Photonics in Nature: From Living Organisms to Bioinspiration

Since the emergence of life on Earth, nature provided numerous organisms with intricate micro- and nano-scale structures that enable them to manipulate light - spanning from bacteria and microalgae to animals. Photonic structures possess versatile functionalities as photonic crystals in 1D, 2D or 3D configurations, serving as polarization-selective reflectors, diffraction gratings, or disordered photonic systems, achieving remarkable structural coloration, transparency, whiteness or blackness. Their function in nature includes facilitating mating, communication, perception, mimicry, or enhancing light absorption and photosynthetic efficiency. Organisms equipped with photonic nanostructures are akin to a living, highly efficient nano-factory capable of producing architectures of such complexity that even the most advanced lithographic techniques struggle to replicate, all at near-zero-cost. The study of optical properties in biological systems is not only intrinsically captivating, but it also has the potential to revolutionize the field of optoelectronics and photonics. By drawing inspiration from the structural design that evolved over millions of years, we may foster new generations of devices tailored for optimal performance and functionality.

This Research Topic explores the diversity of photonic nanostructures found in nature, spanning from basic multi-layered arrangements responsible for structural color in many insects, fishes, birds, and plants, to more complex architectures where disorder or hierarchical organization of the ultrastructure are integral to the optical properties of living systems. In addition to numerical and experimental characterization of these structures and their applications in optics, photonics and plasmonics, we encourage the submission of original papers, review articles and future perspectives on bioinspired optical devices.
The authors are invited to propose original research, perspective or review articles on these or related topics:
- Photonic structures in biology
- Photonic nanostructures in biomaterials
- Bioinspiration in optics, photonics, and plasmonics
- Bioinspiration in optical sensing
- Periodic and ordered photonic nanostructures in nature
- Disordered photonic nanostructures in nature
- Numerical methods for the simulation of light propagation in biological nanostructures
- Bio-derived macromolecules in optics and photonics

This collection also features a best picture prize, wherein the author submitting the best picture relevant to the Research Topic theme (as chosen by the Specialty Chief Editor) will receive a future fee waiver and recognition on the Research Topic's front page once the collection is completed.