Flytrap Research Articles

Stellate Trichomes in Dionaea muscipula Ellis (Venus Flytrap) Traps, Structure and Functions

The digestive organs of carnivorous plants have external (abaxial) glands and trichomes, which perform various functions. Dionaea muscipula Ellis (the Venus flytrap) is a model carnivorous plant species whose traps are covered by external trichomes. The aim of the study was to fill in the gap regarding the structure of the stellate outer trichomes and their immunocytochemistry and to determine whether these data support the suggestions of other authors about the roles of these trichomes. Light and electron microscopy was used to show the trichomes' structure. Fluorescence microscopy was used to locate the carbohydrate epitopes that are associated with the major cell wall polysaccharides and glycoproteins. The endodermal cells and internal head cells of the trichomes were differentiated as transfer cells, and this supports the idea that stellate trichomes transport solutes and are not only tomentose-like trichomes. Trichome cells differ in the composition of their cell walls, e.g., the cell walls of the internal head cells are enriched with arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs). The cell walls of the outer head cells are poor in both low and highly homogalacturonans (HGs), but the immature trichomes are rich in the pectic polysaccharide (1-4)-β-D-galactan. In the immature traps, young stellate trichomes produce mucilage which may protect the trap surface, and in particular, the trap entrance. However, the role of these trichomes is different when the outer head cells collapse. In the internal head cells, a thick secondary wall cell was deposited, which together with the thick cell walls of the outer head cells played the role of a large apoplastic space. This may suggest that mature stellate trichomes might function as hydathodes, but this should be experimentally proven.

Self-Sustained Snapping Drives Autonomous Dancing and Motion in Free-Standing Wavy Rings.

Harnessing snapping, an instability phenomenon observed in nature (e.g., Venus flytraps), for autonomy has attracted growing interest in autonomous soft robots. However, achieving self-sustained snapping and snapping-driven autonomous motions in soft robots remains largely unexplored. Here, harnessing bistable, ribbon ring-like structures for realizing self-sustained snapping in a library of soft liquid-crystal elastomer wavy rings under constant thermal and photothermal actuation are reported. The self-sustained snapping induces continuous ring flipping that drives autonomous dancing or crawling motions on the ground and underwater. The 3D, free-standing wavy rings employ either a highly symmetric or symmetry-broken twisted shape with tunable geometric asymmetries. It is found that the former favors periodic self-dancing motion in place due to isotropic friction, while the latter shows a directional crawling motion along the predefined axis of symmetry during fabrication due to asymmetric friction. It shows that the crawling speed can be tuned by the geometric asymmetries with a peak speed achieved at the highest geometric asymmetry. Lastly, it is shown that the autonomous crawling ring can also adapt its body shape to pass through a confined space that is over 30% narrower than its body size.

Ultrafast Photothermal Actuators with a Large Helical Curvature Based on Ultrathin GO and Biaxially Oriented PE Films.

In nature, there are some amazing superfast actuations (Venus flytrap) and large-curvature helical deformations (the awn of Erodium). Although many bionic actuators have been made (electrothermal, hygroscopic, photoinduced), most of their actuations are slow and small, not comparable to the wonderful ones in nature. Here, we report an ultrafast photothermal actuator with large-curvature curling based on an ultrathin graphene oxide (GO) and biaxially oriented polyethylene (BOPE) bilayer film (thickness ∼11 μm). By virtue of the fast temperature changing rate (peak: 900 °C s-1 during infrared heating and -1200 °C s-1 during cooling) and the great difference in the coefficient of thermal expansion of GO and BOPE layers, the actuator deforms rapidly and greatly. The maximum bending speed and curvature can reach 5300° s-1 and 22 cm-1, respectively, which are comparable to those of wonderful natural actuators and far exceed the performances of the reported artificial actuators. Different from ordinary helical actuators made of uniaxial anisotropic materials, our actuator is based on a typical biaxial anisotropic material of BOPE. However, the morphing behaviors of this type of actuator have not been reported before. So for the first time, we systematically studied this problem through experiments and simulations using the GO-BOPE actuator as a prototype and have drawn clear conclusions. In addition, functional GO-BOPE actuators capable of winding around and manipulating tiny objects were also designed and developed. We think this ultrafast large-curvature photothermal actuator will have wide application prospects in bionic actuations and dexterous robots.

