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Home » Deep Tech Series Vol. 6: How deep tech inspired by nature is shaping a sustainable future
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Deep Tech Series Vol. 6: How deep tech inspired by nature is shaping a sustainable future

Paul E.By Paul E.October 15, 2024No Comments6 Mins Read
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In a world of constant technological advancement, the most radical innovations often look to nature for inspiration. For billions of years, nature has refined solutions to the challenges of survival, providing a vast trove of wisdom that we are only beginning to tap into. From the intricate designs of bird wings that inspired early aviation pioneers to the underwater bonding of shellfish that led to the development of advanced waterproof adhesives, nature’s ingenuity has inspired many technological wonders. It has become a photo. Through the Nature Pledge, UNDP is at the forefront of addressing the current crisis of global nature loss, leveraging nature-positive approaches, from strengthening biodiversity finance to strengthening environmental governance. I am. By looking to nature, we can find solutions that not only foster technological progress but also harmonize human progress with the ecosystems that support us.

Biological materials are primarily composed of organic substances and minerals, unlike the metals and plastics often used in man-made products. These materials may seem weak when compared to industrial metals, but evolution has fine-tuned them over millions of years to achieve incredible strength and durability. A distinctive feature of these natural materials is their ability not only to strengthen the material, but also to optimize it and create complex hierarchical structures at multiple scales. For example, the complex layers of conch shells and the finely tuned beta-sheet crystals of spider silk show how natural materials can achieve mechanical properties that match or even exceed synthetic materials. These structures are not only strong, but also extremely durable, demonstrating nature’s ability to optimize material performance through unique design principles.

The process of biomimicry involves taking inspiration from these natural designs to solve human problems. By studying the principles underlying the strength and resilience of natural materials, scientists and engineers can develop new materials and technologies that are sustainable and efficient. For example, researchers at the National University of Singapore have developed eAir, an aeroelastic pressure sensor inspired by the effect of lotus leaves. This technology improves accuracy and reliability in medical applications, especially minimally invasive surgery. The eAir sensor enables tactile feedback, allowing surgeons to manipulate tissue more precisely. By addressing the limitations of traditional pressure sensors, eAir is a prime example of nature-inspired technology that promises significant advances in medical technology.

Scientists at NUS drew inspiration from the ‘lotus leaf effect’. This is a unique natural phenomenon in which water droplets effortlessly roll off the surface of the leaf, thanks to its microscopic water-repellent structure. Mimicking this effect, the team designed a new pressure sensor “eAir” (a gold strip on a circular panel) that promises high accuracy and reliability.

NUS News

Another example is biocatalyzed cotton fibers, which could be a promising breakthrough in sustainable fiber manufacturing inspired by the natural processes of carbon capture observed in plants. These innovative fibers are embedded with enzymes that not only catalyze chemical reactions to break down pollutants and promote an environmentally friendly dyeing process, but also have the ability to capture carbon emissions from the atmosphere. I am. A startup has developed a carbon-eliminating fabric that absorbs carbon emissions and is easy to wash. This allows the fibers to be reused in carbon-neutral or even carbon-negative cycles. This innovation has immense potential to transform the textile industry, which accounts for around 10% of global carbon emissions. By incorporating biocatalytic cotton fibers into production, the industry has the potential to significantly reduce its environmental footprint and make a significant contribution to global sustainability efforts.

Design inspired by nature goes far beyond mere imitation and offers the potential to develop entirely new innovations that exceed the performance of their natural counterparts. Understanding the fundamental principles that govern natural systems allows scientists to create new materials and technologies to meet society’s needs. One example is the development of self-healing materials inspired by the regenerative abilities of living organisms. Professor Benjamin Tee has pioneered a material that can repair itself when damaged, using embedded microcapsules and dynamic bonds that break and reform, similar to the healing process in living tissue. . This breakthrough innovation applies to a wide range of materials, including metals, and offers many potential applications, from extending the life of electronic devices to increasing the durability of building materials. With global e-waste reaching a record high of 62 million tonnes in 2022, this innovation could present an opportunity to significantly reduce waste by allowing products to be repaired rather than replaced. This will be an important step towards achieving SDG 12 on responsible consumption and production, especially in the resource sector. -Limited area.

How deep technology inspired by nature is shaping a sustainable future

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Nature’s ingenuity provides solutions to some of the world’s most pressing development challenges, including global freshwater scarcity. One such innovation is the development of an efficient fog collection system inspired by the dorsal exoskeleton of the long-horned beetle. The system utilizes a superhydrophobic-superhydrophilic patterned fabric constructed with a simple weave and reinforced with a deposit of copper particles. The mist collector with its biomimetic three-dimensional structure achieves an impressive water recovery rate of 1432.7 mg/h/cm2, far exceeding that of the traditional planar structure collector. In addition to harvesting water, architects are also looking to nature to design sustainable buildings. The Eastgate Center in Harare, Zimbabwe, exemplifies this approach by incorporating passive cooling inspired by termite mounds. By mimicking the self-regulating ventilation system of a termite colony, the building uses 90% less energy than conventional structures of similar size. These nature-inspired innovations show how biomimicry can lead to significant resource savings and reduce carbon emissions, providing sustainable solutions to both water scarcity and energy efficiency in urban environments. We are proving that we can do it.

Eastgate Center in Zimbabwe

Image from Living Space

The rich biodiversity found in many developing countries serves as a valuable ‘knowledge bank’ that provides solutions to pressing global challenges. By harnessing this biodiversity through biomimicry, countries can discover innovative ways to tackle climate change, resource scarcity, and healthcare challenges. Through its work in more than 140 countries and regions, UNDP already plays a vital role in promoting nature-positive solutions that leverage these natural assets. Beyond their environmental impact, nature-inspired solutions can generate significant economic benefits, driving value creation and jobs across multiple sectors. However, these solutions depend on access to natural assets and, therefore, appropriate legal and policy frameworks and institutions to ensure the protection and effective management of biodiversity and critical ecosystems. It is essential to introduce. Protecting these resources through protected area status and the protection of biodiversity resources is critical to maintaining the long-term potential of nature-inspired innovation. With the right strategies, these innovations can generate innovative solutions for sustainable development, while ensuring the protection of the natural resources that make sustainable development possible.

This is the 6th blog in the Deep Tech series. Click here for a complete list of blogs.



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