Journal Description
Biomimetics
Biomimetics
is a peer-reviewed, open access journal of biomimicry and bionics, published quarterly online by MDPI. The European Network of Bioadhesion (ENBA) is affiliated to Biomimetics.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High visibility: indexed within Scopus, ESCI (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, CAPlus / SciFinder, and many other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision provided to authors approximately 18 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2021).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Latest Articles
Bio-Inspired Electricity Storage Alternatives to Support Massive Demand-Side Energy Generation: A Review of Applications at Building Scale
Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030051 - 26 Aug 2021
Abstract
This work has its origin in the growing demands of energy regulations to meet future local targets and to propose a global implementation framework. A literature review related to conventional electrical energy storage systems has been carried out, presenting different cases analyzed at
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This work has its origin in the growing demands of energy regulations to meet future local targets and to propose a global implementation framework. A literature review related to conventional electrical energy storage systems has been carried out, presenting different cases analyzed at building scale to deepen in nature-inspired processes that propose reductions in environmental impact and present improvements in these storage devices. The use of batteries, especially lithium-ion batteries, is the most prominent among the electrical storage applications; however, improvements have been proposed through hydrogen batteries or the implementation of more environmentally friendly materials to manufacture the electrodes. In this sense, oriented to creating systems designed to protect the environment, important advances have been made in the development of storage systems based on biomimetic strategies. The latter range from the generation of energy through the respiratory processes of microorganisms to the recreation of the generation, storage, and release of energy using the thermoelectric and thermoregulatory characteristics of some insects. These facts show that the trend in research towards improving existing systems continues but reinforces the idea that new solutions must be environmentally friendly, so there is still a long way to improving the processes established thus far.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Design for Building Energy Efficiency 2021)
Open AccessReview
Are There Biomimetic Lessons from Genetic Regulatory Networks for Developing a Lunar Industrial Ecology?
by
Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030050 - 09 Aug 2021
Abstract
We examine the prospect for employing a bio-inspired architecture for a lunar industrial ecology based on genetic regulatory networks. The lunar industrial ecology resembles a metabolic system in that it comprises multiple chemical processes interlinked through waste recycling. Initially, we examine lessons from
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We examine the prospect for employing a bio-inspired architecture for a lunar industrial ecology based on genetic regulatory networks. The lunar industrial ecology resembles a metabolic system in that it comprises multiple chemical processes interlinked through waste recycling. Initially, we examine lessons from factory organisation which have evolved into a bio-inspired concept, the reconfigurable holonic architecture. We then examine genetic regulatory networks and their application in the biological cell cycle. There are numerous subtleties that would be challenging to implement in a lunar industrial ecology but much of the essence of biological circuitry (as implemented in synthetic biology, for example) is captured by traditional electrical engineering design with emphasis on feedforward and feedback loops to implement robustness.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Design and Techniques for Space Applications II)
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Open AccessArticle
Biomimetics and Education in Europe: Challenges, Opportunities, and Variety
by
and
Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030049 - 04 Aug 2021
Abstract
Biomimetics is an interdisciplinary field of science that deals with the analysis and systematic transfer of biological insights into technical applications. Moreover, the development of biomimetic products helps to improve our understanding of biological concept generators (reverse biomimetics). What does this mean for
