Nature-inspired micropatterns

Micropatterned materials have developed in nature over 3.8 billion years, with remarkable performance. Nature inspiration is the process of understanding biological mechanisms and strategies and using this knowledge to solve technical problems or enhance engineering designs. The term nature inspiration includes biomimetics, biomimicry and bioinspiration. Micropatterns are patterned materials or structures that have feature sizes in the nanometre-to-micrometre range. Owing to size effects, micropatterns can impart novel functions to a material without altering the bulk composition and properties. By imitating natural strategies, engineering challenges can be solved. Examples include mimicking ecological and in vivo microenvironments or producing superhydrophobic surfaces, adhesives and structural colours. Nature inspiration is an interdisciplinary field, involving various materials and fabrication techniques. This Primer provides a comprehensive overview of nature-inspired micropatterns, which offer unique design strategies and functional properties. In this Primer, key principles, fabrication methods and applications of nature-inspired micropatterns are discussed. Additionally, future prospects and challenges are highlighted for this rapidly evolving field.