Bio-inspired Design Research Articles

Probing Intersystem Crossing in Multi-brominated Eumelanin through Transient Absorption and Surface Hopping Dynamics

Achieving intersystem crossing (ISC) through structural tuning in biological systems is an evolving area for therapeutic and materials research. Eumelanin, a natural pigment, offers huge potential for bio-inspired material design,...

Performance comparison of bio-inspired flow field designs for direct methanol fuel cell and proton exchange membrane fuel cell

Bipolar flow channel plate design, which is a key component and performance qualifier of fuel cells, is an extensively investigated area. Recently, bio-inspired flow fields (FFs) have been designed to increase the overall performance as an alternative to traditional FFs. In the present study, performance evaluation of the various bio-inspired FFs was carried out in PEM fuel cell and direct methanol fuel cell modes. The effects of the main performance characteristics including the clamping force of the short stack assembly, air flow rate, and operating temperature on the cell power were investigated for both PEMFC and DMFC modes. The highest performance output was ensured with the Morus leaf-inspired FF (MLFF) at PEMFC mode at 55 °C with a peak power density of 313 mW/cm2. Besides, the highest performance for DMFC mode was achieved at 35.8 mW/cm2 with the Ficus Carica leaf-inspired FF (FCLFF).

PARAMETRIC MODELING OF BIO-INSPIRED LUMINAIRES FOR ADDITIVE MANUFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES

The development of 3D modeling tools has allowed the construction of geometries that were unattainable computationally until a few decades ago. Specifically, parametric design and modeling is gaining significant importance in the conceptualization of new designs and products. This communication shows some of the resulting prototypes, designed and manufactured by INNANOMAT research group (TEP 946) of Cadiz University. A product design methodology for Additive Manufacturing (AM) and functional luminaire models proposed in the scope of two projects: ADICORK and 3DBLEND. In these projects, bio-inspired texture designs were explored in natural elements and environments of the province of Cádiz, in order to highlight this region and the value of its ecosystem. In both projects, sustainable polymeric blends were developed that served as base material for the manufacture of part of the prototypes shown in this communication. For these designs, parametric design programs such as Grasshopper, a Rhinoceros plugin, were used to obtain complex models that achieve a unique and differentiating aesthetic. The result of the modeled texturing is combined with surfaces in Rhinoceros. Once the textured model is defined, it is detailed and finished in modeling programs where dimensional control is greater, and the design is adjusted to the specific AM technology chosen. In this case two were used, Fused Filament Fabrication (FFF) and Fused Granular Fabrication (FGF). Keywords: Parametric design; Fused Granular Fabrication; Additive Manufacturing; product design; Biomimicry

Bioinspired microrobots and their biomedical applications.

Natural organisms and biological systems provide a rich source of inspiration for the development of bioinspired microrobots. These diminutive automatons, designed to emulate the intricate structures and functions of living entities, extend human capabilities across a spectrum of applications. This review endeavors to amalgamate and elucidate the underpinnings of such bioinspired microrobots design, traversing the interdisciplinary expanse of research. It delineates a spectrum of biomedical applications for bioinspired microrobots, encompassing targeted drug delivery, cellular manipulation, and minimally invasive surgical procedures, among others. Moreover, the current technical challenges and future directions of bioinspired microrobots in the biomedical field are discussed. The objective is to impart a holistic view to the readership, illuminating the significance of bioinspired microrobots in contemporary biomedicine and charting potential trajectories of innovation.

Bioinspired self-healing nickel coating.

We present a study of self-healing mechanisms including their kinetics and thermodynamics in nickel coatings. The bioinspired self-healing coating is designed to enhance the durability of structural metal components exposed to harsh conditions. Microcapsules, reminiscent of natural healing reservoirs, were synthesized via in situ polymerization in an oil-in-water emulsion to encapsulate linseed oil, a healing agent, within poly(urea-formaldehyde) (PUF) shells. Nickel coatings incorporating PUF shell microcapsules were electrodeposited on mild steel substrates to assess their effectiveness in self-healing, mimicking nature's ability to provide on-demand healing. Comprehensive characterization of the microcapsules and coating was performed using techniques including Optical Microscopy (OM), Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (EDS), and Thermogravimetric Analysis (TGA). The self-healing performance of the coating was evaluated using SEM and EDS after scratches simulating damage were made on the surfaces of the samples. Corrosion resistance and self-healing ability were evaluated through an immersion test, and additional corrosion resistance tests such as Open Circuit Potential (OCP) and Linear Polarization (LP) were conducted. The results indicate that the nickel coating containing PUF shell microcapsules confers corrosion resistance to the substrate and, upon damage to that coating, induces a self-healing response analogous to natural systems, highlighting the potential of bioinspired designs in advanced material solutions.