Theoretical study of the electroactive bistable actuator and regulation methods

ABSTRACT Dielectric elastomer actuators have attracted growing interest for soft robot due to their large deformation and fast response. However, continuous high-voltage loading tends to cause the electric breakdown of the actuator due to heat accumulation, and viscoelasticity complicates precise control. The snap-through bistability of the Venus flytrap is one of the essential inspirations for bionic structure, which can be adopted to improve the shortcoming of dielectric elastomer actuators and develop a new actuation structure with low energy consumption, variable configuration, and multi-mode actuation. Hence, in this paper, the structural design principles of electroactive bistable actuators are first presented based on the total potential energy of the structure. Following that, a feasible design parameter region is provided, the influence of crucial parameters on the actuation stroke, trigger voltage, and actuation charge are discussed. Finally, according to the coupling relationship between the bending stiffness and the bistable property of the actuator, the adjusting methods of bistable actuation are explored. A qualitative experiment was performed to verify the feasibility and correctness of the bistable design methodology and the actuation regulation strategy. This study provides significant theoretical guidance and technical support for developing and applying dielectric elastomer actuators with multi-mode, high-performance, and long-life characteristics.

Purine 5’‐Ribonucleotide‐l‐Glutamate Hybrids As Potential Tools To Investigate The Mechanism Of Umami Taste Reception

AbstractUmami taste is elicited predominantly by monosodium glutamate (MSG) and purine 5’‐ribonucleotides, in particular guanosine and inosine 5’‐monophosphates (GMP and IMP). A significant peculiarity of umami compounds is their capacity to interact synergistically. A possible explanation of such phenomenon is that both l‐glutamate and ribonucleotides may interact simultaneously with the “Venus flytrap” domain of T1R1/T1R3 umami receptor, but at different sites. Starting from this model, we reasoned that hybrid compounds, containing the two umami moieties covalently connected through flexible linkers of variable length, could be able to reach both umami receptor sites through a single molecule, thus giving an insight into the mechanism of synergism. MD simulations suggested that a chain of at least eight carbon atoms is requested to allow the interaction of both l‐glutamate and 5’‐ribonucleotide with their respective binding sites. We report here the synthesis of such hybrids starting from 2’,3’‐O‐isopropylidene‐5’‐O‐t‐butyldimethylsilylguanosine.

Feedback-controlled hydrogels with homeostatic oscillations and dissipative signal transduction

Driving systems out of equilibrium under feedback control is characteristic for living systems, where homeostasis and dissipative signal transduction facilitate complex responses. This feature not only inspires dissipative dynamic functionalities in synthetic systems but also poses great challenges in designing novel pathways. Here we report feedback-controlled systems comprising two coupled hydrogels driven by constant light, where the system can be tuned to undergo stable homeostatic self-oscillations or damped steady states of temperature. We demonstrate that stable temperature oscillations can be utilized for dynamic colours and cargo transport, whereas damped steady states enable signal transduction pathways. Here mechanical triggers cause temperature changes that lead to responses such as bending motions inspired by the single-touch mechanoresponse in Mimosa pudica and the frequency-gated snapping motion inspired by the plant arithmetic in the Venus flytrap. The proposed concepts suggest generalizable feedback pathways for dissipative dynamic materials and interactive soft robotics.

Red algae-derived isofloridoside activates the sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3

Isofloridoside (IF) is a naturally occurring galactosylglycerol compound with a refreshing sweet taste. It is found in red algae, where it acts as a photosynthetic intermediate. However, the mechanism by which IF elicits sweetness has not been determined. In this study, we investigate the interaction between IF and the sweet taste receptor T1R2/T1R3. We show that IF causes an increase in intracellular Ca2+ concentration and an increase in Erk phosphorylation in T1R2/T1R3-expressing HEK293T cells, indicating that IF interacts with T1R2/T1R3. IF also activates endogenously expressed T1R2/T1R3 in mouse small intestinal endocrine L-cells, and promotes the secretion of the incretin glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). In silico docking simulations of IF and T1R2/T1R3 predict that IF forms hydrogen bonds with Tyr103 in the extracellular Venus flytrap domain of T1R2. This result is consistent with the binding mode of many other sweet-tasting molecules. We found that IF have the potential as a new alternative sweetener.

