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Biomimetics, Volume 5, Issue 2 (June 2020) – 19 articles

Cover Story (view full-size image): Recent advances in biomimetic nanomembranes are reviewed. Pathways for the synthesis of inorganic, organic, and hybrid structures mimicking and in some way surpassing the biological structures are highlighted. An overview of possible enhancement methods through multifunctionalization is presented (synthetic ion channels, ion pumps, nuclear pore complexes, antifouling nanostructures, etc.) Applications in numerous seemingly disparate fields are summarized, including separation science and technology, sensors, environmental protection, renewable energy, process industry, life sciences, and biomedicine. View this paper
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20 pages, 6418 KiB  
Article
Fibrillar Collagen Type I Participates in the Survival and Aggregation of Primary Hepatocytes Cultured on Soft Hydrogels
by Nathalia Serna-Márquez, Adriana Rodríguez-Hernández, Marisol Ayala-Reyes, Lorena Omega Martínez-Hernández, Miguel Ángel Peña-Rico, Jorge Carretero-Ortega, Mathieu Hautefeuille and Genaro Vázquez-Victorio
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 30; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020030 - 25 Jun 2020
Cited by 10 | Viewed by 6311
Abstract
Liver is an essential organ that carries out multiple functions such as glycogen storage, the synthesis of plasma proteins, and the detoxification of xenobiotics. Hepatocytes are the parenchyma that sustain almost all the functions supported by this organ. Hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells respond [...] Read more.
Liver is an essential organ that carries out multiple functions such as glycogen storage, the synthesis of plasma proteins, and the detoxification of xenobiotics. Hepatocytes are the parenchyma that sustain almost all the functions supported by this organ. Hepatocytes and non-parenchymal cells respond to the mechanical alterations that occur in the extracellular matrix (ECM) caused by organogenesis and regenerating processes. Rearrangements of the ECM modify the composition and mechanical properties that result in specific dedifferentiation programs inside the hepatic cells. Quiescent hepatocytes are embedded in the soft ECM, which contains an important concentration of fibrillar collagens in combination with a basement membrane-associated matrix (BM). This work aims to evaluate the role of fibrillar collagens and BM on actin cytoskeleton organization and the function of rat primary hepatocytes cultured on soft elastic polyacrylamide hydrogels (PAA HGs). We used rat tail collagen type I and Matrigel® as references of fibrillar collagens and BM respectively and mixed different percentages of collagen type I in combination with BM. We also used peptides obtained from decellularized liver matrices (dECM). Remarkably, hepatocytes showed a poor adhesion in the absence of collagen on soft PAA HGs. We demonstrated that collagen type I inhibited apoptosis and activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) in primary hepatocytes cultured on soft hydrogels. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) was not able to rescue cell viability in conjugated BM but affected cell aggregation in soft PAA HGs conjugated with combinations of different proportions of collagen and BM. Interestingly, actin cytoskeleton was localized and preserved close to plasma membrane (cortical actin) and proximal to intercellular ducts (canaliculi-like structures) in soft conditions; however, albumin protein expression was not preserved, even though primary hepatocytes did not remodel their actin cytoskeleton significantly in soft conditions. This investigation highlights the important role of fibrillar collagens on soft hydrogels for the maintenance of survival and aggregation of the hepatocytes. Data suggest evaluating the conditions that allow the establishment of optimal biomimetic environments for physiology and cell biology studies, where the phenotype of primary cells may be preserved for longer periods of time. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Stem Cells, Tissue Engineering and Modelling)
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39 pages, 12635 KiB  
Review
Biogenic Metal Oxides
by Hipassia M. Moura and Miriam M. Unterlass
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 29; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020029 - 23 Jun 2020
Cited by 20 | Viewed by 6809
Abstract
Biogenic metal oxides (MxOy) feature structures as highly functional and unique as the organisms generating them. They have caught the attention of scientists for the development of novel materials by biomimicry. In order to understand how biogenic Mx [...] Read more.