Bio-Inspired Design of Future Solar Power Systems for Smart Grid Applications

Bio-Inspired Design of Future Solar Power Systems for Smart Grid Applications

Bio-inspired design of a self-supported bismuth microforest for high performance sodium storage

A self-supported bismuth microforest anode material, prepared by a simple, efficient and scalable in situ galvanic replacement approach, exhibits high performance for sodium-ion batteries.

Bio-inspired non-assembly joints: Design, fabrication and wear performance

Additive manufacturing facilitates the materialization of complex designs, e.g. bio-inspired non-assembly joints. Despite the advantages of this type of joints, such as single-step manufacturing, their performance under operational conditions remains poorly understood. This paper explores the design, fabrication and wear performance of a hinge-type joint inspired by the camel elbow. The joint was fabricated by metal additive manufacturing and its wear behaviour was numerically and experimentally evaluated. The results show that the bio-inspired design performs better than a cylindrical one in terms of wear distribution. This work helps to better understand the wear performance of non-assembled bio-inspired joints.

Bio-inspired carbon electrodes for metal-ion batteries.

Carbon has been widely used as an electrode material in commercial metal-ion batteries (MIBs) because of its desirable electrical, mechanical, and physical properties. Still, traditional carbon electrodes suffer from limited mechanical stability and electrochemical performance in MIBs. Drawing inspiration from biological species, the carbon allotropes, such as fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, and graphene, can be engineered into mechanically robust, highly conductive frameworks with enhanced ion storage and transport capabilities for MIBs. Here, we present an assortment of bio-inspired carbon electrodes that have enhanced the cycling stability, capacity retention, and overall performance of MIBs. In addition, mimicking the structure and functionality of biological systems has led to the development of flexible MIBs whose performance does not degrade even when stretched, bent, or twisted. Finite element analysis (FEA) is a useful guide in identifying such bio-inspired carbon frameworks because it can simulate and analyze potential failure scenarios, such as stress build-up or structural collapse in MIBs. This review highlights through several examples that there is much scope for improving carbon-based electrode materials through bio-inspired designs for practical high-performance MIBs.

Ultimate bearing capacity analysis and bio-inspired optimization design of marine composite T-joint

Sandwich composites are widely used in aviation, aerospace and marine engineering fields because of their excellent comprehensive properties. However, it is difficult to accurately predict the ultimate performance of sandwich composite structures because of their complex failure modes and uncoordinated damage processes. In this paper, the ultimate load, progressive failure process and failure mode of sandwich composite T-joints under three-point bending and lateral bending loads are predicted and verified by using an improved progressive damage analysis program. Moreover, the bio-inspired optimization of the composite T-joint is carried out, and the corner shape and material combination of the T-joint are designed and optimized based on the contour of the flange bone of the bird. The main factors affecting the bearing capacity of T-joint are further discussed, and a reasonable and feasible bio-inspired optimization scheme is obtained, which provides some reference for the design of marine composite T-joint.

Ballistic performance of bio-inspired hybrid interleaved composite structures suitable for aerospace applications

We investigate the ballistic performance of an aircraft engine containment casing demonstrator, made of composite materials with a novel bio-inspired hybrid interleaved design, under high-velocity impact (HVI) at a specific angle. Firstly, we apply a bio-inspired (BI) helicoidal design to develop a large-scale monolithic laminate concept made of carbon fibre-reinforced polymer (CFRP). Then, we hybridise the developed BI laminate concept with interleaved blocks of Zylon fibre (PBO)-reinforced polymer to develop a large-scale BI hybrid interleaved laminate concept. We then further hybridise the developed BI hybrid concept with titanium (Ti) foils (located at the impact face) so that in total we have three large-scale laminate concepts. We manufacture 6 large-scale laminates from each concept with dimensions of 225 × 225 mm and a target areal weight of 0.95 g/cm2. We then test them (perpendicularly) under HVI ranging from 150 to 300 m/s to obtain the ballistic limit and energy dissipation. Secondly, after selecting the best-performing developed laminate concept, we scale it up to develop industrial demonstrator panels with a target areal weight of 1.5 g/cm2 and dimensions of 550 × 360 mm. We test the panels under HVI at an angle of 55° with a larger and heavier projectile, to more closely represent a fan blade-off event onto the engine casing. The results of the large-scale laminate concept tests show that the BI hybrid interleaved CFRP/PBO concept outperformed the rest of the concepts with 54% and 34% improvement in energy dissipation compared to that of quasi-isotropic (QI) and the BI monolithic CFRP, respectively. Our results show that small-scale designs for HVI-resistant CFRP-based laminates cannot be simply assumed to exhibit an equivalent performance for industrial applications with thicker laminates, heavier projectiles and impacts at an angle.

BioinspiredLLM: Conversational Large Language Model for the Mechanics of Biological and Bio-Inspired Materials.

