Biomimetics

This study investigates the potential of porous poly(D,L-lactide) (PDLLA) scaffolds reinforced with graphene oxide (GO) for bone tissue engineering applications. Scaffolds were fabricated using thermally induced phase separation (TIPS) and characterized in terms of morphology, biodegradation, thermal and mechanical properties, and cytocompatibility. The incorporation of GO enhanced both mechanical strength and thermal stability, likely due to hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions between GO’s functional groups (carbonyl, carboxyl, epoxide, and hydroxyl) and PDLLA chains. In vitro degradation studies showed that GO accelerated degradation, while scaffolds with higher GO content retained superior mechanical strength. Cytotoxicity assays confirmed the biocompatibility of all scaffold variants, supporting their suitability for biomedical applications. Overall, the findings demonstrate how GO incorporation can modulate scaffold composition and performance. This provides insights for the design of improved systems for bone tissue regeneration. Full article

(1) Background: This research investigates the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI), particularly biomimetic convolutional neural networks (CNNs), for the automatic classification of gastrointestinal (GI) polyps in endoscopic images. The study combines AI and Transfer learning techniques to support early detection of colorectal cancer by enhancing diagnostic accuracy with pre-trained models; (2) Methods: The Kvasir dataset, comprising 4000 annotated endoscopic images across eight polyp categories, was used. Images were pre-processed via normalisation, resizing, and data augmentation. Several CNN architectures, including state-of-the-art optimized ResNet50, DenseNet121, and MobileNetV2, were trained and evaluated. Models were assessed through training, validation, and testing phases, using performance metrics such as overall accuracy, confusion matrix, precision, recall, and F1 score; (3) Results: ResNet50 achieved the highest validation accuracy at 90.5%, followed closely by DenseNet121 with 87.5% and MobileNetV2 with 86.5%. The models demonstrated good generalisation, with small differences between training and validation accuracy. The average inference time was under 0.5 s on a computer with limited resources, confirming real-time applicability. Confusion matrix analysis indicates that common errors frequently occur between visually similar classes, particularly when reviewed by less-experienced medical physicians. These errors underscore the difficulty of distinguishing subtle features in gastrointestinal imagery and highlight the value of model-assisted diagnostics; (4) Conclusions: The obtained results confirm that Deep learning-based CNN architectures, combined with Transfer learning and optimisation techniques, can classify accurately endoscopic images and support medical diagnostics. Full article

Biological mechanisms observed across diverse species—such as adhesion, color change, antifouling, and flexible protection—are functionally classified to inform a principle-based conceptual framework for the design of wearable environmental sensors. Existing wearable sensors are constrained by poor skin conformity, reliance on chemical adhesives, performance degradation in wet environments, dependency on external power, and low durability. In response, biological case studies are systematically organized into four functional categories—reversible and wet adhesion, power-free coloration, antifouling and antibacterial surface mechanisms, and compliant protective architectures—and hierarchically mapped to corresponding engineering layers. Rather than reporting experimental results, this framework outlines how biological mechanisms was translated into structured design principles that collectively address the core requirements of wearable sensors: skin compatibility, energy efficiency, fouling resistance, and durability under mechanical deformation. Unlike previous biomimetic surveys that primarily catalog natural phenomena, this work establishes a structured, function-oriented framework that explicitly connects biological strategies to multilayer sensor architectures aligned with Nature-based Solutions and the Global Biodiversity Framework. Ultimately, it clarifies a unique conceptual pathway for sustainable, biodiversity-informed engineering design. Full article