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Biomimetics is an interdisciplinary field of science that deals with the analysis and systematic transfer of biological insights into technical applications. Moreover, the development of biomimetic products helps to improve our understanding of biological concept generators (reverse biomimetics). What does this mean for the education of kindergarten children, pupils, students, teachers, and others interested in biomimetics? The challenge of biomimetics is to have a solid knowledge base in the scientific disciplines involved and the competency to be open-minded enough to develop innovative solutions. This apparently contradictory combination ensures the transfer of knowledge from biology to engineering and vice versa on the basis of a common language that is perfectly understandable to everyone, e.g., the language of models, algorithms, and complete mathematical formulations. The opportunity within biomimetics is its ability to arouse student interest in technology via the fascination inherent in biological solutions and to awaken enthusiasm for living nature via the understanding of technology. Collaboration in working groups promotes professional, social, and personal skills. The variety of biomimetics is mirrored by the large number of educational modules developed with respect to existing biomimetic products and methods.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Process and Pedagogy)
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Open AccessArticle
Biomimicry-Based Strategies for Urban Heat Island Mitigation: A Numerical Case Study under Tropical Climate
Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030048 - 16 Jul 2021
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In recent years, demographic growth has caused cities to expand their urban areas, increasing the risk of overheating, creating insurmountable microclimatic conditions within the urban area, which is why studies have been carried out on the urban heat island effect (UHI) and its
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In recent years, demographic growth has caused cities to expand their urban areas, increasing the risk of overheating, creating insurmountable microclimatic conditions within the urban area, which is why studies have been carried out on the urban heat island effect (UHI) and its mitigation. Therefore, this research aims to evaluate the cooling potential in the application of strategies based on biomimicry for the microclimate in a historical heritage city of Panama. For this, three case studies (base case, case 1, and case 2) of outdoor thermal comfort were evaluated, in which the Envi-met software was used to emulate and evaluate the thermal performance of these strategies during March (highest temperature month) and October (rainier month). The strategies used were extracted from the contrast of zebra skin, human skin, evaporative cooling, and ant skin. The results showed a reduction of 2.8 °C in the air temperature at 11:00, the radiant temperature decreased by 2.2 °C, and the PET index managed to reduce the thermal comfort indicator among its categories. The importance of thinking based on biomimicry in sustainable strategies is concluded; although significant changes were obtained, high risks of discomfort persist due to the layout and proximity of the building.
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Open AccessArticle
Biomimetic Leadership for 21st Century Companies
Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030047 - 14 Jul 2021
Cited by 1
Abstract
Biomimicry is a scientific discipline that aims to model the behavior or properties of biological systems so as to adapt them to other scientific areas. Recently, this approach has been adopted in order to develop an organizational model called “Organizational Biomimicry”. It proposes
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Biomimicry is a scientific discipline that aims to model the behavior or properties of biological systems so as to adapt them to other scientific areas. Recently, this approach has been adopted in order to develop an organizational model called “Organizational Biomimicry”. It proposes a systemic approach, a worldview that places the organization and the people related to it as an integral part of nature, and an R&D system based on continuous learning from nature. The effective management of this business model depends on leaders who can make dynamic decisions, generate commitment to the views of the company, define specific goals, actively learn on multiple levels and tackle conflicts. This type of leadership may actually be being exercised in business practice; however, no leadership style inspired by biomimicry has been theorized to date. Thus, the aim of this research was to present a biomimetic leadership model that considers nature as a model, measure and mentor. To this end, we proposed, firstly, a definition of a biomimetic leader from the point of view of the characteristics of biomimetic organizations. Then, we determined the characteristics of this leadership type. Secondly, we conducted a review of the main leadership styles analyzed in the recent literature about management; then, for each leadership type, we extracted the characteristics that will adapt to the biomimetic leadership model. From this process, we obtained the traits of a biomimetic leader. This characterization (definition plus characteristics) was subjected to an expert panel, which determined its validity.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioinspired Intelligence II)
Open AccessReview
Forced Biomineralization: A Review
Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030046 - 12 Jul 2021
Abstract