Biogenic metal oxides (MxOy) feature structures as highly functional and unique as the organisms generating them. They have caught the attention of scientists for the development of novel materials by biomimicry. In order to understand how biogenic MxOy could inspire novel technologies, we have reviewed examples of all biogenic MxOy, as well as the current state of understanding of the interactions between the inorganic MxOy and the biological matter they originate from and are connected to. In this review, we first summarize the origins of the precursors that living nature converts into MxOy. From the point-of-view of our materials chemists, we present an overview of the biogenesis of silica, iron and manganese oxides, as the only reported biogenic MxOy to date. These MxOy are found across all five kingdoms (bacteria, protoctista, fungi, plants and animals). We discuss the key molecules involved in the biosynthesis of MxOy, the functionality of the MxOy structures, and the techniques by which the biogenic MxOy can be studied. We close by outlining the biomimetic approaches inspired by biogenic MxOy materials and their challenges, and we point at promising directions for future organic-inorganic materials and their synthesis. Full article
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20 pages, 3326 KiB  
Review
Lotus Effect and Friction: Does Nonsticky Mean Slippery?
by Md Syam Hasan and Michael Nosonovsky
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 28; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020028 - 12 Jun 2020
Cited by 28 | Viewed by 6751
Abstract
Lotus-effect-based superhydrophobicity is one of the most celebrated applications of biomimetics in materials science. Due to a combination of controlled surface roughness (surface patterns) and low-surface energy coatings, superhydrophobic surfaces repel water and, to some extent, other liquids. However, many applications require surfaces [...] Read more.
Lotus-effect-based superhydrophobicity is one of the most celebrated applications of biomimetics in materials science. Due to a combination of controlled surface roughness (surface patterns) and low-surface energy coatings, superhydrophobic surfaces repel water and, to some extent, other liquids. However, many applications require surfaces which are water-repellent but provide high friction. An example would be highway or runway pavements, which should support high wheel–pavement traction. Despite a common perception that making a surface non-wet also makes it slippery, the correlation between non-wetting and low friction is not always direct. This is because friction and wetting involve many mechanisms and because adhesion cannot be characterized by a single factor. We review relevant adhesion mechanisms and parameters (the interfacial energy, contact angle, contact angle hysteresis, and specific fracture energy) and discuss the complex interrelation between friction and wetting, which is crucial for the design of biomimetic functional surfaces. Full article
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47 pages, 3117 KiB  
Review
Metal Oxide Nanoparticles as Biomedical Materials
by Maria P. Nikolova and Murthy S. Chavali
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 27; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020027 - 8 Jun 2020
Cited by 334 | Viewed by 19732
Abstract
The development of new nanomaterials with high biomedical performance and low toxicity is essential to obtain more efficient therapy and precise diagnostic tools and devices. Recently, scientists often face issues of balancing between positive therapeutic effects of metal oxide nanoparticles and their toxic [...] Read more.
The development of new nanomaterials with high biomedical performance and low toxicity is essential to obtain more efficient therapy and precise diagnostic tools and devices. Recently, scientists often face issues of balancing between positive therapeutic effects of metal oxide nanoparticles and their toxic side effects. In this review, considering metal oxide nanoparticles as important technological and biomedical materials, the authors provide a comprehensive review of researches on metal oxide nanoparticles, their nanoscale physicochemical properties, defining specific applications in the various fields of nanomedicine. Authors discuss the recent development of metal oxide nanoparticles that were employed as biomedical materials in tissue therapy, immunotherapy, diagnosis, dentistry, regenerative medicine, wound healing and biosensing platforms. Besides, their antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral properties along with biotoxicology were debated in detail. The significant breakthroughs in the field of nanobiomedicine have emerged in areas and numbers predicting tremendous application potential and enormous market value for metal oxide nanoparticles. Full article
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16 pages, 4432 KiB  
Article
Rapidly Exploring Random Tree Algorithm-Based Path Planning for Worm-Like Robot
by Yifan Wang, Prathamesh Pandit, Akhil Kandhari, Zehao Liu and Kathryn A. Daltorio
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 26; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020026 - 5 Jun 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5774
Abstract
Inspired by earthworms, worm-like robots use peristaltic waves to locomote. While there has been research on generating and optimizing the peristalsis wave, path planning for such worm-like robots has not been well explored. In this paper, we evaluate rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) [...] Read more.
