Biomimetics

12 pages, 2675 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Gamification and Control of Nitinol Based Ankle Rehabilitation Robot

by Chong Tune Hau, Darwin Gouwanda, Alpha A. Gopalai, Cheng Yee Low and Fazah A. Hanapiah

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 53; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030053 - 21 Sep 2021

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4175

Conventional ankle rehabilitation exercises can be monotonous and repetitive. The use of robots and games can complement the existing practices, provide an engaging environment for the patient and alleviate the physiotherapist’s workload. This paper presents an ankle rehabilitation robot that uses two nitinol [...] Read more.

Conventional ankle rehabilitation exercises can be monotonous and repetitive. The use of robots and games can complement the existing practices, provide an engaging environment for the patient and alleviate the physiotherapist’s workload. This paper presents an ankle rehabilitation robot that uses two nitinol wire actuators and a Pong game to provide foot plantarflexion and dorsiflexion exercises. Nitinol is a type of smart material that has high volumetric mechanical energy density and can produce translational motion. A two-state discrete antagonistic control is proposed to manipulate the actuators. The system was tested on healthy participants and stroke patients. The results showed that the robot was safe and compliant. The robot did not forcefully plantarflex or dorsiflex the foot when the participant exerted opposing force. The actuators worked antagonistically to flex to the foot as intended, in sync with the up and down motions of the player’s bat in the game. These behaviors demonstrated the feasibility of a nitinol-based ankle rehabilitation robot and a simple and yet intuitive game in providing interactive rehabilitation exercise. The robot is expected to enhance the patient’s experience, participation and compliance to the rehabilitation routine and to quantitatively monitor the patient’s recovery progress. Full article

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21 pages, 2887 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Engineering a 3D Vascularized Adipose Tissue Construct Using a Decellularized Lung Matrix

by Megan K. DeBari, Wai Hoe Ng, Mallory D. Griffin, Lauren E. Kokai, Kacey G. Marra, J. Peter Rubin, Xi Ren and Rosalyn D. Abbott

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 52; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030052 - 18 Sep 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4574

Abstract

Critically sized defects in subcutaneous white adipose tissue result in extensive disfigurement and dysfunction and remain a reconstructive challenge for surgeons; as larger defect sizes are correlated with higher rates of complications and failure due to insufficient vascularization following implantation. Our study demonstrates, [...] Read more.

Critically sized defects in subcutaneous white adipose tissue result in extensive disfigurement and dysfunction and remain a reconstructive challenge for surgeons; as larger defect sizes are correlated with higher rates of complications and failure due to insufficient vascularization following implantation. Our study demonstrates, for the first time, a method to engineer perfusable, pre-vascularized, high-density adipose grafts that combine patient-derived adipose cells with a decellularized lung matrix (DLM). The lung is one of the most vascularized organs with high flow, low resistance, and a large blood–alveolar interface separated by a thin basement membrane. For our work, the large volume capacity within the alveolar compartment was repurposed for high-density adipose cell filling, while the acellular vascular bed provided efficient graft perfusion throughout. Both adipocytes and hASCs were successfully delivered and remained in the alveolar space even after weeks of culture. While adipose-derived cells maintained their morphology and functionality in both static and perfusion DLM cultures, perfusion culture offered enhanced outcomes over static culture. Furthermore, we demonstrate that endothelial cells seamlessly integrate into the acellular vascular tree of the DLM with adipocytes. These results support that the DLM is a unique platform for creating vascularized adipose tissue grafts for large defect filling. Full article

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26 pages, 3266 KiB

Open AccessReview

Bio-Inspired Electricity Storage Alternatives to Support Massive Demand-Side Energy Generation: A Review of Applications at Building Scale

by Alisson Dodón, Vanessa Quintero, Miguel Chen Austin and Dafni Mora

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 51; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030051 - 26 Aug 2021

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 4778

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Buildings: Copying Nature for Energy Efficiency)

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31 pages, 2508 KiB

Open AccessReview

Are There Biomimetic Lessons from Genetic Regulatory Networks for Developing a Lunar Industrial Ecology?

by Alex Ellery

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 50; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030050 - 09 Aug 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3821

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Design and Techniques for Space Applications II)

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14 pages, 7563 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Biomimetics and Education in Europe: Challenges, Opportunities, and Variety

by Olga Speck and Thomas Speck

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 49; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030049 - 04 Aug 2021

Cited by 14 | Viewed by 7767

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimetic Process and Pedagogy)

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21 pages, 8648 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomimicry-Based Strategies for Urban Heat Island Mitigation: A Numerical Case Study under Tropical Climate

by Kevin Araque, Paola Palacios, Dafni Mora and Miguel Chen Austin

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 48; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030048 - 16 Jul 2021

Cited by 15 | Viewed by 5353

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

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23 pages, 396 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Biomimetic Leadership for 21st Century Companies

by Edita Olaizola, Rafael Morales-Sánchez and Marcos Eguiguren Huerta

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 47; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030047 - 14 Jul 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 6635

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 [...] Read more.

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)

30 pages, 2520 KiB

Open AccessReview

Forced Biomineralization: A Review

by Hermann Ehrlich, Elizabeth Bailey, Marcin Wysokowski and Teofil Jesionowski

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 46; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030046 - 12 Jul 2021

Cited by 40 | Viewed by 6531

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Extreme Biomineralization and Extreme Biomimetics)

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11 pages, 8022 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Synthesis of Inorganic Compounds in the Matrix of Polysaccharide Chitosan

by Larisa Zemskova, Vladimir Silant’ev, Eduard Tokar and Andrei Egorin

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030045 - 05 Jul 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2592

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

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11 pages, 628 KiB

Open AccessReview

Cellulases: From Bioactivity to a Variety of Industrial Applications

by Uroosa Ejaz, Muhammad Sohail and Abdelaziz Ghanemi

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030044 - 05 Jul 2021

Cited by 108 | Viewed by 10339

Abstract

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

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14 pages, 7168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Deformation Behavior of Elastomer-Glass Fiber-Reinforced Plastics in Dependence of Pneumatic Actuation

by Mona Mühlich, Edith A. González, Larissa Born, Axel Körner, Lena Schwill, Götz T. Gresser and Jan Knippers

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030043 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 3698

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gap: From Biomechanics and Functional Morphology of Plants to Biomimetic Developments)

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21 pages, 12464 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Self-Actuated Paper and Wood Models: Low-Cost Handcrafted Biomimetic Compliant Systems for Research and Teaching

by Simon Poppinga, Pablo Schenck, Olga Speck, Thomas Speck, Bernd Bruchmann and Tom Masselter

Biomimetics 2021, 6(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics6030042 - 22 Jun 2021

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 4277

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 [...] Read more.

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. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bridging the Gap: From Biomechanics and Functional Morphology of Plants to Biomimetic Developments)

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Biomimetics, Volume 6, Issue 3 (September 2021) – 12 articles

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