Biologically induced and controlled mineralization of metals promotes the development of protective structures to shield cells from thermal, chemical, and ultraviolet stresses. Metal biomineralization is widely considered to have been relevant for the survival of life in the environmental conditions of ancient terrestrial
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Biologically induced and controlled mineralization of metals promotes the development of protective structures to shield cells from thermal, chemical, and ultraviolet stresses. Metal biomineralization is widely considered to have been relevant for the survival of life in the environmental conditions of ancient terrestrial oceans. Similar behavior is seen among extremophilic biomineralizers today, which have evolved to inhabit a variety of industrial aqueous environments with elevated metal concentrations. As an example of extreme biomineralization, we introduce the category of “forced biomineralization”, which we use to refer to the biologically mediated sequestration of dissolved metals and metalloids into minerals. We discuss forced mineralization as it is known to be carried out by a variety of organisms, including polyextremophiles in a range of psychrophilic, thermophilic, anaerobic, alkaliphilic, acidophilic, and halophilic conditions, as well as in environments with very high or toxic metal ion concentrations. While much additional work lies ahead to characterize the various pathways by which these biominerals form, forced biomineralization has been shown to provide insights for the progression of extreme biomimetics, allowing for promising new forays into creating the next generation of composites using organic-templating approaches under biologically extreme laboratory conditions relevant to a wide range of industrial conditions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extreme Biomineralization and Extreme Biomimetics)
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Open AccessArticle
Synthesis of Inorganic Compounds in the Matrix of Polysaccharide Chitosan
Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030045 - 05 Jul 2021
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Data related to the fabrication of hybrid materials based on the polysaccharide chitosan were systematized and reviewed. The possibility of using chitosan as a “host” matrix for in situ synthesis of inorganic compounds for the preparation of various types of composite materials were
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Data related to the fabrication of hybrid materials based on the polysaccharide chitosan were systematized and reviewed. The possibility of using chitosan as a “host” matrix for in situ synthesis of inorganic compounds for the preparation of various types of composite materials were investigated. Coprecipitation of metal oxides/hydroxides (Fe, Ni, Al, Zr, Cu and Mn) with chitosan was carried out through the alkalinization of solutions containing metal salts and chitosan, with the addition of ammonia or alkali solutions, homogeneous hydrolysis of urea, or electrophoretic deposition on the cathode. The synthesis of transition metal ferrocyanides and hydroxyapatite was achieved from precursor salts in a chitosan solution with simultaneous alkalinization. The mechanism of composite formation during the coprecipitation process of inorganic compounds with chitosan is discussed. Composite materials are of interest as sorbents, coatings, sensors, and precursors for the production of ceramic and electrode materials.
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Open AccessReview
Cellulases: From Bioactivity to a Variety of Industrial Applications
Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030044 - 05 Jul 2021
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Utilization of microbial enzymes has been widely reported for centuries, but the commercial use of enzymes has been recently adopted. Particularly, cellulases have been utilized in various commercial sectors including agriculture, brewing, laundry, pulp and paper and textile industry. Cellulases of microbial origin
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Utilization of microbial enzymes has been widely reported for centuries, but the commercial use of enzymes has been recently adopted. Particularly, cellulases have been utilized in various commercial sectors including agriculture, brewing, laundry, pulp and paper and textile industry. Cellulases of microbial origin have shown their potential application in various commercial sectors including textile, pulp and paper, laundry, brewing, agriculture and biofuel. Cellulases have diversified applications in the food industry, food service, food supply and its preservation. Indeed, cellulases can tenderize fruits, clarify the fruit juices, reduce roughage in dough, hydrolyze the roasted coffee, extract tea polyphenols and essential oils from olives and can increase aroma and taste in food items. However, their role in food industries has by and large remained neglected. The use of immobilized cellulases has further expanded their application in fruit and vegetable processing as it potentiates the catalytic power and reduces the cost of process. Technological and scientific developments will further expand their potential usage in the food industry.
