Biomimicry—often referred to as biomimetics—can be defined as the study of designs, models and systems in nature for the purpose of imitating and adapting them or gaining inspiration from them to create practical solutions to everyday problems. Animals, insects, plants and other living organisms have evolved over billions of years in order to survive and adapt in dynamic environments, and many natural adaptations have proved to be more effective than man-made solutions. Biomimicry has been exploited in the creation of performance apparel fabrics with a wide variety of functional properties. Chitosan is employed in fabrics for sportswear with anti-odour properties, while sharkskin has been used as a model for antimicrobial films for medical devices and hospital furniture. Scientists have been examining the bioluminescent properties of algae, eels, fireflies, fungi, jellyfish, millipedes, mushrooms and worms to enhance the visibility of sportswear and protective clothing. Biomimicry has been used in particular to develop processes for imparting properties using materials, methods and technologies which are more environmentally friendly than those used conventionally. For example, scientists are achieving vivid coloration without the use of dyes, having been inspired by the wings of the morpho butterfly, while other researchers have developed a fibre which changes colour when it is stretched. Also, superhydrophobic finishes, inspired by lotus and nasturtium leaves, are helping to conserve resources and are being used to achieve water repellency, stain repellency and self-cleaning properties in a wide range of performance apparel items, including hunting outfits, military uniforms, rainwear and skiwear. Examples of such finishes include NanoSpherefrom Schoeller Technologies and GreenShieldfrom BigSky Technologies. Other innovations are modelled on aquatic bird feathers, and Thermolitefabric is modelled on polar bear fur. Inotek fibre and ecorepel are modelled on the behaviour of pine cones while GecksUn is an attach-and-releasefabric, modelled on the toe pads of the gecko, which can be released from a smooth surface without leaving a residue. Self-repairing water repellent fabric has been developed for garments for fishermen and sailors. Other properties inspired by nature include chameleonic camouflagefor the military, drag reduction in swimwear, high strength, moisture management and thermal insulation. Looking to the future, the development of new biomimetic solutions for the performance apparel industry seems set to continue, given the benefits and valuable lessons which nature can provide and, especially, the increasing number of performance apparel companies which are pursuing sustainability as a key business objective.
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