Abstract:
The term bioinspiration relates to the design strategies that are inspired by mechanisms or
laws or functions operating in biological systems.1-14 Over the years, few other related
terms are also being employed by several research groups, namely biomimetics
(biomimicry), biotechnology, biokleptics and bionics. The term biomimetics is derived
from the Greek word ‗bios‘ meaning ‗life‘ and ‗mimesis‘ meaning ‗to imitate‘.15-20 As
early as 1969 Otto Schmitt coined the term biomimetics, which made its first appearance
in Webster‘s Dictionary in 1974 with the definition, ―the study of the formation, structure
or function of biologically produced substances and materials (as enzymes or silk) and
biological mechanisms and processes (as protein synthesis or photosynthesis) especially
for the purpose of synthesizing similar products by artificial mechanisms which mimic
natural ones‖. On the other hand, the term biotechnology refers to the technological
application that uses biological systems, living organisms, or derivatives thereof, to make
or modify products or processes for specific use.21-24