Inspired by earthworms, worm-like robots use peristaltic waves to locomote. While there has been research on generating and optimizing the peristalsis wave, path planning for such worm-like robots has not been well explored. In this paper, we evaluate rapidly exploring random tree (RRT) algorithms for path planning in worm-like robots. The kinematics of peristaltic locomotion constrain the potential for turning in a non-holonomic way if slip is avoided. Here we show that adding an elliptical path generating algorithm, especially a two-step enhanced algorithm that searches path both forward and backward simultaneously, can make planning such waves feasible and efficient by reducing required iterations by up around 2 orders of magnitude. With this path planner, it is possible to calculate the number of waves to get to arbitrary combinations of position and orientation in a space. This reveals boundaries in configuration space that can be used to determine whether to continue forward or back-up before maneuvering, as in the worm-like equivalent of parallel parking. The high number of waves required to shift the body laterally by even a single body width suggests that strategies for lateral motion, planning around obstacles and responsive behaviors will be important for future worm-like robots. Full article
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21 pages, 4060 KiB  
Article
Biomimicry of the Hawk Moth, Manduca sexta (L.), Produces an Improved Flapping-Wing Mechanism
by Kenneth Moses, Mark Willis and Roger Quinn
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 25; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020025 - 4 Jun 2020
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4863
Abstract
Flapping-wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs) that mimic the flight capabilities of insects have been sought for decades. Core to the vehicle’s flight capabilities is the mechanism that drives the wings to produce thrust and lift. This article describes a newly designed flapping-wing mechanism [...] Read more.
Flapping-wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs) that mimic the flight capabilities of insects have been sought for decades. Core to the vehicle’s flight capabilities is the mechanism that drives the wings to produce thrust and lift. This article describes a newly designed flapping-wing mechanism (FWM) inspired by the North American hawk moth, Manduca sexta. Moreover, the hardware, software, and experimental testing methods developed to measure the efficiency of insect-scale flapping-wing systems (i.e., the lift produced per unit of input power) are detailed. The new FWM weighs 1.2 grams without an actuator and wings attached, and its maximum dimensions are 21 × 24 × 11 mm. This FWM requires 402 mW of power to operate, amounting to a 48% power reduction when compared to a previous version. In addition, it generates 1.3 gram-force of lift at a flapping frequency of 21.6 Hz. Results show progress, but they have not yet met the power efficiency of the naturally occurring Manduca sexta. Plans to improve the technique for measuring efficiency are discussed as well as strategies to more closely mimic the efficiency of the Manduca sexta-inspired FWM. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetics from Concept to Reality)
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46 pages, 3559 KiB  
Review
Biomimetic Nanomembranes: An Overview
by Zoran Jakšić and Olga Jakšić
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 24; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020024 - 29 May 2020
Cited by 33 | Viewed by 8210
Abstract
Nanomembranes are the principal building block of basically all living organisms, and without them life as we know it would not be possible. Yet in spite of their ubiquity, for a long time their artificial counterparts have mostly been overlooked in mainstream microsystem [...] Read more.
Nanomembranes are the principal building block of basically all living organisms, and without them life as we know it would not be possible. Yet in spite of their ubiquity, for a long time their artificial counterparts have mostly been overlooked in mainstream microsystem and nanosystem technologies, being a niche topic at best, instead of holding their rightful position as one of the basic structures in such systems. Synthetic biomimetic nanomembranes are essential in a vast number of seemingly disparate fields, including separation science and technology, sensing technology, environmental protection, renewable energy, process industry, life sciences and biomedicine. In this study, we review the possibilities for the synthesis of inorganic, organic and hybrid nanomembranes mimicking and in some way surpassing living structures, consider their main properties of interest, give a short overview of possible pathways for their enhancement through multifunctionalization, and summarize some of their numerous applications reported to date, with a focus on recent findings. It is our aim to stress the role of functionalized synthetic biomimetic nanomembranes within the context of modern nanoscience and nanotechnologies. We hope to highlight the importance of the topic, as well as to stress its great applicability potentials in many facets of human life. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Nanotechnology Vol. 2)
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18 pages, 7030 KiB  
Article
Evo-Devo Strategies for Generative Architecture: Colour-Based Patterns in Polygon Meshes
by Diego Navarro-Mateu and Ana Cocho-Bermejo
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 23; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020023 - 22 May 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 5729
Abstract
Parametric design in architecture is often pigeonholed by its own definition and computational complexity. This article explores the generative capacity to integrate patterns and flows analogous to evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo) strategies to develop emergent proto-architecture. Through the use of coloured patterns (genotype) [...] Read more.