Artificial muscles play a key role in the future of humanoid robotics and medical devices, with research on wire-driven joints leading the field. While electric servo motors were once at the forefront, the focus has shifted toward materials that react to changes in the environment (smart materials), including pneumatic silicone actuators and temperature-reactive metallic alloys, aiming to replicate human muscle actuation for improved performance. Initially designed for rigid actuators, control strategies were adapted to address the unique dynamics of artificial muscles. Although current controllers offer satisfactory performance, further optimization is necessary to mimic natural muscle control more rigorously. This study details the design and implementation of a novel system that mimics biological muscle. This system is designed to replicate the full range of motion and control functionalities, which can be utilized in various applications. This research has three significant contributions in the field of sustainable soft robotics. First, a novel shape memory alloy-based linear actuator is introduced, which achieves significantly higher displacements compared to traditional SMA wire-driven systems through a guiding mechanism. Second, this linear actuator is integrated into a hybrid soft actuation structure, which features a silicone PneuNet as the end effector and a force sensor for real-time pressure feedback. Lastly, a hardware Spiking Neural Network (HW-SNN) is utilized to control the exhibited force at the actuator’s endpoint. Experimental results showed that the displacement with the control system is significantly higher than that of the traditional control-based shape memory alloy systems. The system evaluation demonstrates good performance, thus advancing actuation and control in humanoid robotics. Full article

As the influence of indoor environments on human emotional regulation and cognitive function becomes increasingly critical in modern society, there is a growing need for intelligent lighting systems that dynamically respond to users’ emotional states. While previous studies have investigated either illuminance or color in isolation, this study concentrates on quantitatively analyzing the interaction of these two key elements on human emotion and cognitive control capabilities. Utilizing electroencephalography (EEG) and electrocardiography (ECG) signals, we measured participants’ physiological responses and subjective emotional assessments in 18 unique lighting conditions, combining six colors and three levels of illuminance. The results confirmed that the interaction between light color and illuminance significantly affects physiological indicators related to emotion regulation. Notably, low-illuminance purple lighting was found to promote positive emotions and inhibit negative ones by increasing frontal alpha asymmetry (FAA) and gamma wave activity. Conversely, low-illuminance environments generally diminished cognitive reappraisal and negative emotion inhibition capabilities. Furthermore, a random forest model integrating time-series data from EEG and ECG predicted emotional valence and arousal with accuracies of 87% and 79%, respectively, demonstrating the validity of multi-modal physiological signal-based emotion prediction. This study provides empirical data and a theoretical foundation for the development of human-centered, emotion-adaptive lighting systems by presenting a quantitative causal model linking lighting, physiological responses, and emotion. These findings also provide a biomimetic perspective by linking lighting-induced physiological responses with emotion regulation, offering a foundation for the development of adaptive lighting systems that emulate natural light–human interactions. Full article

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a crucial role in regulating cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and drug resistance. Traditional two-dimensional (2D) in vitro models and animal models often fail to replicate the biochemical and biophysical complexity of human tumors, leading to low predictive power in preclinical drug screening. In recent years, scaffold-based three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models have emerged as promising alternatives, offering a more physiologically relevant context for studying tumor behavior. Among these, biomimetic scaffolds capable of replicating the composition, stiffness, porosity, and signaling features of the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) are of particular interest. This review provides a comprehensive overview of scaffold-based approaches for mimicking the TME in vitro. After outlining the key characteristics of the tumor ECM, we discuss various scaffold typologies, including those based on natural, synthetic, and hybrid biomaterials, as well as decellularized ECM. Recent advancements in fabrication technologies, such as electrospinning and 3D bioprinting, are also highlighted for their role in replicating the geometric and mechanical features of tumor tissues. Special attention is given to the integration of vascular components and stromal cells to recapitulate the complexity of the TME. Finally, we explore current limitations and future directions, emphasizing the need for standardized and reproducible models, particularly in the context of personalized cancer therapy. Full article

Bottle-brush polymers with aggrecan-like side chains represent a class of biomimetic macromolecules that replicate key structural and functional features of natural complexes of aggrecans with hyaluronic acid (HA) which are the major components of articular cartilage. In this study, we employ numerical self-consistent field (SCF) modeling combined with analytical theory to investigate the conformational properties of cylindrical molecular bottle-brushes composed of aggrecan-like double-comb side chains tethered to the main chain (the backbone of the bottle-brush). We demonstrate that the architecture of the brush-forming double-comb chains and, in particular, the distribution of polymer mass between the root and peripheral domains significantly influences the spatial distribution of primary side chain ends, leading to formation of a “dead” zone near the backbone of the bottle-brush and non-uniform density profiles. The axial stretching force imposed by grafted double-combs in the main chain, as well as normal force acting at the junction point between the bottle-brush backbone and the double-comb side chain are shown to depend strongly on the side-chain architecture. Furthermore, we analyze the induced bending rigidity and persistence length of the bottle-brush, revealing that while the overall scaling behavior follows established power laws, the internal structure can be finely tuned without altering the backbone stiffness. These theoretical findings provide valuable insights into relations between architecture and properties of bottle-brush-like supra-biomolecular structures, such as aggrecan-hyaluronan complexes. Full article

