Recent advances in biomimetic micro/nanomanufacturing via femtosecond laser direct writing

Biological systems exhibiting complex architectures and multifunctional capabilities have long served as blueprints for engineering innovation. Biomimetic micro/nanomanufacturing, which aims to replicate these structures at micro- and nanoscales, holds significant potential for advancing materials science, photonics, robotics, and biomedical technologies. However, conventional fabrication methods, such as photolithography and deposition, suffer from inherent limitations in resolution, structural complexity, material compatibility, and functional integration, restricting their ability to emulate natural systems faithfully. Femtosecond laser direct writing (FsLDW), leveraging nonlinear multiphoton interactions, has recently emerged as a powerful technique capable of overcoming these challenges. With submicron resolution, complete three-dimensional freedom, and broad material adaptability, FsLDW enables the precise replication of complex biological morphologies while allowing the integration of programmable, stimuli-responsive functions. In this review, we systematically survey recent progress in FsLDW-enabled biomimetic manufacturing, tracing its development from structural replication to functional mimicry. Representative applications include responsive micro/nanorobots, adaptive photonic components, and intelligent sensing platforms. We also discuss current limitations, such as fabrication throughput and material diversity, and explore future directions that emphasize multifunctional integration and biomedical relevance. FsLDW offers a promising pathway for advancing biomimetic manufacturing, combining structural complexity with functional responsiveness and paving the way toward next-generation intelligent systems.