Parametric design in architecture is often pigeonholed by its own definition and computational complexity. This article explores the generative capacity to integrate patterns and flows analogous to evolutionary developmental biology (Evo-Devo) strategies to develop emergent proto-architecture. Through the use of coloured patterns (genotype) and the modification of polygonal meshes (phenotype), a methodological proposal is achieved that is flexible to changes and personalization, computationally efficient, and includes a wide range of typologies. Both the process and the result are oriented towards computational lightness for a future and better integration of the workflow in genetic algorithms. Flow-based programming is used to replicate genetic properties such as multifunctionality, repeatability and interchangeability. The results reinforce the biological strategies against other more computationally abstract ones and successfully execute the parallels of universal mechanisms in Evo-Devo that are present in life. Full article
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12 pages, 2997 KiB  
Article
Composite Magnetic Sorbents Based on Iron Oxides in Different Polymer Matrices: Comparison and Application for Removal of Strontium
by Andrei Egorin, Eduard Tokar, Anna Matskevich, Nikita Ivanov, Ivan Tkachenko, Tatiana Sokolnitskaya and Larisa Zemskova
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 22; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020022 - 18 May 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3175
Abstract
Introduction of magnetic nanoparticles into composite sorbents based on polymer matrices has received great attention due to the possibility of using cheap iron oxides and removing spent sorbents by means of magnetic separation. In the present paper, we discuss the problem of creating [...] Read more.
Introduction of magnetic nanoparticles into composite sorbents based on polymer matrices has received great attention due to the possibility of using cheap iron oxides and removing spent sorbents by means of magnetic separation. In the present paper, we discuss the problem of creating magnetic sorbents using two types of matrices as host materials: synthetic cation exchange resin and natural aminopolysaccharide chitosan. The possibilities of applying matrices for the in situ formation of oxide phases of a specified composition with the required content of an inorganic component in a composite material were estimated. The composition of the oxide phase formed in the composite material was studied, and particle sizes were evaluated by the method of X-ray diffraction analysis. Magnetic characteristics were investigated. Sorption characteristics with respect to strontium for the composites containing iron oxides were determined. Full article
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15 pages, 387 KiB  
Article
Enabling Biomimetic Place-Based Design at Scale
by Samantha Hayes, Jane Toner, Cheryl Desha and Mark Gibbs
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 21; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020021 - 18 May 2020
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4152
Abstract
Amidst the inter-related challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth, the built environment must be designed in a way that recognises its role in shaping and being shaped by complex social and ecological systems. This includes avoiding the degradation of living [...] Read more.
Amidst the inter-related challenges of climate change, resource scarcity, and population growth, the built environment must be designed in a way that recognises its role in shaping and being shaped by complex social and ecological systems. This includes avoiding the degradation of living systems in the design and construction of buildings and infrastructure, as well as enhancing the built environment’s resilience to disturbance by those systems. This paper explores the potential for biomimetic place-based design (BPD) to inform resilient and regenerative built environment outcomes by learning from local ecosystems. One recognised hurdle is the upfront resourcing required to establish the biomimetic knowledge base for each project. However, conducting BPD projects at-scale (i.e., city or region) can improve the method’s value-proposition by better leveraging upfront research efforts, design concepts, and strategies. This research identifies existing barriers to the widespread adoption of BPD and presents an action framework for capability-building across industry, government, and academia to enable application at-scale. Drawing on findings from workshops in the USA and Australia, it creates a resource for colleagues looking to apply BPD in a city or region and offers next steps for research and development. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetics from Concept to Reality)
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16 pages, 1924 KiB  
Review
Advances in Biomimetic Systems for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing
by Yeşeren Saylan, Özgecan Erdem, Fatih Inci and Adil Denizli
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 20; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020020 - 12 May 2020
Cited by 55 | Viewed by 7012
Abstract
Understanding the fundamentals of natural design, structure, and function has pushed the limits of current knowledge and has enabled us to transfer knowledge from the bench to the market as a product. In particular, biomimicry―one of the crucial strategies in this respect―has allowed [...] Read more.
