In order to better understand the functions of plants, it is important to analyze the internal structure of plants with a complex structure, as well as to efficiently monitor the morphology of plants altered by their external environment. This anatomical study investigated structural characteristics of pinecones to provide detailed descriptions of morphological specifications of complex cone scales. We analyzed cross-sectional image data and internal movement patterns in the opening and closing motions of pinecones, which change according to the moisture content of its external environment. It is possible to propose a scientific system for the deformation of complex pinecone for the variable structures due to changes in relative humidity, as well as the application of technology. This study provided a functional principle for a multidisciplinary approach by exploring the morphological properties and anatomical structures of pinecones. Therefore, the results suggest a potential application for use in energy-efficient materials by incorporating hygroscopic principles into engineering technology and also providing basic data for biomimicry research.

Biomimicry refers to a cooperative process that develops a sustainable world by taking inspiration from the structure, function, process, and mechanism of an organism adapted to the environment through the evolution of nature. A classification system of biomimicry from a biological and ecological point of view (biology push) can provide a framework for the sustainable development of society, the environment, and the economy. Thus, the purpose of this study was to categorize biological and ecological functions and to present a collaborative biomimicry system that suggests engineering and industrial sectors where biomimicry functions can be applied. Based on biology push, the biological and ecological functions were divided into six groups with subgroups of specific features, related to the fields of technology and industry. Through the formulation of the new biological functional framework, the biomimicry system can be used as a simple classification tool to determine the expected value of the final product as well as provide the knowledge data required in engineering and industry.

This study examines the current technological level and industrial/technical trends in the field of biomimicry technology, as well as recent technological and research and development trends. Patent analysis was conducted, focusing on technology that uses design elements and biological/ecological characteristics to provide solutions to technological problems. The technological scope of the analysis included the field of technologies and materials that apply to the conditions found in ecology, as well as robot machines and devices designed to mimic certain animals and ecological elements. The search for patents was conducted in Korea, the United States, Japan, and Europe from 1975 to 2021, resulting in a total of 8278 raw data cases, from which 940 valid patents were selected. The percentage of patent document and the status of both domestic and foreign applicants varied among the countries of Korea, the United States, Japan, and Europe. Based on the results of the patent analysis, it was found that biomimicry technology is in a growth phase that is expected to continue in the future and that Korea and the United States are leading the development of this technology.

Recently, there has been growing interest in plant-inspired materials for various biological, medical, and industrial applications. Notably, tannic acid-based materials exhibit remarkable adhesive properties and can be used in a variety of applications, particularly biomedical applications. In addition, mixtures composed of tannic acid and polymers (e.g., polyvinyl alcohol) exhibit excellent adhesion to various substrates. In this study, we developed gallol-containing chitosan (G-CS), polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), and tannic acid (TA) composite (G-CPT) hydrogels as wood adhesive materials. G-CPT hydrogels were immediately formed by mixing the G-CS/PVA solution with the TA solution. Rheological analysis revealed an increase in the elastic modulus (G′) with the addition of small amounts of G-CS. In addition, the detachment stress of wood sticks attached using G-CPT hydrogels was 142.2 ± 7.2 MPa, which was substantially higher than that of G-CS (5.3 ± 1.4 kPa), PVA (2.2 ± 0.2 kPa), TA (0.4 ± 0.1 kPa), and PVA/TA hydrogels (106.5 ± 2.5 MPa). Furthermore, G-CPT hydrogels can be used as wood adhesives for scion grafting into the rootstock of English ivy. These findings highlight the importance of G-CPT hydrogels as eco-friendly wood adhesives with enormous potential for various industrial and agricultural applications.