Chemical-Free Surface Technology Inspired by Nature

Few natural organisms have impressed humans to such an extent that we name a phenomenon after it. But the lotus leaf has, due to its remarkable water-repellent properties.

The "Lotus Effect" refers to the plant's micro- and nanoscale structures that cause water to bead and roll off, carrying dirt away. This principle is now used to develop self-cleaning, hydrophobic coatings or other surface solutions for various industries.

One organisation applying the Lotus Effect (and biomimicry) to create exceptional products, is Fusion Bionic. The organisation's bio-inspired laser-textured surfaces enhance functionality across various industries, including automotive, aerospace, and medical technology.

These textures mimic natural patterns found in living organisms (including the lotus leaf, but so many others, too) to achieve specific performance characteristics.

Are you interested in biotech? Read: 10 Biotech companies that practice biomimicry

We asked Dr Tim Kunze, the CEO and Co-Founder of Fusion Bionic, a few questions about Fusion Bionic.

Insights from Fusion Bionic's CEO and Co-Founder  

As a natural scientist with a deep passion for innovative technologies, Tim Kunze leads the company’s mission to bring nature’s smart solutions into industrial applications.

What first led to Fusion Bionic's focus on these specific natural organisms?

We were particularly fascinated by how organisms achieve functionality without chemicals—just through structure. The Lotus leaf, the Namib Desert beetle, or the shark’s skin—they all pointed us toward a model of sustainable performance.

If you're keen to learn more about biomimicry and its history, read: The Complete History of Biomimicry 

These organisms taught us that function can be encoded in form, and demonstrated how surface structure impacts significantly functional benefits of products. Inspired by this, Fusion Bionic committed to replicating such surfaces via laser-based technologies to create sustainable and more and more chemical-free solutions.

Which well known products can most benefit from your technology’s anti-reflection, anti-glare and anti-fogging properties? 

The applications are vast. Think of solar panels, where dust reduces energy yield; automotive glass, where fog and dirt impair visibility; optical sensors in LiDAR systems, smartphone camera lenses, and even greenhouse glazing. These are all areas where passive, structure-based cleanliness and clarity are game-changers.

What are some other possible future applications for your surface technology or exciting developments you are currently working on?

We’re exploring anti-icing surfaces for aviation and wind energy, friction-reducing textures for medical devices, and anti-bacterial patterns for touch surfaces. One exciting direction is combining our structuring technology with machine learning to design surfaces that adapt to specific application constraints. We're also scaling up roll-to-roll processes to bring these solutions to even more industries.

How does your laser technology work?

We use laser beams that overlap and interfere to create periodic energy patterns. These energy patterns are projected onto a material surface, which absorbs the energy and transforms at the microscopic level—resulting in precise, repeatable textures. Unlike conventional surface treatments, this method works at industrial speeds and resolutions and is dry, clean, and scalable.

Our technology is compatible with a wide range of materials including glass, polymers, metals, and semiconductors. Whether it's structuring the glass cover of a solar panel, the surface of a medical implant, or a plastic component in automotive design—our method provides functional textures tailored to each substrate's properties and application. 

Are you interested in product design? Read: 10 Biomimicry Product Examples for Nature-Inspired Designers or explore the Product Design projects from our Biomimicry Practitioners

Case Study: Anti-soiling for solar technology applications

Let's look at one of Fusion Bionic's specific biomimetic surface coating product: 

The Challenge: In arid regions, dust accumulation is one of the most significant performance threats to photovoltaic (PV) installations. Dust layers reduce light transmission and energy output, and frequent cleaning drives up operational costs—especially in remote areas with limited water availability.

Fusion Bionic tackled this issue by drawing inspiration from the Lotus leaf, known for its exceptional self-cleaning properties. But rather than a one-to-one imitation, they engineered a functional adaptation: applying a tailored microstructure onto solar glass cover panels.

The Solution: The laser technology restructures the glass surface at the microscopic level, creating textures that significantly reduce adhesion forces between dust particles and the panel surface. This doesn't change the optical properties of the glass but drastically improves its ability to shed particles through wind or minimal rain.

Measured Impact

• Up to 96% reduction in dust adhesion
• Up to 57% reduction in soiling-related cleaning costs
• Field tests are ongoing with EPCs, PV module manufacturers, and solar glass producers in dust-prone regions

This application shows how nature’s blueprint—interpreted through laser precision—can unlock real-world sustainability benefits at scale. 

Did You Know? Fusion Bionic was selected as a finalist for the 2022 Ray of Hope Prize hosted by the Biomimicry Institute. You can watch an overview of their work in this Youtube video: Better Surfaces Through Nature (and Lasers!)

Conclusion: Embracing Nature's Solutions

Fusion Bionic’s biomimetic surfaces demonstrate how nature-inspired design can unlock advanced functionality—offering benefits like self-cleaning, reduced friction, improved durability, and enhanced hygiene. These innovations are already transforming sectors from aerospace to medical devices.

If you’re curious about how biomimicry could benefit your field, now is the time to explore its possibilities. Nature has spent millions of years solving design challenges—we’re only beginning to tap into that wisdom.

Next steps

If you're interested in learning more about biomimicry and how it is being applied, here are three ways we can help you on your journey: 

1. Discover various projects done by our Biomimicry Practitioner learners, by signing up here (you'll also get a free Biomimicry Project Playbook, worth $27, to help you get started on your own project). 

Lian van Leeuwen, Biomimicry Practitioner, designed life-friendly, recyclable cycling bib shorts inspired by wool and mycelium. View more projects by signing up here.

2. Explore the Biomimicry Short Course set, which will give you a solid understanding of how biomimicry works (including loads of examples and case studies, three handbooks plus added resources)

3. Take the next step by joining the Biomimicry Practitioner Programme: a 6-month mentored, project-based programme. Elevate your career (or make that needed career change), gain valuable skills and make a positive impact on those around you.