Why
Insects
Matter in
Engineeri
ng
Insects have been evolving for 480 million years
They have developed efficient solutions to
survival challenges
These solutions help solve countless engineering
problems that we have today
-Energy efficient
materials
-Advanced sensors
-Cutting edge
mechanics
Brochosome
s
• Nanoscopic, hollow
spheroids produced by
leafhopper
• Through holes reduce
light reflection by
94%
• First biological
example light
absorbing compound
Brochosomes
research at Penn
State
Researchers at University Park managed
to 3d print a replica at 20,000 nm
Used an Infrared spectrometer to study
the interactions between brochosomes and
different lengths of light waves
Currently working to scale down to
natural size
How could we
use this
technology?
- UV protection for
paints, plastics,
other UV sensitive
applications
- More efficient
solar panels
- More advanced
sunscreens
Works Cited
“Brochosome.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 5
Oct. 2025, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brochosome. Accessed 19 Nov.
2025.
Oberdick, Jamie. “Backyard Insect Inspires Invisibility Devices, Next Gen
Tech.” Penn State Engineering, Penn State, 18 Mar. 2024,
https://www.psu.edu/news/materials-research-institute/story/backyardinsect-inspires-invisibility-devices-next-gen-tech. Accessed 19 Nov. 2025.
Author(s). “Title of Preprint.” eLife Reviewed Preprints, vol. X, no. Y,
2025, https://elifesciences.org/reviewed-preprints/99639. Accessed 19 Nov.
2025.