Understanding the fundamentals of natural design, structure, and function has pushed the limits of current knowledge and has enabled us to transfer knowledge from the bench to the market as a product. In particular, biomimicry―one of the crucial strategies in this respect―has allowed researchers to tackle major challenges in the disciplines of engineering, biology, physics, materials science, and medicine. It has an enormous impact on these fields with pivotal applications, which are not limited to the applications of biocompatible tooth implants, programmable drug delivery systems, biocompatible tissue scaffolds, organ-on-a-chip systems, wearable platforms, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), and smart biosensors. Among them, MIPs provide a versatile strategy to imitate the procedure of molecular recognition precisely, creating structural fingerprint replicas of molecules for biorecognition studies. Owing to their affordability, easy-to-fabricate/use features, stability, specificity, and multiplexing capabilities, host-guest recognition systems have largely benefitted from the MIP strategy. This review article is structured with four major points: (i) determining the requirement of biomimetic systems and denoting multiple examples in this manner; (ii) introducing the molecular imprinting method and reviewing recent literature to elaborate the power and impact of MIPs on a variety of scientific and industrial fields; (iii) exemplifying the MIP-integrated systems, i.e., chromatographic systems, lab-on-a-chip systems, and sensor systems; and (iv) closing remarks. Full article
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67 pages, 4310 KiB  
Review
Tutorial Review of Bio-Inspired Approaches to Robotic Manipulation for Space Debris Salvage
by Alex Ellery
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 19; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020019 - 12 May 2020
Cited by 13 | Viewed by 5296
Abstract
We present a comprehensive tutorial review that explores the application of bio-inspired approaches to robot control systems for grappling and manipulating a wide range of space debris targets. Current robot manipulator control systems exploit limited techniques which can be supplemented by additional bio-inspired [...] Read more.
We present a comprehensive tutorial review that explores the application of bio-inspired approaches to robot control systems for grappling and manipulating a wide range of space debris targets. Current robot manipulator control systems exploit limited techniques which can be supplemented by additional bio-inspired methods to provide a robust suite of robot manipulation technologies. In doing so, we review bio-inspired control methods because this will be the key to enabling such capabilities. In particular, force feedback control may be supplemented with predictive forward models and software emulation of viscoelastic preflexive joint behaviour. This models human manipulation capabilities as implemented by the cerebellum and muscles/joints respectively. In effect, we are proposing a three-level control strategy based on biomimetic forward models for predictive estimation, traditional feedback control and biomimetic muscle-like preflexes. We place emphasis on bio-inspired forward modelling suggesting that all roads lead to this solution for robust and adaptive manipulator control. This promises robust and adaptive manipulation for complex tasks in salvaging space debris. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Design and Techniques for Space Applications)
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17 pages, 6827 KiB  
Article
Biomimicry for Regenerative Built Environments: Mapping Design Strategies for Producing Ecosystem Services
by Maibritt Pedersen Zari and Katharina Hecht
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020018 - 12 May 2020
Cited by 40 | Viewed by 10208
Abstract
Built environment professionals must solve urgent and complex problems related to mitigating and adapting to climate change and biodiversity loss. Cities require redesign and retrofit so they can become complex systems that create rather than diminish ecological and societal health. One way to [...] Read more.
Built environment professionals must solve urgent and complex problems related to mitigating and adapting to climate change and biodiversity loss. Cities require redesign and retrofit so they can become complex systems that create rather than diminish ecological and societal health. One way to do this is to strategically design buildings and cities to generate and provide ecosystem services. This is an aspect of biomimicry, where whole ecosystems and their functions are emulated, in order to positively shift the ecological performance of buildings and urban settings. A small number of methodologies and frameworks for ecosystem services design have been proposed, but their use is not wide spread. A key barrier is the lack of translational work between ecology concepts and practical examples of ecosystem services design for a built environment context. In response, this paper presents research underpinning the creation of a qualitative relational diagram in an online interactive format that relates ecosystem services concepts to design strategies, concepts, technologies, and case studies in a format for use by built environment professionals. The paper concludes that buildings and whole cities should be expected to become active contributors to socio-ecological systems because, as the diagram shows, many strategies and technologies to enable this already exist. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Sustainable Urban Design)
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11 pages, 249 KiB  
Article
Daily Application of a Toothpaste with Biomimetic Hydroxyapatite and Its Subjective Impact on Dentin Hypersensitivity, Tooth Smoothness, Tooth Whitening, Gum Bleeding, and Feeling of Freshness
by Sonja Steinert, Kai Zwanzig, Helga Doenges, Joern Kuchenbecker, Frederic Meyer and Joachim Enax
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 17; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020017 - 28 Apr 2020
Cited by 27 | Viewed by 6262
Abstract
The aim of this observational study was to analyze the effect of a toothpaste with biomimetic zinc hydroxyapatite (HAP) on subjective parameters after a four-week home use. Patients with subjective dentin hypersensitivity were recruited at three dental practices in Germany and received a [...] Read more.
