Attacus Acoustics is commercialising a new generation of ultra-lightweight sound-absorbing materials developed through pioneering research at the University.
Inspired by the microscopic structures found on moth wings, the technology has the potential to deliver sound absorption performance while being up to ten times thinner than conventional materials, with potential applications across construction, transport, aerospace, and manufacturing.
The innovation draws on a remarkable evolutionary adaptation developed over millions of years. To evade hunting bats using echolocation, some moth species evolved specialised scales and structures on their wings capable of absorbing sound waves and reducing acoustic reflections – effectively acting as an invisibility cloak.
Led by Professor Marc Holderied, researchers in the University of Bristol’s School of Biological Sciences have adapted these biological principles to engineer advanced acoustics materials capable of delivering sound absorption while remaining significantly thinner and lighter than many conventional alternatives.
The scientific breakthrough could help address one of the world's fastest-growing environmental and public health challenges: noise pollution.
According to the World Health Organisation, long-term exposure to excessive noise is linked to stress, sleep disruption, cardiovascular disease, and reduced wellbeing.
Existing soundproofing materials are often bulky, heavy, and resource-intensive, creating growing demand for lighter, more efficient, and more sustainable alternatives.
Attacus Acoustics aims to bring the technology from the laboratory into real-world applications, working with partners across multiple industries to develop next-generation acoustic solutions, from noise-reducing wallpaper in buildings to quieter aircraft cabins and car interiors.
The origins of the discovery trace back to a serendipitous moment in the rainforests of Costa Rica 30 years ago when Professor Holderied had an unexpected encounter with an unusually fluffy moth while conducting field research during his PhD studies into the acoustic properties of flowers.
That moment sparked a scientific curiosity which led to years of interdisciplinary research and development combining biology, physics, acoustics, and engineering.
Professor Holderied said: “I remember being struck by how fluffy this moth was and it made me wonder whether its wing structures were doing something much more sophisticated than we understood at the time.
“That chance encounter ultimately set me on a journey that led to an entirely new way of thinking about sound absorption. Nature has spent millions of years refining solutions to incredibly complex problems, and moths are masters of acoustic stealth.”
“What is exciting is that we are now able to translate those biological principles into engineered materials that could have a real impact across many industries and improve people’s everyday lives.
Dr Akash Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of Attacus Acoustics, said: “Industries around the world are needing to think more about noise control and looking for solutions that are lighter, thinner, more sustainable, and high performing. We are now focused on scaling our technology and collaborating with commercial partners to bring these materials into real-world applications.”
The company is already in discussions with aerospace manufacturers, where reducing cabin noise while minimising aircraft weight remains a major engineering challenge.
The technology is protected through patent filings managed by the University of Bristol and the company is currently engaging with commercial and investment partners to scale manufacturing and deployment.
The launch of Attacus Acoustics marks the latest addition to the University of Bristol’s ever-growing portfolio of deep-tech spinouts and reflects the institution’s commitment to translating world-leading research into commercial and societal impact.
The University of Bristol has been ranked fifth in the UK and tenth in Europe for life sciences and deep tech spinouts, according to The European Spinout Report 2025. In addition, according to the rankings, Bristol comes first in terms of value its quantum spinouts have created.
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