a floridabased biotech company, has figured out a way to capitalize on shark skin specifically on the way parasites and bacteria cant stick to. So, sharklet technologies uses the sharks skin design to keep bacteria from clinging to hospital surfaces. Biomimicry, the term that describes technology inspired by nature, was coined in the midtwentieth century. Yes, shark skin is so amazing, its properties go beyond just aerodynamics and into medicine. Researchers at sharklet technologies have developed similar bacteriaresistant surfaces that can find widespread application in hospitals that currently rely on physical and chemical decontamination. Biologically inspired technologies examines the field from every angle. Examining the science of biomimicry and how to use biomimicry consulting and natures teachings in green building design to thrive.
Surface topography for nontoxic bioadhesion control u. Innovation inspired by nature by janine benyus isbn. Biologically inspired technologies yoseph barcohen. How shark skin can save us from superbugs the hospital can be a place to get healthyand a place to get sick. To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up. However, at times i find the author a bit too enthusiastic about technology. A growing number of companies are turning to mother natureor biomimicry as a source of innovation. Replacing such paints would not only drastically reduce a major source of marine pollution, but also keep ships hulls free of attached barnacles and algae which. Companies seeking breakthrough products tend to ignore the greatest invention machine in the universe. How shark skin inspired an antibacterial surface technology.
Inspired by the pattern of shark skin, sharklet is the unique biomimetic technology that achieves antibacterial and antifouling activitie s t hrough microtopography on surfaces of various materials. Sharklets technology sits smack in the middle of a burgeoning field called biomimicry, which explores how nature can be copied to solve human problems. Sharklet technologies announces a new product line of adhesively backed film. We are near the university of colorado anschutz medical campus. Shyamal an efficient way of collecting solar energy is setting up a arsenal of mirrors that redirect the light to a focal point to heat water and produce energy. Sharklet technologies offers the worlds first pattern designed to inhibit mrsa, staph a.
Florida based biotech company that has found a possible answer to inhibiting the survival of bacterial superbugs that have resulted from the overuse and misuse of antibacterial medicines. Biomimicry in architecture is maturing as an approach and this book is like a basic manual, coaching on technologies and current products. Sharklet is the worlds first technology to inhibit bacterial growth through physical surface modification alone. Here are the seven best technologies inspired by the animal kingdom. The surface topography is made of millions of microscopic diamonds that disrupt the ability for bacteria to aggregate, colonize, and develop into biofilms. Biomimicry, sharkskin, sharklet technologies colins article on biomimicry with a focus on sharklet technologies made the cover of medical design magazine. Unlocking business ideas hidden in the natural world.
Natures unifying patterns is our attempt to identify the 10 most essential lessons from the natural world that should be considered as part of a design process. Biomimetics or biomimicry is the imitation of the models, systems, and elements of nature for. The terms biomimetics and biomimicry derive from ancient greek. Every year, two million people in the us acquire infections while. Biomimicry business intelligence biomimicry advisory services bas is an independent financial and market research and advisory firm, providing strategic advice and ongoing intelligence on emerging biomimicry technologies. Sharklet, a biomimetic antibacterial and antifouling. Biomimetics has given rise to new technologies inspired by biological. When it comes to truly unique surface technologies, you neednt look any further than the innovative design introduced by sharklet technologies inc. You cannot see the micropattern with the naked eye and you cant feel it with your finger, but its there, protecting the surface against bacteria and other microorganisms. Technology and innovation commonality environment cockpits. The sheer speed of technological progress, that leads to the unleashing of.
Sharklet is the worlds first technology to inhibit bacterial growth through pattern alone. Use features like bookmarks, note taking and highlighting while reading biomimicry. The sharks paintbrush and millions of other books are available for instant. When searching for genuinely sustainable building design and technology designs that go beyond conventional sustainability to be truly restorative we often.
It also stretched my thinking on using systemic biomimimetic approaches and i often found myself stunned and take aback by the scale of the possibilities and also about how easy it is to find a place for in. The film has our patent protected technology on one side and can be adhered to multitouch surfaces in public places such as hospitals, offices, hotels, cruise ships, and public transportation to reduce colonization and transference of germs. Sharklet has six different patents from the united states patent office relating to uses of the micropattern, the dimensions of different sharklet patterns, and various medical device applications. Sharklet technologies has been acquired by a chinese medical device firm, as it prepares to bring its surface technology into clinical trials. The companys bacteriainhibiting microtexture surface technologies uses sharklet micropattern to develop micro topography based products having antibacterial properties, enabling commercial, healthcare, food service industries to manage. Biomimicry or biologically inspired engineeringis providing engineers with invaluable insight on how to design lighter and more fuelefficient aircraft.
Rather than releasing chemicals to combat microbial growth on its surface, sharks have tiny denticles on their skin that prevent biofouling. Innovation inspired by nature book online at best prices in india on. Shark skininspired material stops bacterial breakouts. Innovation inspired by nature kindle edition by benyus, janine m download it once and read it on your kindle device, pc, phones or tablets. Sharklet technologies has figured out a way to capitalize on the way in which shark skin keeps parasites and bacteria away based on the pattern of the skins surface.
Heres an excerpt the introductory paragraphs, along with a. Biomimicry and how nature is inspiring innovation by jay harmon this book is about the business opportunities in transfering inventions from the natural world to the manufacturing world. The 2002 book, biomimicry, describes a new science. We call them natures unifying patterns because examples of the patterns can be found broadly across the majority of life on earth. Michael pawlyn has an easy to read book about biomimicry and architecture as well that. Sharklet technologies biomimicry business intelligence. Video from the biomimicry institute sharks are unique creatures. Benyus is the author of four books in the life sciences, including beastly. It is not just in the water that shark skin biomimicry has been utilized.
1302 643 1489 452 1138 86 1556 115 919 1507 174 1022 873 1410 65 1324 542 1575 140 1652 1631 1514 909 163 60 946 1423 487 292 1275 684 337 535 95 508 165 948 127 1345 466 1197 943 247 825 323 145 481 878 984