This paper introduces a gesture-controlled conversational interface driven by a local AI model, aimed at improving accessibility and facilitating hands-free interaction within digital environments. The technology utilizes real-time hand gesture recognition via a typical laptop camera and connects with a local AI engine to produce customized learning materials. Users can peruse educational documents, obtain topic summaries, and generate automated quizzes with intuitive gestures, including lateral finger movements, a two-finger gesture, or an open palm, without the need for conventional input devices. Upon selection of a file, the AI model analyzes its whole content, producing a structured summary and a multiple-choice assessment, both of which are immediately saved for subsequent inspection. A unified set of gestures facilitates seamless navigating within the user interface and the opened documents. The system underwent testing with university students and faculty (n = 31), utilizing assessment measures such as gesture detection accuracy, command-response latency, and user satisfaction. The findings demonstrate that the system offers a seamless, hands-free user experience with significant potential for usage in accessibility, human–computer interaction, and intelligent interface design. This work advances the creation of multimodal AI-driven educational aids, providing a pragmatic framework for gesture-based document navigation and intelligent content enhancement. Full article

This research presents an experimental study on a scaled prototype of a bladeless wind turbine that operates based on the principle of vortex-induced vibrations (VIV-BWT) with the implementation of bio-inspired design of a columnar-cactus type mast. The aerodynamic performance of columnar-cactus type masts with different numbers of ribs was investigated and compared with that of a conventional cylindrical mast. The objective of this novel proposal is to maximize wind energy conversion efficiency through vortex-induced vibrations, thereby enhancing energy generation. The present study focuses on the geometry of the columnar-cactus type mast as a vortex generator, which significantly influences the performance of this type of VIV wind energy harvester. The findings reveal that the geometric configuration of the cactus-inspired mast and the mast angle promote vortex formation, leading to higher lift coefficients and forces. Consequently, this results in greater vortex-induced vibration magnitudes. For instance, at a wind speed of 6.0 m/s and a mast angle of 0°, the 6-rib cactus-type mast exhibits 12 times greater VIV amplitude compared to the conventional cylindrical mast, while the 5-rib and 7-rib cactus-type masts show 2.4- and 2.2-times greater amplitudes, respectively. However, for wind speeds below 5 m/s, the cylindrical mast demonstrates superior VIV performance. Full article

In recent years, rapid advancements in glaucoma research have led to the development of more effective treatments of this chronic and irreversible condition. Of these, Kahook Blade Dual (KDB) goniotomy and second-generation trabecular micro-bypass stent (iStent) are two novel biomimetic procedures which have designs inspired by the eye’s natural drainage mechanisms. In this retrospective study, we evaluated the safety and effectiveness of both surgeries by including 176 eyes from 110 patients: 142 eyes in the iStent group and 34 in the KDB group. The primary outcomes of this study were the proportions of patients in each group attaining a 20% reduction in IOP and a post-operative IOP < 19 mmHg. At the last follow-up, a 20% reduction in IOP was achieved by 67% of iStent inject patients and 50% of KDB patients (p = 0.07). The iStent group also showed a higher proportion of patients reaching an IOP of less than 19 mmHg (81% vs. 71% in the KDB group, p = 0.13). The number of medications did not decrease in either group from pre-op to the last follow-up. The KDB group had more failures (29.4% vs. 4.2%) and a significantly higher adverse event rate than the iStent inject group (47.1% vs 12.0%). Full article