Cover Feature: Anion Responsive Molecular Switch Based on a Doubly Strapped Calix[4]pyrrole (Eur. J. Org. Chem. 42/2022)

The Cover Feature shows conformational switching of a doubly strapped calix[4]pyrrole upon complexation with anions that reminds of the shape change of a Venus flytrap. Artwork by brgfx on Freepik. More information can be found in the Research Article by K. Helttunen.

Effects of Three Cultural Practices on Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae) in Open Blueberry Fields in Florida.

Simple SummaryThe spotted-wing Drosophila is an invasive pest of berry fruits in Florida. The pest is difficult to control with pesticides, and resistance is developing. The current study was carried out in north Florida to see if non-pesticidal pest control tactics using three mulching practices could reduce its population density to increase growers’ berries productivity. The experiments were conducted for two years while using two plant-based mulches (short pine needles and pine bark) and one fabric-based mulch in the open blueberry fields. In general, the fly population was reduced within the selected pine bark and black weed fabric mulches. This is the first report of such practices deployed to manage the spotted-wing Drosophila in Florida. We are confident that these selective cultural practices could be utilized in open blueberry fields before berries settings to reduce pest pressure for both conventional and organic blueberry growers in Florida. Indeed, this will increase growers’ berry production and profitability.The spotted-wing Drosophila (SWD), Drosophila suzukii, is native species in Southeast Asia. For over a decade, this invasive pest has been globally expanding. The economic losses to soft fruits and stoned fruits in the United States are increasing every year. Presently, the only viable tool to reduce the SWD population is the continued use of broad-spectrum insecticides. Pesticide resistance is appearing in the populations for the SWD. Organic farmers have limited options to control this pest in open fields. The major goal of this study was to develop cost-effective pest management strategies to manage the SWD using three types of mulches (two plant-based and one fabric-based) to reduce fly population and damage in open blueberry fields in north Florida. The study was conducted in two fruiting seasons (2017 and 2018). The study results demonstrated that the fly trap catches in 2017 shortleaf pine needle mulch had much higher populations (about 2.5-fold) of the SWD than all other treatments. In 2018, the numbers were about 1.7-fold more on shortleaf pine needle mulch than on other treatments. The fine texture of the mulch (pine needles) can easily facilitate the emergence of the SWD if the mulch is not thick enough. Although the pine needles covered the soil surface, it may have been too thin and thus allowed the SWD adults to emerge from the soil without much hindrance. In 2018, a higher population of the SWD was recorded from all the mulching practices. However, there were no significant differences in trap catches between all treatments. In general, the fly population is reduced with the use of pine bark and black weed fabric mulches. This is the first study that reports the effects of three mulches in controlling the SWD populations, which could benefit conventional and organic blueberry growers.

The flesh-eating Venus flytrap plant generates its own magnetic fields

Each leaf of the carnivorous Venus flytrap plant ends in a jaw-like trap which imprisons unsuspecting insect prey. The traps are electrically active and produce electrical signals that trigger the trap to close around the insect. We discovered that this electrical signal also produces a measurable magnetic field.

Mechanism of chorismate dehydratase MqnA, the first enzyme of the futalosine pathway, proceeds via substrate-assisted catalysis

MqnA, the only chorismate dehydratase known so far, catalyzes the initial step in the biosynthesis of menaquinone via the futalosine pathway. Details of the MqnA reaction mechanism remain unclear. Here, we present crystal structures of Streptomyces coelicolor MqnA and its active site mutants in complex with chorismate and the product 3-enolpyruvyl-benzoate, produced during heterologous expression in Escherichia coli. Together with activity studies, our data are in line with dehydration proceeding via substrate assisted catalysis, with the enol pyruvyl group of chorismate acting as catalytic base. Surprisingly, structures of the mutant Asn17Asp with copurified ligand suggest that the enzyme converts to a hydrolase by serendipitous positioning of the carboxyl group. All complex structures presented here exhibit a closed Venus flytrap fold, with the enzyme exploiting the characteristic ligand binding properties of the fold for specific substrate binding and catalysis. The conformational rearrangements that facilitate complete burial of substrate/product, with accompanying topological changes to the enzyme surface, could foster substrate channeling within the biosynthetic pathway.

Identification of Inhibitors of the Schistosoma mansoni VKR2 Kinase Domain.