The aim of this observational study was to analyze the effect of a toothpaste with biomimetic zinc hydroxyapatite (HAP) on subjective parameters after a four-week home use. Patients with subjective dentin hypersensitivity were recruited at three dental practices in Germany and received a questionnaire with visual analogue scales and Likert scales both at baseline and follow-up. The questionnaire was specifically developed for this study and focused on questions about subjective parameters like dentin hypersensitivity, tooth surface texture, tooth color, and freshness after toothbrushing. Patients answered the questionnaire both at baseline and after a four-week home use (follow-up) of the HAP toothpaste. Data of 46 patients were analyzed by paired t-test and non-parametric Wilcoxon signed-rank test, respectively. Subjective parameters on dentin hypersensitivity were reduced after the four-week use of the HAP toothpaste (p < 0.001). Additionally, patients assessed their tooth surface as smoother (p < 0.001), tooth color as whiter (p = 0.003), and reported a stronger feeling of freshness after toothbrushing (p = 0.014) after four-week use of the HAP toothpaste compared to the previously used toothpaste. In conclusion, the tested toothpaste with biomimetic HAP is well-suited for individuals suffering from dentin hypersensitivity, because subjective symptoms on dentin hypersensitivity were reduced. Additionally, patients reported smoother and whiter teeth after using the HAP toothpaste. Full article
12 pages, 1351 KiB  
Article
Influence of Ethyl Caproate on the Size of Lipid Vesicles and Yeast Cells
by Tsuyoshi Yoda, Akira Ogura and Tomoaki Saito
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020016 - 27 Apr 2020
Cited by 15 | Viewed by 3698
Abstract
Ethyl caproate (EC) is a key flavor component of sake. Recently, in sake brewing, an effort has been underway to increase the content of aromatic components such as EC. However, the function of EC in yeast cells remains poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated [...] Read more.
Ethyl caproate (EC) is a key flavor component of sake. Recently, in sake brewing, an effort has been underway to increase the content of aromatic components such as EC. However, the function of EC in yeast cells remains poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated the effects of EC using cell-sized lipid vesicles. We found that vesicle size decreases in a concentration-dependent manner when EC is contained in lipid vesicles. Furthermore, yeast experiments showed that a strain producing high quantities of EC in its stationary phase decreased in size during EC production. Given caproic acid’s (CA) status as the esterification precursor of EC in yeast, we also compared lipid vesicles containing CA with those containing EC. We found that CA vesicles were smaller than EC vesicles of the same concentration. These results suggest that EC production may function apparently to maintain cell size. Full article
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13 pages, 14856 KiB  
Article
Chitosan Extraction from Goliathus orientalis Moser, 1909: Characterization and Comparison with Commercially Available Chitosan
by Pauline Fournier, Caroline R. Szczepanski, René-Paul Godeau and Guilhem Godeau
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 15; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020015 - 26 Apr 2020
Cited by 11 | Viewed by 4904
Abstract
Chitosan is a polymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin, and chitin is one of the major components of the arthropod cuticle. Chitin and chitosan are both polysaccharides and are considered to be an interesting class of biosourced materials. This is evident as chitosan [...] Read more.
Chitosan is a polymer obtained by deacetylation of chitin, and chitin is one of the major components of the arthropod cuticle. Chitin and chitosan are both polysaccharides and are considered to be an interesting class of biosourced materials. This is evident as chitosan has already demonstrated utility in various applications in both industrial and biomedical domains. In the present work, we study the possibility to extract chitin and prepare chitosan from the Goliath beetle Goliathus orientalis Moser. The presented work includes description of this process and observation of the macroscopic and microscopic variations that occur in the specimen during the treatment. The prepared chitosan is characterized and compared with commercially available chitosan using infrared and thermogravimetric analysis. The deacetylation degree of prepared chitosan is also evaluated and compared with commercially available shrimp chitosan. Full article
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14 pages, 3818 KiB  
Article
Structure and Frictional Properties of the Leg Joint of the Beetle Pachnoda marginata (Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae) as an Inspiration for Technical Joints
by Steffen Vagts, Josef Schlattmann, Alexander Kovalev and Stanislav N. Gorb
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 14; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020014 - 20 Apr 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3261
Abstract
The efficient locomotion of insects is not only inspiring for control algorithms but also promises innovations for the reduction of friction in joints. After previous analysis of the leg kinematics and the topological characterization of the contacting joint surfaces in the beetle Pachnoda [...] Read more.