The study of biological materials and bio-inspired materials science is well established; however, surprisingly little knowledge is systematically translated to engineering solutions. To accelerate discovery and guide insights, an open-source autoregressive transformer large language model (LLM), BioinspiredLLM, is reported. The model is finetuned with a corpus of over a thousand peer-reviewed articles in the field of structural biological and bio-inspired materials and can be prompted to recall information, assist with research tasks, and function as an engine for creativity. The model has proven that it is able to accurately recall information about biological materials and is further strengthenedwith enhanced reasoning ability, as well as with Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to incorporate new data during generation that can also help to traceback sources, update the knowledge base, and connect knowledge domains. BioinspiredLLM also has shown to develop sound hypotheses regarding biological materials design and remarkably so for materials that have never been explicitly studied before. Lastly, the model shows impressive promise in collaborating with other generative artificial intelligence models in a workflow that can reshape the traditional materials design process. This collaborative generative artificial intelligence method can stimulate and enhance bio-inspired materials design workflows. Biological materials are at a critical intersection of multiple scientific fields and models like BioinspiredLLM help to connect knowledge domains.

Fluor-silane modified nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO3) as a hydrophobic coating for the conservation of sandstone via bio-inspired design

Ancient cultural relics built of red sandstone have high historical value. However, due to the acceleration of the industrialization process of human civilization, increasingly frequent acid rain has caused irreversible damage to the surface of red sandstone artifacts. In this research, a fluor-silane modified nano-calcium carbonate (CaCO3) was prepared as a biomimetic hydrophobic coating for the conservation of red sandstone inspired by the lotus leaf effect. Characterizations and immersion tests were carried out to assess the protective properties of the coating. XRD, FT-IR, TEM and SEM were combined to characterize the morphology of the coating. In addition, the water contact angle was measured before and after immersion in the simulated acid rain. The results indicate that this kind of hydrophobic nano-CaCO3 coating effectively protected the sandstone from the deleterious effects of acid rain.

Simulation study of bio-inspired leaf flow field designs for direct methanol fuel cell

The flow field design in the bipolar plate, which is a DMFC structure, is extremely important in the mass transfer in the fuel cell and the electrochemical reactions occurring in the cell. One of the main purposes of DMFC is to improve the flow plate in order to provide less pressure drop in all channels. Therefore, different leaf types have been investigated to improve the flow distribution performance of DMFC. Populus, Large-surface Bamboo, Palm, Philodendron, Lotus, Mulberry, Loquat and Fig leaves with similar properties were sized using the COMSOL Multiphysics program and designed by examining their environmental and physical properties. Flow and pressure distributions in accordance with the flow field design similar to leaf dimensions in two dimensions were investigated. The biological and physical properties of each bio-inspired leaf design are described and its compliance with the DMFC is explained. Finally, flow images are presented with a comparison of flow areas. When these studies in the literature are examined; while applying the bio-inspired approach, it was seen that the shape similarity approach was adopted. However, by specifying the leaf, the flow field was not created exactly in the size of the leaf. Although there is a research on the flow design in the PEM fuel cell, it has not been used at the same rate for the DMFC. Considering that it is suitable for the DMFC system with the flow channel designs in the bipolar plate in question, it is expected that the performances that will increase the flow transmission to optimum levels will also increase when used.

Experimental investigation of bio-inspired flow field design for AEM and PEM water electrolyzer cells

Hydrogen is the strongest candidate to become the future fuel of the world to meet net-zero targets while it cannot be found in nature in pure form and the most major occurrence is in water or carbon-based forms. Therefore, external energy is needed to retrieve hydrogen in pure form where natural gas reforming is the most common method for over 90% of hydrogen production worldwide with carbon footprint followed by water electrolysis which is environmentally friendly. As clean methods PEM and AEL electrolysis are mature technologies while AEM takes increased attention with its unique dry cathode technology. This study examines how a nature-influenced (Bioinspired) and a serpentine flow channel design affects PEM electrolyzer and AEM electrolyzer cell functionality. The performance of the electrolyzers is assessed in terms of experimental polarization curves. It was decided to utilize Sustainion® XA-9 Alkaline Ionomer Powder as the ionomer solution and Fumasep FAS-50 as the membrane. The laminar flow analysis is performed using COMSOL Multiphysics. The efficiency of the PEM electrolyzer is 71% with the serpentine flow, while the efficiency is 73% with the biomimetic flow. The efficiency of the AEM water electrolyser is 25% using the same design. The low performance in AEM was interpreted as the inability to distribute the catalyst homogeneously on the membrane surface.

