Patents of Nature

Abstract

Innovations are constantly in demand, not only in engineering. Nature’s living organisms also have to prove themselves again and again. Over the course of millions of years, they have continuously developed new strategies, materials and techniques to prevail against their competitors. So why shouldn’t engineers draw their inspiration from nature? No matter if on land, in the water, or in the air: Nature’s patents work brilliantly, there is no copyright, and they hod endless surprises. There are many cases where engineering is already inspired by nature today: 1. Self-cleaning surfaces designed following the example of lotus leaves; 2. Drag-reducing surfaces designed on the model of sharks’ dermal denticles; 3. Lightweight rims designed like diatoms; 4. Mussel glue as an ideal adhesive; 5. The atomic adhesion of geckos; 6. Nacre (mother of pearl) as an ideal composite material; 7. Spider silk is superior to the best high-tech materials; 8. Lignin as an alternative to plastics; 9. Self-sharpening knives following the basic patent of beaver teeth.