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This article is from Beilstein Journal of Nanotechnology , volume 2 . Abstract The emerging field of biomimetics allows one to mimic biology or nature to develop nanomaterials, nanodevices, and processes which provide desirable properties. Hierarchical structures with dimensions of features ranging from the macroscale to the nanoscale are extremely common in nature and possess properties of interest. There are a large number of objects including bacteria, plants, land and aquatic animals, and seashells with properties of commercial interest. Certain plant leaves, such as lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) leaves, are known to be superhydrophobic and self-cleaning due to the hierarchical surface roughness and presence of a wax layer. In addition to a self-cleaning effect, these surfaces with a high contact angle and low contact angle hysteresis also exhibit low adhesion and drag reduction for fluid flow. An aquatic animal, such as a shark, is another model from nature for the reduction of drag in fluid flow. The artificial surfaces inspired from the shark skin and lotus leaf have been created, and in this article the influence of structure on drag reduction efficiency is reviewed. Biomimetic-inspired oleophobic surfaces can be used to prevent contamination of the underwater parts of ships by biological and organic contaminants, including oil. The article also reviews the wetting behavior of oil droplets on various superoleophobic surfaces created in the lab.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

NASA Sci Files segment describing how NASA scientists study the natural design of living organisms in order to solve problems in engineering aircraft.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Is a biomimetics concept wind turbine design,

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

This report represents an attempt to see if some of the techniques biological systems use to maximize their efficiency can be applied to the problems NASA faces in aeronautics and space exploration. It includes an internal survey of resources available at NASA Langley Research Center for biomimetics research efforts, an external survey of state of the art in biomimetics covering the Materials, Structures, Aerodynamics, Guidance and Controls areas. The Biomimetics Planning team also included ideas for potential research areas, as well as recommendations on how to implement this new program. This six-month survey was conducted in the second half of 1999.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Underwater surveillance is inherently difficult because acoustic wave propagation and transmission are limited and unpredictable when targets and sensors move around in the communication-opaque undersea environment. Todays Navy underwater sensors enable the collection of a massive amount of data, often analyzed offline. The Navy of tomorrow will dominate by making sense of that data in real-time. DRDCs AMBUSH project proposes a new undersea-surveillance network paradigm that will enable such real-time operation. Nature abounds with examples of collaborative tasks taking place despite limited communication and computational capabilities. This publication describes a years worth of research efforts finding inspiration in Natures collaborative tasks such as wolves hunting in packs. This project proposes the utilization of a heterogeneous network combining both static and mobile network nodes.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

Basic Aerodynamics Research Tunnel (BART). -- Photographed on 03/11/2003. -- Models in the BART, building 1214.

At first glance, imitating nature via biomimetics seems to be a straightforward proposition. For example, if one is a roboticist, just add legs to the platform instead of wheels. Unfortunately, and as often the case, the devil is in the details. This short synopsis will cover biomimetic examples of material synthesis, sensing and robotics. This overview will attempt to capture some lessons learned, some surprising and unanticipated insights, and some of the potential pitfalls encountered along the way. For a more complete review, recent perspectives on combining biology with other disciplines have recently been published.

Small mimics of host defense proteins (smHDPs) were screened for anti-film activity. The most potent compounds eradicated MRSA biofilms at concentrations superior to gentamycin and other commonly used antibiotics. Select compounds also demonstrated activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa biofilm cultures. Several compounds were also tested in an alternate in vitro biofilm assay for evaluation in a topical wound biofilm model. The compounds showed strong in vitro activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms and activity was superior over mupirocin ointment. Seven smHDPs were tested in a stringent mouse biofilm model examining activity against biofilm-impregnated catheters implanted subcutaneously. None of the PMX compounds tested in the model were efficacious. Several compounds were evaluated in a topical wound biofilm model. MRSA biofilms were pre-formed for 24 hours in partial-thickness mouse wounds and treated with hydrogel formulations. Both compounds achieved log10 reductions of 5-6 with twice daily application and log10 reductions of 3-4 even when applied only once daily. Although the goal of identifying biofilm-active smHDPs following systemic administrations, we have been successful in identifying highly active smHDPs in a topical wound biofilm model. These results indicate that smHDPs are promising candidates for topical treatment of biofilm infections in wounds.

Small mimics of host defense proteins (smHDPs) were screened for anti-film activity. The most potent compounds eradicated MRSA biofilms at concentrations superior to gentamycin and other commonly used antibiotics. Select compounds also demonstrated activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa biofilm cultures. Several compounds were also tested in an alternate in vitro biofilm assay for evaluation in a topical wound biofilm model. The compounds showed strong in vitro activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms and activity was superior over mupirocin ointment. Seven smHDPs were tested in a stringent mouse biofilm model examining activity against biofilm-impregnated catheters implanted subcutaneously. None of the PMX compounds tested in the model were efficacious. Several compounds were evaluated in a topical wound biofilm model. MRSA biofilms were pre-formed for 24 hours in partial-thickness mouse wounds and treated with hydrogel formulations. Both compounds achieved log10 reductions of 5-6 with twice daily application and log10 reductions of 3-4 even when applied only once daily. Although the goal of identifying biofilm-active smHDPs following systemic administrations, we have been successful in identifying highly active smHDPs in a topical wound biofilm model. These results indicate that smHDPs are promising candidates for topical treatment of biofilm infections in wounds.

