The Concept of Biomimetics in the Development of Natural Pesticides
Modern agriculture is increasingly expected to be not only productive but also environmentally friendly. Amid growing concerns about the impact of chemical pesticides, an interesting approach has emerged—one that imitates how nature works, often called biomimetics. Through this approach, we can learn from natural mechanisms to develop pesticides that are effective but still safe for the environment. This method opens up new opportunities for sustainable farming without harming the existing balance of ecosystems.
- Biomimetic Concept
- How Natural Pesticides Work Using the Biomimetic Concept
- The Impact of the Biomimetic Concept on Ecosystem and Agriculture Sustainability
Biomimetic Concept
Biomimetics is an approach that imitates how nature works to create pesticides that are more targeted, environmentally friendly, and sustainable. One example is azadirachtin, a compound from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), and pyrethrin, which comes from chrysanthemum flowers (Chrysanthemum cinerariifolium). Besides copying natural compounds, biomimetics is also inspired by physical structures found in nature.
For example, the surface of insect cuticles has very tiny structures that make them water-resistant, slippery, or able to attract certain substances. Inspired by this, researchers have developed pesticide materials that stick better to leaves or pests' bodies and can slowly release active ingredients. With this technology, pesticides can stay effective longer without being easily washed away by wind or rain.
This also means farmers can use smaller amounts of pesticides, reducing the impact on soil, water, and the surrounding environment. This makes pest control more efficient and eco-friendly. In addition, natural pesticides designed with biomimetic principles can also be made to break down easily in nature.
The goal is to avoid polluting the soil and water, and to keep other living organisms safe. Today, with the help of technologies like computational biology and artificial intelligence (AI), the development of these pesticides has become faster and more efficient. These technologies can predict how natural compounds work against pests and help create synthetic versions that are more stable and easier to use.
How Natural Pesticides Work Using the Biomimetic Concept
Biomimetic pesticides mimic nature’s precision and effectiveness in controlling pests. One example is azadirachtin, a natural compound found in the seeds and leaves of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). Azadirachtin works by disrupting the insect’s hormone system, especially ecdysone, a hormone essential for molting and metamorphosis.
This disruption stops the growth of larvae and prevents them from reaching adulthood. It also interferes with juvenile hormone, which is important for insect development and reproduction. In addition to affecting hormones, azadirachtin acts as an antifeidant, meaning it discourages insects from eating treated plants. This happens because it disturbs the insect’s nervous system that controls feeding behavior, causing the insect to stop eating and eventually die from starvation.
Azadirachtin also reduces egg-laying ability in female insects and lowers the success rate of hatching. These combined effects make azadirachtin a powerful tool for natural and sustainable pest control. One of azadirachtin’s greatest strengths is its specificity—it targets pests without harming beneficial organisms like pollinators, earthworms, or natural predators.
Since it breaks down easily in the environment and doesn’t build up in soil or water, azadirachtin is ideal for eco-friendly farming and integrated pest management systems. Another natural pesticide is pyrethrin, an insecticidal compound derived from chrysanthemum flowers (Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium). Pyrethrin works by targeting sodium ion channels in insect nerves.
It keeps these channels open longer than normal, disrupting the sodium flow and overstimulating the nervous system. This leads to paralysis and eventually death. Pyrethrin is known for its fast-acting and broad-spectrum effects against many pest species. A major advantage of pyrethrin is its safety for humans and non-target animals, because it binds weakly to sodium channels in mammals.
It also breaks down quickly in air and sunlight, leaving no harmful residue in the environment. This makes it a great choice for organic farming and sustainable pest management. However, because it is easily degraded by UV light, its effectiveness in the field can decrease, so more stable formulations are often needed. Pyrethrin is strong evidence that natural compounds can offer effective and eco-friendly pest control solutions.
The Impact of the Biomimetic Concept on Ecosystem and Agriculture Sustainability
Pesticides based on the biomimetic concept make a significant contribution to environmental sustainability because they are designed to align with natural ecological processes. One of their main advantages is their ability to break down quickly in nature, reducing the risk of chemical buildup in soil or contamination of water sources. Their production process follows green chemistry principles, avoiding the use of toxic solvents and producing less waste.
A good example is the development of neem-based and pyrethrin-based pesticides, which are now more environmentally friendly and have a lower carbon footprint. By mimicking how nature works, the biomimetic approach naturally helps maintain ecosystem balance while still meeting the needs of modern agriculture. This innovation proves that effective pest control can be achieved without harming the environment.
The biomimetic concept offers an innovative solution to today’s agricultural challenges, such as increasing food production without sacrificing environmental preservation. That’s why sustained investment in biomimetic research and development is essential to build a future of agriculture that is both productive and environmentally responsible. Ensure the effectiveness and safety of your natural pesticide formulation through pesticide testing at a trusted laboratory.
Trusted pesticide testing laboratories provide biological, toxicological, and active ingredient characterization analyses to support the development of biomimetic-based products. With accurate and comprehensive test results, you can ensure environmentally friendly pesticides remain effective in the field. Entrust the testing process to a pesticide testing laboratory that meets high quality standards.
Small steps taken in laboratory testing today can lay the foundation for sustainable agricultural innovations in the future. Contact a trusted pesticide testing laboratory for a consultation and to schedule your product testing.
Author: Dherika
Editor: Sabilla Reza
References:
Harun-Ur-Rashid, M., Imran, A.B. (2025). Biomimetic and Synthetic Advances in natural Pesticides: Balancing Efficiency and Environmental Safety. Journal of Chemistry, 2025, 1-23. https://doi.org/10.1155/joch/1510186.
M. Stojanovic. (2019). Biomimicry in Agriculture: Is the Ecological System-Design Model the Future Agricultural Paradigm?. Journal of Agricultural and Environmental Ethics, 32(no. 5-6), 789–804. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10806-017-9702-7.Y, Zheng., J, Wang., J, Wang., Y, Li., & Z, Jiang. (2025). Insect Cuticle: A Source of Inspiration for Biomimetic Interface Material Design. Colloid and Interface Science Communications, 64. https://doi.org/10.1016/ j.colcom.2025.10081
