Bioinspired Materials: The Future of Antimicrobial Surfaces

What Are Bioinspired Materials?

Bioinspired materials are engineered surfaces and structures that mimic the natural functions found in plants, animals, and insects — often to achieve effects like self-cleaning, bacteria resistance, or reduced contamination. These materials are revolutionising how we approach hygiene in public and shared environments by building protection directly into the surface.

Why Are Bioinspired Surfaces Important for Hygiene Design?

In hygiene-critical spaces like hospitals, schools, public transport, and gyms, high-touch surfaces play a major role in microbial transmission. Traditional cleaning alone is often reactive, labour-intensive, and environmentally taxing.

Bioinspired materials offer passive, built-in surface protection, which can:

• Reduce microbial attachment and survival

• Minimise dirt and moisture retention

• Lower the frequency and intensity of cleaning

• Enhance sustainability and durability

This article explores how nature’s design principles — from shark skin to lotus leaves — are shaping the next generation of antimicrobial and self-cleaning materials.

1. Shark Skin: Microtopography That Repels Bacteria

Shark skin is covered in dermal denticles — ribbed, tooth-like structures that physically prevent microorganisms from settling and reproducing.

Synthetic Application:
Sharklet™ technology replicates this effect in plastics and medical devices. These bacteria-resistant surfaces can reduce microbial load without the use of chemical antimicrobials.

2. Lotus Leaf: The Original Self-Cleaning Surface

The lotus effect is a natural example of superhydrophobicity — the ability of a surface to repel water and self-clean through micro/nano-scale surface bumps.

Use Cases:

• Self-cleaning glass and metals

• Dirt-repellent coatings for public restrooms, transport, and facades

• Enhanced cleanability in antimicrobial flooring and wall coverings

3. Insect Wings: Physical Antibacterial Nano-Architecture

Certain insect wings — like those of cicadas and dragonflies — have nano-pillars that physically rupture bacterial membranes.

Emerging Potential:

• Hospital surfaces (bed rails, switches)

• Food-grade plastics and packaging

• Electronic touchscreens in public spaces

4. Bioinspiration + Antimicrobial Additives = Smarter Surfaces

Many modern surfaces combine bioinspired structure with functional additives, like:

• Silver ions (for continuous microbial resistance)

• Zinc-based antimicrobials

• Odour control agents

This hybrid approach creates multi-functional materials that are:

• Antimicrobial

• Self-cleaning

• Anti-fouling

• Long-lasting and low maintenance

5. Where Are Bioinspired Materials Already in Use?

• Public Transport:
  Treated handrails and seating that combine antimicrobial coating with water-repellent structure.

• Gyms:
  Grips and benches using sweat-resistant vinyls infused with silver-based antimicrobials and textured for cleanability.

• Healthcare:
  Antimicrobial curtains, bed frames, and privacy panels using passive and active protection.

• Schools:
  Durable, easy-clean desks and door handles with built-in hygiene features.

6. Are Bioinspired Materials Sustainable?

Yes — by reducing the need for:

• Harsh chemical cleaning

• Frequent product replacement

• Water and energy for maintenance

These surfaces align with circular economy goals and contribute to more resource-efficient design in hygiene-critical environments.

7. Challenges to Adoption

• Manufacturing complexity: Nano-structured materials are still costly to produce at scale.

• Durability: Replicating natural textures in robust, long-lasting forms is technically demanding.

• Regulatory limits: Claims must be supported by data, especially in healthcare or food-contact settings.

8. The Future of Bioinspired Hygiene

Bioinspired design is converging with smart materials, AI-integrated surfaces, and sensor-enabled hygiene systems to create the next generation of:

• Self-monitoring cleanliness sensors

• Adaptive antimicrobial finishes

• Low-maintenance public infrastructure

As manufacturing technology improves, expect wider adoption across healthcare, education, hospitality, and transit.

Key Takeaways

• Bioinspired materials mimic nature to achieve antimicrobial, self-cleaning, and bacteria-resistant effects.

• Shark skin, lotus leaves, and insect wings inspire real-world applications across sectors.

• These surfaces reduce cleaning demands, lower microbial transmission, and support sustainability.

• Challenges remain, but innovation is accelerating — and bioinspired surfaces are a core part of the future of hygiene by design.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• How does shark skin prevent biofouling?

  Shark skin prevents biofouling through its unique surface structure, which physically resists the attachment of microorganisms. Instead of smooth scales, sharks have dermal denticles — tiny, tooth-like structures arranged in a ribbed pattern. This microtexture disrupts bacterial and algal adhesion by reducing available surface area and making it difficult for organisms to anchor.

  As sharks swim, the skin’s texture also creates micro-turbulence in the water, helping to sweep away potential colonisers — a natural self-cleaning effect. Unlike chemical treatments, this is a purely physical defence, making shark skin a powerful example of bioinspired design for surfaces that need to stay clean and hygienic.

• What is the lotus effect in material science?

  The lotus effect refers to the extreme water-repellent, or superhydrophobic, properties observed on lotus leaves. In material science, it describes surfaces engineered with microscopic bumps and a waxy coating that cause water to bead up and roll off, carrying dirt and contaminants with it.

  This self-cleaning mechanism is replicated in synthetic materials — such as glass, plastics, and coatings — to create surfaces that stay clean longer, resist staining, and reduce microbial adhesion. The lotus effect is widely used in applications like waterproof textiles, anti-fog coatings, and hygiene-first surfaces in public and medical settings.

• Can surfaces kill bacteria without chemicals?

  Yes, some surfaces can kill bacteria without chemicals by using physical nano-structures that damage bacterial cells on contact. Inspired by insect wings like those of cicadas and dragonflies, these surfaces are covered with tiny, sharp nanopillars that physically rupture bacterial membranes, leading to cell death.

  This passive, non-leaching antibacterial mechanism is being explored for use in healthcare, food packaging, and public touchpoints where long-term, chemical-free hygiene is essential.

Further Reading

1. Sharklet Technology

   https://www.sharklet.com/

2. Antimicrobial Surface Technologies – Addmaster
   https://www.addmaster.co.uk/technologies/biomaster

3. Antimicrobial Surface Technologies - Biocote

   https://www.biocote.com/

4. Antimicrobial Surface Technologies - Microban

   https://www.microban.com/

5. EPA Treated Articles Guidance
   https://www.epa.gov/pesticide-registration/treated-articles-exemption

6. Bioinspired Antibacterial Surfaces – Scientific American
   https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/insects-inspire-antibacterial-surfaces/