In a global industrial landscape where the digital economy accounts for over 40% of total output, cloud computing technology is reshaping business models at a compound annual growth rate of 19%. This trend has led to an increasing number of cloud computing tasks requiring timely processing. However, most computational tasks are latency-sensitive and cannot tolerate significant delays. This has led to the urgent need for researchers to address the challenge of effectively scheduling cloud computing tasks. This paper proposes a hybrid SAO and RIME optimizer (HSAO) for global optimization and cloud task scheduling problems. First, population initialization based on ecological niche differentiation is proposed to enhance the initial population quality of SAO, enabling it to better explore the solution space. Then, the introduction of the soft frost search strategy and hard frost piercing mechanism from the RIME optimization algorithm enables the algorithm to better escape local optima and accelerate its convergence. Additionally, a population-based collaborative boundary control method is proposed to handle outlier individuals, preventing them from clustering at the boundary and enabling more effective exploration of the solution space. To evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm, we compared it with 11 other algorithms using the IEEE CEC2017 test set and assessed the differences through statistical analysis. Experimental data demonstrate that the HSAO algorithm exhibits significant advantages. Furthermore, to validate its practical applicability, we applied HSAO to real-world cloud computing task scheduling problems, achieving excellent results and successfully completing the scheduling planning of cloud computing tasks. Full article

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide and continues to pose significant therapeutic challenges despite decades of research. Conventional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy often lack selectivity, damaging both malignant and healthy tissues and resulting in severe side effects. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising non-invasive alternative that selectively eradicates cancer cells or pathogens using a photosensitizer (PS), light, and oxygen. PDT induces necrosis or apoptosis in cancer cells by locally generating cytotoxic reactive oxygen species through targeted laser irradiation. However, its clinical efficacy is limited by factors such as tumor hypoxia, poor PS delivery efficiency, and light attenuation within biological tissues. Recent advances in liposomal nanoplatforms have shown considerable potential in overcoming these barriers. Liposomes can co-deliver PS, therapeutic agents, and oxygen, thereby enhancing PDT outcomes. This review outlines the fundamental principles of PDT and the physicochemical properties of liposomes. It then explores two major strategies for improving PDT efficacy using liposomes: PS-drug co-delivery and oxygen delivery to mitigate tumor hypoxia for synergistic therapeutic effects. Finally, current limitations and future perspectives of liposome-based nanomedicine in photodynamic cancer therapy are discussed. Overall, this review provides a foundation for advancing liposome-based strategies toward clinical implementation in photodynamic cancer treatment. Full article

Proximal humerus fractures are frequent injuries that often require internal fixation. Conventional metallic plates, however, present significant drawbacks such as corrosion, secondary removal surgeries, and adverse reactions in patients with metal hypersensitivity. This study evaluates biocomposite plates fabricated from polylactic acid (PLA) and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), reinforced with hydroxyapatite (HA) derived from sugar industry by-products (BCF) at 10% and 20% concentrations. These composites are compatible with both injection molding and 3D printing, enabling the design of patient-specific implants. Characterization by SEM, FTIR, XRD, and DSC confirmed that BCF incorporation enhances strength, stiffness, osteoconductivity, and biocompatibility. Mechanical testing showed that PVA/BCF exhibited greater tensile strength and stiffness, suggesting suitability for load-bearing applications, though their water solubility restricts use in humid environments and prevents filament-based 3D printing. PLA/BCF composites demonstrated better processability, favorable mechanical performance, and compatibility with both manufacturing routes. Finite element analysis highlighted the importance of plate–humerus contact in stress distribution and fixation stability. Compared with non-biodegradable thermoplastics such as PEI and PEEK, PLA/BCF and PVA/BCF offer the additional advantage of controlled biodegradation, reducing the need for secondary surgeries. Cell viability assays confirmed cytocompatibility, with optimal outcomes at 10% BCF in PVA and 20% in PLA. These results position PLA/BCF and PVA/BCF as sustainable, patient-tailored alternatives to metallic implants, combining adequate mechanical support with bone regeneration potential. Full article