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Open AccessArticle
Deformation Behavior of Elastomer-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Plastics in Dependence of Pneumatic Actuation
by
, , , , , and
Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030043 - 22 Jun 2021
Abstract
This paper aims to define the influencing design criteria for compliant folding mechanisms with pneumatically actuated hinges consisting of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). Through simulation and physical testing, the influence of stiffness, hinge width as well as variation of the stiffness, in the flaps
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This paper aims to define the influencing design criteria for compliant folding mechanisms with pneumatically actuated hinges consisting of fiber-reinforced plastic (FRP). Through simulation and physical testing, the influence of stiffness, hinge width as well as variation of the stiffness, in the flaps without changing the stiffness in the hinge zone, was evaluated. Within a finite element model software, a workflow was developed for simulations, in order to infer mathematical models for the prediction of mechanical properties and the deformation behavior as a function of the aforementioned parameters. In conclusion, the bending angle increases with decreasing material stiffness and with increasing hinge width, while it is not affected by the flap stiffness itself. The defined workflow builds a basis for the development of a predictive model for the deformation behavior of FRPs.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gap: From Biomechanics and Functional Morphology of Plants to Biomimetic Developments)
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Open AccessArticle
Self-Actuated Paper and Wood Models: Low-Cost Handcrafted Biomimetic Compliant Systems for Research and Teaching
Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030042 - 22 Jun 2021
Cited by 1
Abstract
The abstraction and implementation of plant movement principles into biomimetic compliant systems are of increasing interest for technical applications, e.g., in architecture, medicine, and soft robotics. Within the respective research and development approaches, advanced methods such as 4D printing or 3D-braiding pultrusion are
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The abstraction and implementation of plant movement principles into biomimetic compliant systems are of increasing interest for technical applications, e.g., in architecture, medicine, and soft robotics. Within the respective research and development approaches, advanced methods such as 4D printing or 3D-braiding pultrusion are typically used to generate proof-of-concept demonstrators at the laboratory or demonstrator scale. However, such techniques are generally time-consuming, complicated, and cost-intensive, which often impede the rapid realization of a sufficient number of demonstrators for testing or teaching. Therefore, we have produced comparable simple handcrafted compliant systems based on paper, wood, plastic foil, and/or glue as construction materials. A variety of complex plant movement principles have been transferred into these low-cost physical demonstrators, which are self-actuated by shrinking processes induced by the anisotropic hygroscopic properties of wood or paper. The developed systems have a high potential for fast, precise, and low-cost abstraction and transfer processes in biomimetic approaches and for the “hands-on understanding” of plant movements in applied university and school courses.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gap: From Biomechanics and Functional Morphology of Plants to Biomimetic Developments)
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Open AccessArticle
Neuronal Growth and Formation of Neuron Networks on Directional Surfaces
Biomimetics 2021, 6(2), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6020041 - 16 Jun 2021
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The formation of neuron networks is a process of fundamental importance for understanding the development of the nervous system and for creating biomimetic devices for tissue engineering and neural repair. The basic process that controls the network formation is the growth of an
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The formation of neuron networks is a process of fundamental importance for understanding the development of the nervous system and for creating biomimetic devices for tissue engineering and neural repair. The basic process that controls the network formation is the growth of an axon from the cell body and its extension towards target neurons. Axonal growth is directed by environmental stimuli that include intercellular interactions, biochemical cues, and the mechanical and geometrical properties of the growth substrate. Despite significant recent progress, the steering of the growing axon remains poorly understood. In this paper, we develop a model of axonal motility, which incorporates substrate-geometry sensing. We combine experimental data with theoretical analysis to measure the parameters that describe axonal growth on micropatterned surfaces: diffusion (cell motility) coefficients, speed and angular distributions, and cell-substrate interactions. Experiments performed on neurons treated with inhibitors for microtubules (Taxol) and actin filaments (Y-27632) indicate that cytoskeletal dynamics play a critical role in the steering mechanism. Our results demonstrate that axons follow geometrical patterns through a contact-guidance mechanism, in which geometrical patterns impart high traction forces to the growth cone. These results have important implications for bioengineering novel substrates to guide neuronal growth and promote nerve repair.
