Translating marine biology into engineering: A review of biomimicry and its applications

Mahadi Hasan Masud; Israt Jahan Ankhi; Abu Kaisar Md Faisal; Md Mahbub Alam

doi:10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.122108

Translating marine biology into engineering: A review of biomimicry and its applications

Mahadi Hasan Masud
, Israt Jahan Ankhi
, Abu Kaisar Md Faisal
, Md Mahbub Alam^*

^*Corresponding author for this work

Rajshahi University of Engineering and Technology
Engineering Institute of Technology
School of Robotics and Advanced Manufacture, Harbin Institute of Technology Shenzhen

Research output: Contribution to journal › Review article › peer-review

12 Scopus citations

Abstract

Biomimicry, inspired by marine animals, offers a rich source of inspiration for cutting-edge engineering solutions. This review investigates how adaptations, such as fish hydrodynamics, cephalopod propulsion, and the robust structure of nacre, translate into practical engineering applications. The biomimetic design process is detailed, from biological observation to abstracting principles and implementing designs. The review showcases applications in propulsion systems, drag reduction strategies, advanced materials, and sophisticated sensors. Overcoming challenges in replicating biological complexity and achieving scalable manufacturing, technologies like 3D printing and soft robotics enable more accessible and adaptable biomimetic designs. Marine biomimicry presents significant opportunities for developing sustainable, energy-efficient technologies and warrants continued research and development efforts.

Original language	English
Article number	122108
Journal	Ocean Engineering
Volume	339
DOIs	https://doi.org/10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.122108
State	Published - 15 Nov 2025
Externally published	Yes

Keywords

Marine biomimicry
Propulsion
Structural biomimicry
Underwater robotics

Access to Document

10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.122108

Cite this

@article{8e00a4273e5842629b16dfce42c16f2d,

title = "Translating marine biology into engineering: A review of biomimicry and its applications",

abstract = "Biomimicry, inspired by marine animals, offers a rich source of inspiration for cutting-edge engineering solutions. This review investigates how adaptations, such as fish hydrodynamics, cephalopod propulsion, and the robust structure of nacre, translate into practical engineering applications. The biomimetic design process is detailed, from biological observation to abstracting principles and implementing designs. The review showcases applications in propulsion systems, drag reduction strategies, advanced materials, and sophisticated sensors. Overcoming challenges in replicating biological complexity and achieving scalable manufacturing, technologies like 3D printing and soft robotics enable more accessible and adaptable biomimetic designs. Marine biomimicry presents significant opportunities for developing sustainable, energy-efficient technologies and warrants continued research and development efforts.",

keywords = "Marine biomimicry, Propulsion, Structural biomimicry, Underwater robotics",

author = "Masud, \{Mahadi Hasan\} and Ankhi, \{Israt Jahan\} and Faisal, \{Abu Kaisar Md\} and Alam, \{Md Mahbub\}",

note = "Publisher Copyright: {\textcopyright} 2025 Elsevier Ltd",

year = "2025",

month = nov,

day = "15",

doi = "10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.122108",

language = "英语",

volume = "339",

journal = "Ocean Engineering",

issn = "0029-8018",

publisher = "Elsevier B.V.",

}

TY - JOUR

T1 - Translating marine biology into engineering

T2 - A review of biomimicry and its applications

AU - Masud, Mahadi Hasan

AU - Ankhi, Israt Jahan

AU - Faisal, Abu Kaisar Md

AU - Alam, Md Mahbub

PY - 2025/11/15

Y1 - 2025/11/15

N2 - Biomimicry, inspired by marine animals, offers a rich source of inspiration for cutting-edge engineering solutions. This review investigates how adaptations, such as fish hydrodynamics, cephalopod propulsion, and the robust structure of nacre, translate into practical engineering applications. The biomimetic design process is detailed, from biological observation to abstracting principles and implementing designs. The review showcases applications in propulsion systems, drag reduction strategies, advanced materials, and sophisticated sensors. Overcoming challenges in replicating biological complexity and achieving scalable manufacturing, technologies like 3D printing and soft robotics enable more accessible and adaptable biomimetic designs. Marine biomimicry presents significant opportunities for developing sustainable, energy-efficient technologies and warrants continued research and development efforts.

AB - Biomimicry, inspired by marine animals, offers a rich source of inspiration for cutting-edge engineering solutions. This review investigates how adaptations, such as fish hydrodynamics, cephalopod propulsion, and the robust structure of nacre, translate into practical engineering applications. The biomimetic design process is detailed, from biological observation to abstracting principles and implementing designs. The review showcases applications in propulsion systems, drag reduction strategies, advanced materials, and sophisticated sensors. Overcoming challenges in replicating biological complexity and achieving scalable manufacturing, technologies like 3D printing and soft robotics enable more accessible and adaptable biomimetic designs. Marine biomimicry presents significant opportunities for developing sustainable, energy-efficient technologies and warrants continued research and development efforts.

KW - Marine biomimicry

KW - Propulsion

KW - Structural biomimicry

KW - Underwater robotics

UR - https://www.scopus.com/pages/publications/105010200462

U2 - 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.122108

DO - 10.1016/j.oceaneng.2025.122108

M3 - 文献综述

AN - SCOPUS:105010200462

SN - 0029-8018

VL - 339

JO - Ocean Engineering

JF - Ocean Engineering

M1 - 122108

ER -

Translating marine biology into engineering: A review of biomimicry and its applications

Abstract

Keywords

Access to Document

Other files and links

Fingerprint

Cite this