In ocean engineering, path following serves as a fundamental capability for autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs), enabling essential operations such as environmental exploration and inspection. However, for robotic dolphins employing dorsoventral undulatory propulsion, the periodic pitching induces strong coupling between propulsion and attitude, posing significant challenges for precise path following in disturbed environments. In this paper, a real-time robust path-following control framework is proposed for robotic dolphins to address these challenges. First, a novel robotic dolphin platform is presented by integrating a dorsoventral propulsion mechanism with a passive peduncle joint, followed by the systematic formulation of a full-state dynamic model. Then, a minimum-snap-based path optimizer is constructed to generate smooth and dynamically feasible trajectories, improving path quality and motion safety. Subsequently, a robust model predictive controller is developed, which incorporates control surface dynamics, a nonlinear disturbance observer, and a Sigmoid-based disturbance-grading mechanism to ensure fast attitude response and precise tracking performance. Finally, extensive simulations under various environmental disturbances validate the effectiveness of the proposed approach in both trajectory optimization and robust path following. The proposed framework not only demonstrates strong robustness in path following and disturbance rejection, but also provides practical guidance for future underwater missions such as long-term environmental monitoring, inspection, and rescue. Full article

This study presents the design, control, and flight experiments of a motor-directly-driven flapping-wing micro air vehicle with extension springs (MDD-FWMAVES). The flapping wing actuation utilizes the resonance of a linear extension spring and a flapping wing. The analysis results of the proposed MDD-FWMAVES revealed a resonant frequency of 19.59 Hz for the flapping-wing mechanism, and actual flapping experiments confirmed this to be 20 Hz. Using a six-axis load cell, we demonstrated the ability to generate roll, pitch, and yaw moments for attitude control based on wing flapping variations. All roll, pitch, and yaw moments were linearly proportional to the wing flapping variations. MEMS gyroscopes and accelerometers were used to measure roll, pitch, and yaw angular velocities and the gravity. A complementary filter was applied to these measurements to obtain the roll and pitch angles required for attitude control. A microprocessor, two motor drive circuits, one MEMS gyroscope/accelerometer, and one EEPROM for flight data storage were implemented on a single, ultra-compact electronic control board and mounted on the MDD-FWMAVES. Simple roll and pitch PD controllers were implemented on this electronic control board, and the controlled flight feasibility of the MDD-FWMAVES was explored. Flight tests demonstrated stable hovering for approximately 6 s. While yaw control was not achieved, the onboard feedback control system demonstrated stable roll and pitch control. Therefore, the MDD-FWMAVES holds the potential to be developed into a high-performance flapping-wing micro air vehicle if its flight system and controller are improved. Full article

This paper introduces a variant of differential evolution with micro-populations, called $\mu$-DE-ERM, which incorporates a periodic elitist replacement mechanism with the aim of preserving diversity without the need to measure it explicitly. The proposed algorithm is designed for scenarios with reduced evaluation budgets, where efficiency and convergence stability are critical. Its performance is evaluated on CEC 2005 and CEC 2017 benchmark suites, covering unimodal, multimodal, hybrid, and composition functions, as well as on two real-world engineering problems: the identification of dynamic parameters and the tuning of a PID controller for a one-degree-of-freedom robotic manipulator. The comparative analysis shows that $\mu$-DE-ERM achieves competitive or superior results against its predecessors DE and $\mu$-DE, and remains effective when contrasted with advanced algorithms such as L-SHADE and RuGA. Furthermore, additional comparisons with algorithms with competitive replacement mechanisms, $\mu$-DE-Cauchy and $\mu$-DE-Shrink, confirm the robustness of the proposal in real applications, particularly under strict computational constraints. These findings support $\mu$-DE-ERM as a practical and efficient alternative for optimization problems in resource-limited environments, delivering reliable solutions at low computational cost. Full article

