Lightweight composite sandwich structures consist of thin and strong panels and lightweight porous cores

and diversity of their core structures drives the development of sandwich structures. In nature

various types of organisms have formed the most suitable biological structure for their survival and reproduction during the long-term evolution process

in which the high-strength structure has inspired researchers to carry out biomimetic design of sandwich structure cores. In this paper

research status of biomimetic core structure of water animals

land animals

flying animals

as well as plant fruits

roots

stems

and leaf veins is reviewed

and design concepts of biomimetic composite sandwich structure cores and topologies are described. The improvement of mechanical properties of bionic composite sandwich structure and its application in related engineering are introduced. Finally

based on the current development status of bionic composite sandwich structures

scientific challenges are presented and outlook is given.