Biomimetic applications inspired by waxberry (Myrica rubra): structure, functionality, and future perspectives

This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of waxberry-like structures, from their unique design and synthesis to their functional advantages and application potential. Waxberry-like structures represent a unique class of core–shell materials characterized by a highly textured outer shell resembling the bumpy surface of the waxberry fruit. Unlike typical core–shell structures, with a central core encapsulated in a smooth shell, waxberry-like materials feature nano- or micro-scale protrusions that enhance surface roughness so that the surface improves electromagnetic wave absorption, catalytic properties, and facilitates enhanced electron transport and ion diffusion. These characteristics make waxberry-like structures highly promising for energy storage applications, such as supercapacitors and batteries. Additionally, their distinctive surface texture can be tailored to optimize biological interactions, presenting potential for applications in drug delivery systems and biosensors. Moreover, the similar rambutan-like structure and raspberry-like structure are also compared. The waxberry-like structure exhibited priority in energy storage. By addressing the existing gaps in research and highlighting future directions, this review will offer valuable insights into the development of potential solutions to a variety of complex technological challenges.