High energy consumption in Chinese rural residential buildings, caused by rudimentary construction methods and the poor thermal performance of building envelopes, poses a significant challenge to national sustainability and “dual carbon” goals. To address this, this study proposes a comprehensive modeling and analysis framework integrating an improved Bio-inspired Black-winged Kite Optimization Algorithm (IBKA) with Support Vector Regression (SVR). Firstly, to address the limitations of the original B-inspired BKA, such as premature convergence and low efficiency, the proposed IBKA incorporates diversification strategies, global information exchange, stochastic behavior selection, and an NGO-based random operator to enhance exploration and convergence. The improved algorithm is benchmarked against BKA and six other optimization methods. An orthogonal experimental design was employed to generate a dataset by systematically sampling combinations of influencing factors. Subsequently, the IBKA-SVR model was developed for energy consumption prediction and analysis. The model’s predictive accuracy and stability were validated by benchmarking it against six competing models, including GA-SVR, PSO-SVR, and the baseline SVR and so forth. Finally, to elucidate the model’s internal decision-making mechanism, the SHAP (SHapley Additive exPlanations) interpretability framework was employed to quantify the independent and interactive effects of each influencing factor on energy consumption. The results indicate that: (1) The IBKA demonstrates superior convergence accuracy and global search performance compared with BKA and other algorithms. (2) The proposed IBKA-SVR model exhibits exceptional predictive accuracy. Relative to the baseline SVR, the model reduces key error metrics by 37–40% and improves the R² to 0.9792. Furthermore, in a comparative analysis against models tuned by other metaheuristic algorithms such as GA and PSO, the IBKA-SVR consistently maintained optimal performance. (3) The SHAP analysis reveals a clear hierarchy in the impact of the design features. The Insulation Thickness in Outer Wall and Insulation Thickness in Roof Covering are the dominant factors, followed by the Window-wall Ratios of various orientations and the Sun space Depth. Key features predominantly exhibit a negative impact, and a significant non-linear relationship exists between the dominant factors (e.g., insulation layers) and the predicted values. (4) Interaction analysis reveals a distinct hierarchy of interaction strengths among the building design variables. Strong synergistic effects are observed among the Sun space Depth, Insulation Thickness in Roof Covering, and the Window-wall Ratios in the East, West, and North. In contrast, the interaction effects between the Window-wall Ratio in the South and other variables are generally weak, indicating that its influence is approximately independent and linear. Therefore, the proposed bio-inspired framework, integrating the improved IBKA with SVR, effectively predicts and analyzes residential building energy consumption, thereby providing a robust decision-support tool for the data-driven optimization of building design and retrofitting strategies to advance energy efficiency and sustainability in rural housing. Full article

Biomechanical modeling of the cornea is crucial for understanding the progression of some ocular diseases and optimizing surgical treatments. However, hyperelastic non-linear material models, such as those used for corneal tissue, often yield highly variable parameter sets in the scientific literature, influenced by factors like the chosen optimization intervals and differences between tensile and inflation test curve optimization, both of which are addressed in this study. This variability complicates the understanding of corneal mechanical properties. In this research, the aim is to optimize and calibrate the key parameters of the corneal material model, particularly focusing on $c_1$, $c_2$, $k_1$ and $k_2$, using the Holzapfel–Gasser–Ogden (HGO) hyperelastic model, and a novel methodology is proposed that separately estimates the isotropic and anisotropic components in a stepwise manner, addressing the issue of multiple parameter sets fitting experimental curves similarly. This approach helps to standardize corneal material models and improve the reliability of parameter estimations. Moreover, accurate biomechanical characterization within this framework contributes not only to clinical applications but also to biomimetics, inspiring the design of artificial corneal substitutes and bioengineered materials. Full article

For centuries, artisans have resolved intricate engineering conundrums with intuitive ingenuity, bequeathing a legacy of design wisdom that remains largely untapped in contemporary biomimetics. This “anthro-creative” form of biomimicry, deeply embedded within traditional crafts such as Chaozhou woodcarving, is predominantly tacit and qualitative, which has traditionally eluded systematic interpretation. To address this, we propose the Hierarchical Biomimetics-Based Evaluation System (HBBES), a transdisciplinary framework that couples expert-defined hierarchies through the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) with perceptual assessments from one hundred public evaluators via Fuzzy Comprehensive Evaluation (FCE). Applied to canonical works—including the Lobster and Crab Basket (overall score: 4.36/5.00)—the HBBES revealed a striking finding: both expert and public valuations are anchored not in structural hierarchy, but in aesthetic resonance, particularly the craft’s lifelike morphological analogy and nuanced modulation of light. Beyond offering a replicable pathway for translating artisanal intuition into operative design principles, this study proposes a culture-driven paradigm for biomimetics, bridging intangible heritage with technological innovation. Full article