Finally! Life friendly chemistry explained
Life's Principles diagram by Biomimicry 3.8
Compiled by Biomimicry 3.8 over the last 15+ years, Life's Principles are a summarized list of deep patterns behind the way life works. Perhaps the toughest of the six primary Life's Principles to unpack and understand is Use Life Friendly Chemistry. Unless you have a background in chemistry, this particular principle is difficult to grasp because of its somewhat abstract nature and technical terminology.
Mark Dorfman is a biomimicry chemist and Principal at Biomimicry 3.8 and has a unique knack for explaining the life friendly chemistry in an approachable and insightful way. This is key for biomimicry practitioner's of the world, as we want to enable work with this Life's Principle in more meaningful and impactful ways.
Nature is alive with chemistry
Why should we mimic the chemistry of nature?
Because organisms face the same functional challenges as we do. Some of the functions achieved through chemistry in nature include:
Lubrication
Self-cleaning
Anti-oxidation
Coatings
Slippery surfaces
Adhesion
Water/ice resistance
Conducting
Color
Fragrance
Flavor
Flexibility
Impact resistance
Strength
Responsiveness
2. Nature also solves for chemistry needs in a way that is often time more sustainable than our own chemistry. It is biodegradable, life-friendly, and water-based.
How Nature Does Chemistry in a Life-Friendly Way
Break down products into benign constituents
Not only do nature's chemicals break down after their useful life, they break down to reusable building blocks. Enzymes are the key facilitators of biochemical breakdown.
Build selectively with a small subset of elements
React selectively through shape.
Maximize use of weak bonds.
Leverage paired opposites for self-assembly.
Optimize element proportions/positions.
Do chemistry in water
Nature uses water as a polar solvent, but also leverages water to make and break molecular bonds. Water also plays a role in making the complex 3D shape of biochemical structures.
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Get the full explanation on how nature does chemistry in a life friendly way. Join Mark as he shares his passion for how life friendly chemistry works and breaks down what this Life's Principle is all about... finally!
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