Nature-inspired hierarchical materials

Abstract

Nature serves as an exemplary model for materials science, demonstrating how organisms develop their hierarchical structures and multifunctional properties with limited, locally available materials through evolution. This approach addresses complex design challenges while enabling a sustainable, recycling biological cycle. This article explores the intersection of materials science and natural organisms, focusing on bone, nacre, sea sponge, and spider silk as key examples. These natural materials achieve exceptional mechanical properties, such as strength, toughness, and adaptability, using minimal resources under ambient conditions. Their intricate architecture and design principles have inspired the development of advanced, sustainable materials for various applications, as illustrated in several case studies in this article. In healthcare, bioinspired materials are transforming tissue engineering and regenerative medicine by creating porous scaffolds that replicate the complexity of natural bone tissues and ultimately enhance bone regeneration. In energy storage, incorporating hierarchical structures into lithium-ion battery electrodes improves electron conductivity and ion transport, resulting in more efficient and durable solutions. For sustainability, innovations in engineered “living” materials, such as microbial‑induced carbonate precipitation and self-healing concrete, and in spider silk–inspired water collection systems, contribute to more resilient infrastructure and sustainable water sources. Furthermore, the role of artificial intelligence and machine learning in predicting three-dimensional protein structures and facilitating the design of novel bioinspired materials is discussed. This review serves as a foundation for further exploration and refinement, aiming to shed new light on transformative innovations enabled by nature-inspired material design.