An introduction to biomimetics: a structural viewpoint

Biomimetics is a newly emerging interdisciplinary field in materials science and engineering and biology in which lessons learned from biology form the basis for novel technological materials. It involves investigation of both structures and physical functions of biological composites of engineering interest with the goal of designing and synthesizing new and improved materials. This paper discusses microarchitectural aspects of some structural biocomposites, presents microstructural criteria for future materials design and processing, and identifies areas of future research.