Date of Award
2020
First Advisor
Michael Bergman
Second Advisor
Erin McMullin
Abstract
The philosophy of sustainable biomimicry is one that emulates nature on three levels: form, process, and ecosystem. While biomimicking technologies are somewhat prevalent, this thesis explores how biomimicry can increase sustainability and scope in a diverse array of fields. It provides a succinct overview of some common biomimetic technologies outside medicine, such as inspiration used in architectural design and algorithm development. Eventually, it narrows down into how biomimicry has been utilized within medicine, through imitation of form and systemic processes. It further evaluates biomimetic nanoparticles and their suitability for drug delivery. Experimentally, the cationic gelification of alginate to form nanoaggregates was conducted. Size characterization of these particles using dynamic light scattering was inhibited by the onset of COVID-19 quarantine measures. Biomimicking technologies provide a great augmentation in therapeutic scope, but generally tend to be deterred by a lack of advances in microengineering. This is usually due to the microscale at which life-sustaining chemical reactions occur. Nonetheless, the widespread use of a biomimetic lens in the development of novel technologies can lead to increasingly sustainable practices.
Recommended Citation
Buntval, Karan, "The Imitation Game: How Biomimicry can Revolutionize Scope and Sustainability within Medicine" (2020). Senior Theses. 1422.
https://digitalcommons.bard.edu/sr-theses/1422
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