Schistosomiasis is a neglected tropical disease caused by parasitic flatworms. Current treatment relies on just one partially effective drug, praziquantel (PZQ). Schistosoma mansoni Venus Kinase Receptors 1 and 2 (SmVKR1 and SmVKR2) are important for parasite growth and egg production, and are potential targets for combating schistosomiasis. VKRs consist of an extracellular Venus Flytrap Module (VFTM) linked via a transmembrane helix to a kinase domain. Here, we initiated a drug discovery effort to inhibit the activity of the SmVKR2 kinase domain (SmVKR2KD) by screening the GSK published kinase inhibitor set 2 (PKIS2). We identified several inhibitors, of which four were able to inhibit its enzymatic activity and induced phenotypic changes in ex vivo S. mansoni. Our crystal structure of the SmVKR2KD displays an active-like state that sheds light on the activation process of VKRs. Our data provide a basis for the further exploration of SmVKR2 as a possible drug target.

Food Attractants for Mass Trapping of Fruit Flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) and Its Selectivity for Beneficial Arthropods

El control de las moscas de la fruta en Uruguay se basa principalmente en el uso de cebos tóxicos, los cuales han mostrado ser insuficientes para reducir sus daños. Debido a esto, estrategias de control alternativas como el trampeo masivo han tomado mayor relevancia. Los atrayentes disponibles comercialmente fueron diseñados para Ceratitis capitata (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). Sin embargo, en nuestros cultivos frutales también deberían ser efectivos para Anastrepha fraterculus (Wiedemann) (Diptera: Tephritidae). El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar la eficiencia de diferentes atrayentes alimenticios en la captura de hembras sexualmente inmaduras de C. capitata y A. fraterculus, y su selectividad respecto a las poblaciones de artrópodos benéficos. Siete atrayentes diferentes fueron evaluados en tres cultivos frutícolas comerciales en dos temporadas; cuatro atrayentes comerciales (proteína hidrolizada, trimethylamine líquido, trimethylamine tarjeta difusora, y acetato de amonio + putrescina), jugo natural de Acca sellowiana (O. Berg) O. Berg (Myrtaceae) al 20%, melaza de caña al 6% y levadura Torula. Los atrayentes se colocaron en trampas McPhail, las que se revisaron semanalmente y todos los artrópodos capturados fueron retirados, contados y clasificados. Las hembras de tefrítidos capturadas fueron disecadas para determinar la presencia de huevos. Los atrayentes comerciales evaluados fueron eficaces en la captura de hembras jóvenes de C. capitata en los tres cultivos frutales evaluados y ambas temporadas. La proteína hidrolizada, el trimethylamine líquido, y la trimethylamine tarjeta difusora fueron efectivos en la captura de hembras jóvenes de ambas especies. La mayoría de las capturas se dieron en el período poscosecha, por lo que sugerimos que las trampas de trampeo masivo no se muevan de los cuadros luego de la cosecha comercial. Estos atrayentes fueron además muy selectivos, capturando pocos artrópodos benéficos. La melaza de caña y el jugo de guayabo no fueron eficaces en la captura de hembras de tefrítidos.

Efficient Energy Resource Selection in Home Area Sensor Networks using Non Swarm Intelligence Based Discrete Venus Flytrap Search Optimization Algorithm

A new non-swarm intelligence algorithm called discrete Venus fly-trap search algorithm (DVFS) is proposed for the optimal energy resource selection for sensor nodes in home area sensor network (HASN). DVFS algorithm is a population-based, non-swarm intelligence search algorithm that copycats the foraging behaviors of Venus fly-trap plant. The performance of DVFS based energy resource selection methodology is studied by simulating in wireless sensor network toolbox in Matlab2016. The simulation results exposed that the proposed approach can identify optimal energy resource selection from the energy source station to provide the power supply to the nodes in HASN for the network lifespan increment.

Plant physiology: Anatomy of a plant action potential

The Venus flytrap possesses modified leaves that can snap shut fast enough to catch a fly. A new study identifies the major components of the toolkit that allows the flytrap to fire action potentials, illustrating how different ion channels and transporters are recruited to give rise to this unique plant behavioural response.

The Adjustment Strategy of Venus Flytrap Photosynthetic Apparatus to UV-A Radiation.

