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Biological patterns and textures: From formation mechanisms to biomimetic applications
Sen Lin1, Zerong Du1, Xu Fang1
1State Key Laboratory of Advanced Design and Manufacturing Technology for Vehicle, College of Mechanical and Vehicle Engineering, Hunan University, Changsha 410082, China.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|March 14, 2026
Summary
Biological patterns and textures evolve for enhanced function and adaptability. This review explores their formation, evolution, analysis, and biomimetic applications in materials and devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomimetics and Evolutionary Biology
- Materials Science and Engineering
Background:
- Biological structures exhibit complex patterns and textures shaped by evolution.
- These features provide superior mechanical properties and functional adaptability in diverse environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review the formation mechanisms, evolutionary principles, analytical techniques, and industrial applications of biological patterns and textures.
- To establish a theoretical framework and inspire biomimetic designs.
- To highlight prospective research directions and the need for interdisciplinary collaboration.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of biomechanically driven formation processes (e.g., surface buckling, reaction-diffusion).
- Examination of evolutionary principles (e.g., selection pressures, genetic drift).
- Summary of advanced analytical and fabrication technologies (e.g., multiscale characterization, AI, advanced manufacturing).
Main Results:
- Identified key formation mechanisms and evolutionary drivers of biological patterns.
- Summarized cutting-edge techniques for analyzing and replicating these structures.
- Showcased successful industrial applications in functional surfaces, soft robotics, and biomedical engineering.
Conclusions:
- Biological patterns and textures are crucial for organismal function and adaptation.
- Biomimetic approaches leveraging these principles offer significant innovation potential.
- Cross-disciplinary collaboration is essential for advancing the field of biomimetics.