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Open AccessReview
Enhancing Kidney Vasculature in Tissue Engineering—Current Trends and Approaches: A Review
Biomimetics 2021, 6(2), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6020040 - 16 Jun 2021
Abstract
Chronic kidney diseases are a leading cause of fatalities around the world. As the most sought-after organ for transplantation, the kidney is of immense importance in the field of tissue engineering. The primary obstacle to the development of clinically relevant tissue engineered kidneys
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Chronic kidney diseases are a leading cause of fatalities around the world. As the most sought-after organ for transplantation, the kidney is of immense importance in the field of tissue engineering. The primary obstacle to the development of clinically relevant tissue engineered kidneys is precise vascularization due to the organ’s large size and complexity. Current attempts at whole-kidney tissue engineering include the repopulation of decellularized kidney extracellular matrices or vascular corrosion casts, but these approaches do not eliminate the need for a donor organ. Stem cell-based approaches, such as kidney organoids vascularized in microphysiological systems, aim to construct a kidney without the need for organ donation. These organ-on-a-chip models show complex, functioning kidney structures, albeit at a small scale. Novel methodologies for developing engineered scaffolds will allow for improved differentiation of kidney stem cells and organoids into larger kidney grafts with clinical applications. While currently, kidney tissue engineering remains mostly limited to individual renal structures or small organoids, further developments in vascularization techniques, with technologies such as organoids in microfluidic systems, could potentially open doors for a large-scale growth of whole engineered kidneys for transplantation.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Nanotechnology Vol. 2)
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Open AccessArticle
Design of a Depth Control Mechanism for an Anguilliform Swimming Robot
by
and
Biomimetics 2021, 6(2), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6020039 - 09 Jun 2021
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This paper discusses the design and implementation of a depth control mechanism for an anguilliform swimming robot. Researchers analyzed three different methods of controlling the depth of the robot, including out-of-plane thrust direction, use of foil on the head and buoyancy control at
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This paper discusses the design and implementation of a depth control mechanism for an anguilliform swimming robot. Researchers analyzed three different methods of controlling the depth of the robot, including out-of-plane thrust direction, use of foil on the head and buoyancy control at the head and tail. It was determined that buoyancy control at the head and tail was the best method for controlling depth and pitch, given typical forward speeds of the robot. Details are given into the design of this mechanism, including a stress analysis on a critical part, as well as the impacts that these modifications have on the required torque of the drive servos.
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Open AccessArticle
Biomimetic Approach for the Elaboration of Highly Hydrophobic Surfaces: Study of the Links between Morphology and Wettability
Biomimetics 2021, 6(2), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6020038 - 08 Jun 2021
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This investigation of morphology-wetting links was performed using a biomimetic approach. Three natural leaves’ surfaces were studied: two bamboo varieties and Ginkgo Biloba. Multiscale surface topographies were analyzed by SEM observations, FFT, and Gaussian filtering. A PDMS replicating protocol of natural surfaces was
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This investigation of morphology-wetting links was performed using a biomimetic approach. Three natural leaves’ surfaces were studied: two bamboo varieties and Ginkgo Biloba. Multiscale surface topographies were analyzed by SEM observations, FFT, and Gaussian filtering. A PDMS replicating protocol of natural surfaces was proposed in order to study the purely morphological contribution to wetting. High static contact angles, close to 135 , were measured on PDMS replicated surfaces. Compared to flat PDMS, the increase in static contact angle due to purely morphological contribution was around 20 . Such an increase in contact angle was obtained despite loss of the nanometric scale during the replication process. Moreover, a significant decrease of the hysteresis contact angle was measured on PDMS replicas. The value of the contact angle hysteresis moved from 40 for flat PDMS to less than 10 for textured replicated surfaces. The wetting behavior of multiscale textured surfaces was then studied in the frame of the Wenzel and Cassie–Baxter models. Whereas the classical laws made it possible to describe the wetting behavior of the ginkgo biloba replications, a hierarchical model was developed to depict the wetting behavior of both bamboo species.
