Beyond biomimicry – next generation applications of bioinspired adhesives from microfluidics to composites

In this perspective article, Professor Dan Sameoto outlines his opinion on future opportunities in the field of biomimetic adhesives. Despite over twenty years of excellent academic work by groups all around the world in this subfield, the economic value and impact of these materials is somewhat underwhelming. The question for the field is whether it should have a scientific and engineering focus to create every greater performance and understanding of the materials and hope that "if we build it, they will come". Perhaps we should expand our concept on what could be the desirable end applications for such materials and focus efforts on finding better end applications in which these materials can truly shine; a few of those applications like microfluidics and composites are highlighted in this article. It is time for a next generation of research to look beyond biomimicry and look towards re-engineering applications to make use of these materials' unique properties in economically viable ways.