Biomimetic functional Materials, Devices and Systems

Nature features some of the most sophisticated, yet elegant and long-lasting mechanosensory systems. The materials and morphological form of these natural systems have evolved to perfection in attaining optimal functionality.  Biomimetic functional materials, devices and systems take inspiration from nature to create innovative technologies  with superior performance for real-life applications. Biomimetic materials and morphological structures such as spider silk-based fibers, lotus leaf inspired surfaces, gecko feet inspired adhesives, regenerative self-healing materials, and muscle-inspired actuators find applications in soft sensors, actuators and wearable technologies. Bio-inspired mechanosensors such as micro electromechanical systems (MEMS) devices and 3D printed electronic sensors inspired by neuromasts in fishes, whiskers in rats and seals and olfaction inspired chemical/gas sensors, not only facilitate the creation of ultra-sensitive high performance sensors but also deepen our comprehension of the fundamental relationship between form-functionality in these biological sensors. Beyond the development of materials, sensors and robotics, entire systems can be biologically inspired, such as multi-modal artificial skins, multi-functional sweat sensors, physicochemical and biosensors.   

This Collection covers a wide range of topics within the scope of Biomimetic functional Materials, Devices and Systems such as:

• Biomimetic and Bioinspired MEMS, and 3D printed sensors 
• Bio-inspired soft sensors and actuators
• Biomimetic self-healing materials and multimodal wearable physical and chemical sensors
• Printed flexible sensors, electronics and actuators using patterning techniques such as inkjet printing, aerosol jet printing, electro printing, electrospinning and lithography
• Bioinspired sensors and systems that explain the form-functionality relationship in biological sensors or show better functionality/sensing performance by imbibing a bioinspired design