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Open AccessArticle
EvoSeg: Automated Electron Microscopy Segmentation through Random Forests and Evolutionary Optimization
Biomimetics 2021, 6(2), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6020037 - 01 Jun 2021
Abstract
Electron Microscopy Maps are key in the study of bio-molecular structures, ranging from borderline atomic level to the sub-cellular range. These maps describe the envelopes that cover possibly a very large number of proteins that form molecular machines within the cell. Within those
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Electron Microscopy Maps are key in the study of bio-molecular structures, ranging from borderline atomic level to the sub-cellular range. These maps describe the envelopes that cover possibly a very large number of proteins that form molecular machines within the cell. Within those envelopes, we are interested to find what regions correspond to specific proteins so that we can understand how they function, and design drugs that can enhance or suppress a process that they are involved in, along with other experimental purposes. A classic approach by which we can begin the exploration of map regions is to apply a segmentation algorithm. This yields a mask where each voxel in 3D space is assigned an identifier that maps it to a segment; an ideal segmentation would map each segment to one protein unit, which is rarely the case. In this work, we present a method that uses bio-inspired optimization, through an Evolutionary-Optimized Segmentation algorithm, to iteratively improve upon baseline segments obtained from a classical approach, called watershed segmentation. The cost function used by the evolutionary optimization is based on an ideal segmentation classifier trained as part of this development, which uses basic structural information available to scientists, such as the number of expected units, volume and topology. We show that a basic initial segmentation with the additional information allows our evolutionary method to find better segmentation results, compared to the baseline generated by the watershed.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioinspired Intelligence II)
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Open AccessArticle
The Plant-Like Structure of Lance Sea Urchin Spines as Biomimetic Concept Generator for Freeze-Casted Structural Graded Ceramics
by
and
Biomimetics 2021, 6(2), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6020036 - 31 May 2021
Abstract
The spine of the lance sea urchin (Phyllacanthus imperialis) is an unusual plant-akin hierarchical lightweight construction with several gradation features: a basic core–shell structure is modified in terms of porosities, pore orientation and pore size, forming superstructures. Differing local strength and
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The spine of the lance sea urchin (Phyllacanthus imperialis) is an unusual plant-akin hierarchical lightweight construction with several gradation features: a basic core–shell structure is modified in terms of porosities, pore orientation and pore size, forming superstructures. Differing local strength and energy consumption features create a biomimetic potential for the construction of porous ceramics with predetermined breaking points and adaptable behavior in compression overload. We present a new detailed structural and failure analysis of those spines and demonstrate that it is possible to include at least a limited number of those features in an abstracted way in ceramics, manufactured by freeze-casting. This possibility is shown to come from a modified mold design and optimized suspensions.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gap: From Biomechanics and Functional Morphology of Plants to Biomimetic Developments)
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Open AccessArticle
Comparison of Labrum Resistance Force while Pull-Probing In Vivo and Cadaveric Hips
Biomimetics 2021, 6(2), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6020035 - 31 May 2021
Abstract
Cadaver tissue has been identified as the highest-fidelity anatomical representation in terms of the training for orthopedic surgery, including for arthroscopy of a damaged hip labrum. However, hip labrum stiffness in vivo and in cadavers has not been directly compared. The purpose of
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Cadaver tissue has been identified as the highest-fidelity anatomical representation in terms of the training for orthopedic surgery, including for arthroscopy of a damaged hip labrum. However, hip labrum stiffness in vivo and in cadavers has not been directly compared. The purpose of this study was to compare in vivo and cadaveric hip labrum stiffness during pull-probing with a force sensor. We measured the resistance force of the hip labrum in ten patients during hip arthroscopy (i.e., in vivo) and compared it with ten cadavers, both intact and detached from the acetabulum, using a surgical knife. We confirmed a partial labral tear (i.e., not detached fully from the rim) at an antero-superior potion in all of the patients. The mean highest resistance levels for the hip labrum in the patients (4.7 N) were significantly lower than the intact cadaveric labrum (8.3 N), and slightly higher than the detached labrum (4.2 N). In this study, the stiffness of the cadaveric labrum tissue was similar to that of the in-vivo hip labrum.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Mechanical Characterization of Biomaterials)
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Open AccessArticle
Application of Response Surface Methodology for Optimizing the Therapeutic Activity of ZnO Nanoparticles Biosynthesized from Aspergillus niger
by
, , , , , and
Biomimetics 2021, 6(2), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6020034 - 27 May 2021
Cited by 1
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In this study, the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Aspergillus niger (A/ZnO-NPs) is described. These particles have been characterized by UV–Vis spectrum analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. To use this biosynthesized nanoparticle as an
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In this study, the biosynthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles using Aspergillus niger (A/ZnO-NPs) is described. These particles have been characterized by UV–Vis spectrum analysis, X-ray powder diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. To use this biosynthesized nanoparticle as an antiproliferative and antimicrobial agent, the IC50 value against the breast cancer cell line and inhibition zone against Escherichia coli were used to optimize the effect of two processing factors including dose of filtrate fungi cell and temperature. The biosynthesized A/ZnO-NPs had an absorbance band at 320 nm and spherical shapes. The mean particles size was 35 nm. RSM (response surface methodology) was utilized to investigate the outcome responses. The Model F-value of 12.21 and 7.29 implies that the model was significant for both responses. The contour plot against inhibition zone for temperature and dose showed that if the dose increases from 3.8 to 17.2 µg/mL, the inhibition zone increases up to 35 mm. As an alternative to chemical and/or physical methods, biosynthesizing zinc oxide NPs through fungi extracts can serve as a more facile and eco-friendly strategy. Additionally, for optimization of the processes, the outcome responses in the biomedical available test can be used in the synthesis of ZnO-NPs that are utilized for large-scale production in various medical applications.