The efficient locomotion of insects is not only inspiring for control algorithms but also promises innovations for the reduction of friction in joints. After previous analysis of the leg kinematics and the topological characterization of the contacting joint surfaces in the beetle Pachnoda marginata, in the present paper, we report on the measurement of the coefficient of friction within the leg joints exhibiting an anisotropic frictional behavior in different sliding directions. In addition, the simulation of the mechanical behavior of a single microstructural element helped us to understand the interactions between the contact parts of this tribological system. These findings were partly transferred to a technical contact pair which is typical for such an application as joint connectors in the automotive field. This innovation helped to reduce the coefficient of friction under dry sliding conditions up to 17%. Full article
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18 pages, 11985 KiB  
Article
Flow Interactions Between Low Aspect Ratio Hydrofoils in In-line and Staggered Arrangements
by Melike Kurt, Azar Eslam Panah and Keith W. Moored
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 13; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020013 - 31 Mar 2020
Cited by 19 | Viewed by 4719
Abstract
Many species of fish gather in dense collectives or schools where there are significant flow interactions from their shed wakes. Commonly, these swimmers shed a classic reverse von Kármán wake, however, schooling eels produce a bifurcated wake topology with two vortex rings shed [...] Read more.
Many species of fish gather in dense collectives or schools where there are significant flow interactions from their shed wakes. Commonly, these swimmers shed a classic reverse von Kármán wake, however, schooling eels produce a bifurcated wake topology with two vortex rings shed per oscillation cycle. To examine the schooling interactions of a hydrofoil with a bifurcated wake topology, we present tomographic particle image velocimetry (tomo PIV) measurements of the flow interactions and direct force measurements of the performance of two low-aspect-ratio hydrofoils ( A R = 0.5 ) in an in-line and a staggered arrangement. Surprisingly, when the leader and follower are interacting in either arrangement there are only minor alterations to the flowfields beyond the superposition of the flowfields produced by the isolated leader and follower. Motivated by this finding, Garrick’s linear theory, a linear unsteady hydrofoil theory based on a potential flow assumption, was adapted to predict the lift and thrust performance of the follower. Here, the follower hydrofoil interacting with the leader’s wake is considered as the superposition of an isolated pitching foil with a time-varying cross-stream velocity derived from the wake flow measurements of the isolated leader. Linear theory predictions accurately capture the time-averaged lift force and some of the major peaks in thrust derived from the follower interacting with the leader’s wake in a staggered arrangement. The thrust peaks that are not predicted by linear theory are likely driven by spatial variations in the flowfield acting on the follower or nonlinear flow interactions; neither of which are accounted for in the simple theory. This suggests that unsteady potential flow theory that does account for spatial variations in the flowfield acting on a hydrofoil can provide a relatively simple framework to understand and model the flow interactions that occur in schooling fish. Additionally, schooling eels can derive thrust and efficiency increases of 63-80% in either a in-line or a staggered arrangement where the follower is between two branched momentum jets or with one momentum jet branch directly impinging on it, respectively. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fluid Dynamic Interactions in Biological and Bioinspired Propulsion)
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15 pages, 9932 KiB  
Article
A Gecko-Inspired Soft Passive Gripper
by Arthur Seibel, Mert Yıldız and Berkan Zorlubaş
Biomimetics 2020, 5(2), 12; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics5020012 - 25 Mar 2020
Cited by 16 | Viewed by 6295
Abstract
This paper presents a soft passive gripper consisting of six fluidic soft bending actuators arranged in a star-shaped manner. The actuators are oriented such that, upon pressurization, they bend against gravity. Gripping is realized by a commercial tape with mushroom-shaped adhesive structures that [...] Read more.
This paper presents a soft passive gripper consisting of six fluidic soft bending actuators arranged in a star-shaped manner. The actuators are oriented such that, upon pressurization, they bend against gravity. Gripping is realized by a commercial tape with mushroom-shaped adhesive structures that is glued to the bottom patches of the gripper. In this way, the object is released by peeling away the actuators from the object’s surface. In contrast to active grippers, which require continuous pressurization during gripping and holding, the presented passive gripper only requires energy for the release process. However, due to its working principle, the gripper is restricted to only flat objects or objects with at least one flat surface. Full article
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