Small mimics of host defense proteins (smHDPs) were screened for anti-film activity. The most potent compounds eradicated MRSA biofilms at concentrations superior to gentamycin and other commonly used antibiotics. Select compounds also demonstrated activity against E. coli and P. aeruginosa biofilm cultures. Several compounds were also tested in an alternate in vitro biofilm assay for evaluation in a topical wound biofilm model. The compounds showed strong in vitro activity against S. aureus and P. aeruginosa biofilms and activity was superior over mupirocin ointment. Seven smHDPs were tested in a stringent mouse biofilm model examining activity against biofilm-impregnated catheters implanted subcutaneously. None of the PMX compounds tested in the model were efficacious. Several compounds were evaluated in a topical wound biofilm model. MRSA biofilms were pre-formed for 24 hours in partial-thickness mouse wounds and treated with hydrogel formulations. Both compounds achieved log10 reductions of 5-6 with twice daily application and log10 reductions of 3-4 even when applied only once daily. Although the goal of identifying biofilm-active smHDPs following systemic administrations, we have been successful in identifying highly active smHDPs in a topical wound biofilm model. These results indicate that smHDPs are promising candidates for topical treatment of biofilm infections in wounds.

Biomimetics in Architecture Architecture of Life and Buildings

Structural biological materials are all composites. The basic structural units include elastomers, strong polymers, and reinforcing minerals. These components are mixed in various proportions and with various architectures to produce a wide range of mechanical properties. Combinations of hardness with toughness and of softness with strength can give rise to mechanical responses which seem to be superior to the equivalent synthetic materials. The superior sophistication is easily seen by a comparison between micrographs of the complex morphology of bone or shell and of the equivalent ceramics or filled polymers. It is less easy to prove a superiority of properties since the component materials of bone, collagen, and hydroxyapatite cannot be regarded as high performance materials when compared to carbon fiber and polyimide. We therefore must make comparisons on a basis which allows for the different starting properties of the component materials. Assuming that we can convince ourselves of a performance improvement which arises from the material architecture we should consider how to develop synthetic materials with equivalent microstructures.

This article is from Marine Drugs , volume 12 . Abstract New products that help make human tissue and organ regeneration more effective are in high demand and include materials, structures and substrates that drive cell-to-tissue transformations, orchestrate anatomical assembly and tissue integration with biology. Marine organisms are exemplary bioresources that have extensive possibilities in supporting and facilitating development of human tissue substitutes. Such organisms represent a deep and diverse reserve of materials, substrates and structures that can facilitate tissue reconstruction within lab-based cultures. The reason is that they possess sophisticated structures, architectures and biomaterial designs that are still difficult to replicate using synthetic processes, so far. These products offer tantalizing pre-made options that are versatile, adaptable and have many functions for current tissue engineers seeking fresh solutions to the deficiencies in existing dental biomaterials, which lack the intrinsic elements of biofunctioning, structural and mechanical design to regenerate anatomically correct dental tissues both in the culture dish and in vivo.

The application of pulsed electron paramagnetic resonance EPR technique is used in quantum computing. Polarized electron spin created in the photo-excitation of organic molecules is used as the basis of quantum bit. The quantum coherence and superposition effects of the polarized electron spin at the level anti-crossing LAC region under the influence of an external magnetic field and microwave pulses is examined. Highly polarized state is present only during the preparation of quantum states in the photo-excitation. Future work should focus on nuclear polarization enhancement by optical pumping in the LAC region.

The objectives of the proposed research are to synthesize model compounds to mimic enzymes and to evaluate enzymatic activities and the stabilities of metal reactive centers and biocatalysts encapsulated in the nanochannels of MCM-41 and other mesoporous materials. The following spectroscopic techniques to characterize the materials and to elucidate the reaction mechanism: XRD, FT-IR, UV-visible, EPR and EXAFS have been applied. Efforts in the first six months of this study were concentrated to elucidate the mechanistic pathways in the degradation oxidation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons by cytochrome c enzymes immobilized in mesoporous materials. Studies of other parts of the proposed research were to follow.

Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673; CODEN: BIOMJE) is a peer-reviewed open access journal regarding biomimicry and bionics published quarterly online by MDPI. The European Network of Bioadhesion (ENBA) is affiliated to Biomimetics.

This article is from Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology , volume 2 . Abstract Especially in robotics, rarely plants have been considered as a model of inspiration for designing and developing new technology. This is probably due to their radically different operational principles compared to animals and the difficulty to study their movements and features. Owing to the sessile nature of their lifestyle, plants have evolved the capability to respond to a wide range of signals and efficiently adapt to changing environmental conditions. Plants in fact are able to show considerable plasticity in their morphology and physiology in response to variability within their environment. This results in movements that are characterized by energy efficiency and high density. Plant materials are optimized to reduce energy consumption during motion and these capabilities offer a plethora of solutions in the artificial world, exploiting approaches that are muscle-free and thus not necessarily animal-like. Plant roots then are excellent natural diggers, and their characteristics such as adaptive growth, low energy consumption movements, and the capability of penetrating soil at any angle are interesting from an engineering perspective. A few examples are described to lay the perspectives of plants in the artificial world.