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Open AccessArticle
3D Reticulated Actuator Inspired by Plant Up-Righting Movement Through a Cortical Fiber Network
Biomimetics 2021, 6(2), 33; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6020033 - 27 May 2021
Cited by 1
Abstract
Since most plant movements take place through an interplay of elastic deformation and strengthening tissues, they are thus ideal concept generators for biomimetic hingeless actuators. In the framework of a biomimetic biology push process, we present the transfer of the functional movement principles
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Since most plant movements take place through an interplay of elastic deformation and strengthening tissues, they are thus ideal concept generators for biomimetic hingeless actuators. In the framework of a biomimetic biology push process, we present the transfer of the functional movement principles of hollow tubular geometries that are surrounded by a net-like structure. Our plant models are the recent genera Ochroma (balsa) and Carica (papaya) as well as the fossil seed fern Lyginopteris oldhamia, which hold a net of macroscopic fiber structures enveloping the whole trunk. Asymmetries in these fiber nets, which are specifically caused by asymmetric growth of the secondary wood, enable the up-righting of inclined Ochroma and Carica stems. In a tubular net-like structure, the fiber angles play a crucial role in stress–strain relationships. When braided tubes are subjected to internal pressure, they become shorter and thicker if the fiber angle is greater than 54.7°. However, if the fiber angle is less than 54.7°, they become longer and thinner. In this article, we use straightforward functional demonstrators to show how insights into functional principles from living nature can be transferred into plant-inspired actuators with linear or asymmetric deformation.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gap: From Biomechanics and Functional Morphology of Plants to Biomimetic Developments)
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Open AccessCommunication
Neuro-Inspired Signal Processing in Ferromagnetic Nanofibers
Biomimetics 2021, 6(2), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6020032 - 26 May 2021
Abstract
Computers nowadays have different components for data storage and data processing, making data transfer between these units a bottleneck for computing speed. Therefore, so-called cognitive (or neuromorphic) computing approaches try combining both these tasks, as is done in the human brain, to make
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Computers nowadays have different components for data storage and data processing, making data transfer between these units a bottleneck for computing speed. Therefore, so-called cognitive (or neuromorphic) computing approaches try combining both these tasks, as is done in the human brain, to make computing faster and less energy-consuming. One possible method to prepare new hardware solutions for neuromorphic computing is given by nanofiber networks as they can be prepared by diverse methods, from lithography to electrospinning. Here, we show results of micromagnetic simulations of three coupled semicircle fibers in which domain walls are excited by rotating magnetic fields (inputs), leading to different output signals that can be used for stochastic data processing, mimicking biological synaptic activity and thus being suitable as artificial synapses in artificial neural networks.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Devices for Neuro-Inspired Applications)
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Mechanical Characterization of Biomaterials
Guest Editors: Giuseppe Carbone, Elena PierroDeadline: 31 August 2021
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Bridging the Gap: From Biomechanics and Functional Morphology of Plants to Biomimetic Developments
Guest Editors: Olga Speck, Thomas SpeckDeadline: 30 September 2021
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Aircraft Morphing Systems 2.0
Guest Editors: Antonio Concilio, Salvatore Ameduri, Ignazio Dimino, Rosario PecoraDeadline: 31 October 2021
Special Issue in
Biomimetics
Biomimetic Process and Pedagogy
Guest Editor: Jacquelyn K. NagelDeadline: 1 December 2021

