6 June 2012
Abstract: While biomimetic research is becoming increasingly popular the term is being used for a broader range of research and it is becoming more difficult for researchers to understand anddefine. In this opinion article we discuss how biomimetic research overlaps with and differs from the complementary fields of biotechnology, biokleptic and bioinspired research as we
attempt to describe each area with definitions, examples and discussion. What makes research biomimetic, bioinspired or biokleptic is put under scrutiny as we ask: can different
components, parts and processes of an experiment be categorised separately? What is the difference between a biological and synthetic system/component? Is the scientist or biology in
control? The answers to which aim to untangle the subtleties of the biomimetics field.