The objective of this study was to investigate the response of the photosynthetic apparatus of the Venus flytrap (Dionaea muscipula J. Ellis) to UV-A radiation stress as well as the role of selected secondary metabolites in this process. Plants were subjected to 24 h UV-A treatment. Subsequently, chl a fluorescence and gas exchange were measured in living plants. On the collected material, analyses of the photosynthetic pigments and photosynthetic apparatus proteins content, as well as the contents and activity of selected antioxidants, were performed. Measurements and analyses were carried out immediately after the stress treatment (UV plants) and another 24 h after the termination of UV-A exposure (recovery plants). UV plants showed no changes in the structure and function of their photosynthetic apparatus and increased contents and activities of some antioxidants, which led to efficient CO2 carboxylation, while, in recovery plants, a disruption of electron flow was observed, resulting in lower photosynthesis efficiency. Our results revealed that D. muscipula plants underwent two phases of adjustment to UV-A radiation. The first was a regulatory phase related to the exploitation of available mechanisms to prevent the over-reduction of PSII RC. In addition, UV plants increased the accumulation of plumbagin as a potential component of a protective mechanism against the disruption of redox homeostasis. The second was an acclimatization phase initiated after the running down of the regulatory process and decrease in photosynthesis efficiency.

Uji Efektifitas Variasi Umpan Buah Flytrap Ramah Lingkungan dalam Mengurangi Kepadatan Lalat di Pasar Alang- Alang Lebar Kota Palembang Tahun 2022

In the community environment, there are many insects that need to be controlled even though they cannot be completely controlled, one of which is flies. Poor sanitation conditionscan affect the presence of disease causing flies. Fly control can be done by physial-mechanical methods such as flytraps and baits to attract flies. The research method used is True Experiment with a post test only control group design design. In this study, 8 fly traps were used and were yellow in color. The baits used in this study were plantain, papaya and sweet fragrant mango. Placement of fly traps in this study at garbage dump (Tempat Pembuangan Sampah/TPS) and wet stall (Los Basah). The results showed that there was a significant difference in the number of flies with variations in bait trapped in the fly trap (p-value > 0.05). Banana bait was able to catch an average of 29 flies, papaya bait with an average of 18, and 12 mango baits. It can be concluded that banana fruit bait is the bait that catches the most flies compared to the other 2 baits and the bait that catches the least flies is flytrap without bait. Keyword : Flytrap, Flies, Fruit bait

Anion Responsive Molecular Switch Based on a Doubly Strapped Calix[4]pyrrole

AbstractA calix[4]pyrrole receptor bearing two proximally meso‐meso linking isophthaloyl straps displays open and closed states depending on the calix[4]pyrrole conformation. In the crystal structures and in non‐polar solvent, the calix[4]pyrrole adopts open 1,3‐alternate conformation with straps on the sides. Anion binding triggers a closed state of the receptor providing two types of interactions with an aromatic benzoate guest: hydrogen bonds from the pyrrolic NH groups and π⋅⋅⋅π interactions from the phenyl groups of the straps. Slow exchange dynamics was observed on the NMR timescale indicating that benzoate, acetate and chloride anions, which bind with relatively low affinity get kinetically trapped in the receptor as insects in a Venus flytrap.

The Development of a Venus Flytrap Inspired Soft Robot Driven by IPMC

The Development of a Venus Flytrap Inspired Soft Robot Driven by IPMC

Intelligent IDS: Venus Fly-Trap Optimization with Honeypot Approach for Intrusion Detection and Prevention

Intrusion Detection Systems and Intrusion Prevention Systems are used to detect and prevent attacks/malware from entering the network/system. Honeypot is a type of Intrusion Detection System which is used to find the intruder, study the intruder and prevent the intruder to access the original system. It is necessary to build a strong honeypot because if it is compromised, the original system can be easily targeted by the attacker. To overcome such challenges an efficient honeypot is needed that can shut the attacker after extracting his attack technique and tools. In this paper, a Venus fly-trap optimization algorithm has been used for implementing the honeypot system along with Intrusion Detection System. Venus plants are a type of carnivorous plants that catch their prey intelligently. By adopting this feature we make an effective honeypot system that will intelligently interact with the attacker. A new fitness function has been proposed to identify size of the attacker. The effectiveness of the proposed fitness function has been evaluated by comparing it with state of the art. For comparison, remote-to-local attacks, probing attacks and DOS attacks are performed on both proposed and existing models. The proposed model is significant to catch/block all the intruders which were caught by the art and also the proposed model reduces the time of interaction between the attacker and honeypot system thereby giving minimum information to the attacker.