A methodological approach towards the bio-inspired design of novel scaffolds for tissue engineering

The design of scaffolds for multi-tissue regeneration is very complex in terms of material and structure, as a direct consequence of hierarchical and organizational features. TRIZ represents the Russian acronym for the “Theory of Inventive Problem Solving” (TIPS). TRIZ is able to identify and codify such principles, using them to make the creative process more predictable. It is a methodology for the identification of the system conflicts and contradictions in order to solve the inventive problems. Its multidisciplinary features and the general approach to product design can make TRIZ as an intriguing starting point for the biomimetic approach in a systematic and organized way. Biomimetics aims at a complete integration between nature and technology. In this scenario, BioTRIZ shares the contradiction resolution method of the Altshuller’s theory, representing a systematic biomimetic approach towards the product design. In the current study, BioTRIZ was considered to systematize the process of bio-inspired design of 3D optimized scaffolds for the regeneration of complex tissue defects. A device for the regeneration of osteochondral tissue defects was considered as a case study. The technical solutions involved the design of a two-compartment, hybrid and functionally graded scaffold.

BIKAS: Bio-Inspired Knowledge Acquisition and Simulacrum—A Knowledge Database to Support Multifunctional Design Concept Generation

Abstract A detailed acquisition, analysis, and representation of biological systems exhibiting different functions is required to develop unique bio-inspired multifunctional conceptual designs and methods. This paper presents BIKAS: Bio-inspired Knowledge Acquisition and Simulacrum, a knowledge database of biological systems exhibiting various functionalities, developed based on case-based bio-inspired examples from literature. The knowledge database represents the biological features, their characteristics, and the function exhibited by the biological feature as a combination of its integrated structure and structural strategy. Furthermore, this knowledge database is utilized by the Expandable Domain Integrated Design (xDID) model that works on classifying, mapping, and representing biological features into their respective geometric designations called Domains. The combination of features from the Domains results in the generation of multifunctional conceptual designs. In addition, Meta-level design factors are proposed to aid designers in filtering the biological features and their respective functions having a similar structural strategy, thus aiding designers in rapidly selecting and emulating biological functions.

Recent Progress in Bioinspired Design Strategies for Freeze Resistant Hydrogel Platforms toward Flexible Electronics

Recent Progress in Bioinspired Design Strategies for Freeze Resistant Hydrogel Platforms toward Flexible Electronics

Unveiling the mechanics of deep-sea sponge-inspired tubular metamaterials: Exploring bending, radial, and axial mechanical behavior

Strengthened tubular structures have had a significant impact on various industries. Advancements in aircraft, construction, medical implants, robotics, and renewable energy have improved safety, efficiency, and durability in multiple sectors. This work explores the practical applications of medical health, using nasal swabs as an example, under different loading scenarios. The study focuses on incorporating bioinspired structural elements, drawing inspiration from the skeletal lattice of sea sponges. By utilizing the sea sponge's process of trial and error in evolution, this bioinspired approach provides a promising perspective on enhancing the mechanical performance of tubular structures. To evaluate the mechanical advantages of the bioinspired design approach, we conducted 3-point bending, radial, and axial compression tests on 3D printed tubular lattice structures. The tests showed that the tubular structure, inspired by sponges, displayed improved bending properties and was approximately twice as stiff as traditional tubular designs. Furthermore, the sponge-inspired design exhibits significantly higher strength and toughness compared to traditional designs, with approximate improvements of 3 and 4 times, respectively. Numerical simulations revealed that these enhancements are attributed to the strengthening effect of diagonally double diagonal struts, which distribute stress evenly and allow for bending without excessive stress concentration. The bio-inspired design shows improved resistance to radial and axial loading, with approximately 1.3 and 3 times greater radial/axial compression stiffness compared to unreinforced designs. These improved mechanical properties of sea sponge-inspired tubular metamaterials make them suitable for a wide range of applications.

Bioinspired Design for Lightweighting and Vibration Behavior Optimization in Large-Scale Aeronautical Tooling: A Comparative Study

A comparative study is presented, focusing on three different bioinspired design methodologies applied to a large-scale aeronautical tooling use case. The study aims to optimize the structure in terms of the first vibration mode, minimizing mass, and supporting operational loads. The development of lightweight metallic components is of great importance for industries such as aerospace, automotive, and energy harvesting, where weight reduction can lead to significant improvements in performance, efficiency, and sustainability. Bioinspired design offers a promising approach to achieving these goals. The study begins with an introduction to natural selection and various bioinspired concepts. It proceeds with a thorough review of the selected bioinspired design methodologies and tools, which are then applied to the chosen use case. The outcomes for each methodology were explored with respect to the design requirements. Subsequently, the most suitable design was selected according to the success criteria defined and its validation is explained. The manufacturing of this design was carried out using an advanced and novel approach specifically tailored to accommodate the large dimensions and complexity of the structure. Finally, modal testing was performed to validate the entire process, and the results obtained demonstrate the potential effectiveness of bioinspired design methodologies in achieving lightweighting and optimizing vibration modes for large-scale aeronautical tooling.