Bioinspired micro-nano photonic materials

Abstract

The development of micro- and nano-scale photonic materials represents a cornerstone of modern science and technology. Nature, as a master architect, has served us with the most compelling and time-tested innovations and bio-designs. From the vibrant iridescent wings of butterflies to the anti-reflective eyes of moths, biological systems have long perfected the art of light manipulation through intricate micro- and nanoscale architectures. By decoding these biological mechanisms, harnessing nature-inspired design and interdisciplinary innovation, researchers unlock pathways to create materials with tailored optical properties, durability, and environmental adaptability. In the evolving landscape of photonic materials science, bioinspired micro-nano photonic materials emerge as a transformative frontier, bridging the ingenuity of biological evolution with cutting-edge photonic technologies. In this review, we provide an overview of research efforts on bioinspired micro-nano photonic materials, which offer multifunctional, adaptive, and sustainable solutions for next generation environmentally sustainable photonic materials and ultra-compact, energy-efficient photonic devices. We summarize the typical foundational principles of biological systems where nanostructures have evolved over millennia to master light. Furthermore, we highlight recent advances in bioinspired micro-nano photonic materials which have led to tremendous progress in eco-friendly structural color display, visual chroma sensor, high-security information encryption, energy-efficient functional optoelectrical devices, and so on. Finally, we discuss the challenges and prospects of bioinspired micro-nano photonic materials, including nature-inspired design, fabrication sustainability, and interdisciplinary synergy, for applications in telecom, energy, and biomedicine in the future.