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Fischer M, Mylo MD, Lorenz LS, Böckenholt L, Beismann H. Stereo Camera Setup for 360° Digital Image Correlation to Reveal Smart Structures of Hakea Fruits. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:191. [PMID: 38534876 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
About forty years after its first application, digital image correlation (DIC) has become an established method for measuring surface displacements and deformations of objects under stress. To date, DIC has been used in a variety of in vitro and in vivo studies to biomechanically characterise biological samples in order to reveal biomimetic principles. However, when surfaces of samples strongly deform or twist, they cannot be thoroughly traced. To overcome this challenge, different DIC setups have been developed to provide additional sensor perspectives and, thus, capture larger parts of an object's surface. Herein, we discuss current solutions for this multi-perspective DIC, and we present our own approach to a 360° DIC system based on a single stereo-camera setup. Using this setup, we are able to characterise the desiccation-driven opening mechanism of two woody Hakea fruits over their entire surfaces. Both the breaking mechanism and the actuation of the two valves in predominantly dead plant material are models for smart materials. Based on these results, an evaluation of the setup for 360° DIC regarding its use in deducing biomimetic principles is given. Furthermore, we propose a way to improve and apply the method for future measurements.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias Fischer
- Westfälische Hochschule, Münsterstraße 265, 46397 Bocholt, Germany
| | - Max D Mylo
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
- Department of Microsystems Engineering-IMTEK, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 078, 79110 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Leon S Lorenz
- Westfälische Hochschule, Münsterstraße 265, 46397 Bocholt, Germany
| | - Lars Böckenholt
- Westfälische Hochschule, Münsterstraße 265, 46397 Bocholt, Germany
| | - Heike Beismann
- Westfälische Hochschule, Münsterstraße 265, 46397 Bocholt, Germany
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2
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Zhong J, Huang W, Zhou H. Multifunctionality in Nature: Structure-Function Relationships in Biological Materials. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:284. [PMID: 37504172 PMCID: PMC10807375 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8030284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Modern material design aims to achieve multifunctionality through integrating structures in a diverse range, resulting in simple materials with embedded functions. Biological materials and organisms are typical examples of this concept, where complex functionalities are achieved through a limited material base. This review highlights the multiscale structural and functional integration of representative natural organisms and materials, as well as biomimetic examples. The impact, wear, and crush resistance properties exhibited by mantis shrimp and ironclad beetle during predation or resistance offer valuable inspiration for the development of structural materials in the aerospace field. Investigating cyanobacteria that thrive in extreme environments can contribute to developing living materials that can serve in places like Mars. The exploration of shape memory and the self-repairing properties of spider silk and mussels, as well as the investigation of sensing-actuating and sensing-camouflage mechanisms in Banksias, chameleons, and moths, holds significant potential for the optimization of soft robot designs. Furthermore, a deeper understanding of mussel and gecko adhesion mechanisms can have a profound impact on medical fields, including tissue engineering and drug delivery. In conclusion, the integration of structure and function is crucial for driving innovations and breakthroughs in modern engineering materials and their applications. The gaps between current biomimetic designs and natural organisms are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Materials Processing and Die and Mould Technology, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (J.Z.); (H.Z.)
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3
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Schamberger B, Ziege R, Anselme K, Ben Amar M, Bykowski M, Castro APG, Cipitria A, Coles RA, Dimova R, Eder M, Ehrig S, Escudero LM, Evans ME, Fernandes PR, Fratzl P, Geris L, Gierlinger N, Hannezo E, Iglič A, Kirkensgaard JJK, Kollmannsberger P, Kowalewska Ł, Kurniawan NA, Papantoniou I, Pieuchot L, Pires THV, Renner LD, Sageman-Furnas AO, Schröder-Turk GE, Sengupta A, Sharma VR, Tagua A, Tomba C, Trepat X, Waters SL, Yeo EF, Roschger A, Bidan CM, Dunlop JWC. Curvature in Biological Systems: Its Quantification, Emergence, and Implications across the Scales. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2206110. [PMID: 36461812 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202206110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Surface curvature both emerges from, and influences the behavior of, living objects at length scales ranging from cell membranes to single cells to tissues and organs. The relevance of surface curvature in biology is supported by numerous experimental and theoretical investigations in recent years. In this review, first, a brief introduction to the key ideas of surface curvature in the context of biological systems is given and the challenges that arise when measuring surface curvature are discussed. Giving an overview of the emergence of curvature in biological systems, its significance at different length scales becomes apparent. On the other hand, summarizing current findings also shows that both single cells and entire cell sheets, tissues or organisms respond to curvature by modulating their shape and their migration behavior. Finally, the interplay between the distribution of morphogens or micro-organisms and the emergence of curvature across length scales is addressed with examples demonstrating these key mechanistic principles of morphogenesis. Overall, this review highlights that curved interfaces are not merely a passive by-product of the chemical, biological, and mechanical processes but that curvature acts also as a signal that co-determines these processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Schamberger
- Department of the Chemistry and Physics of Materials, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Ricardo Ziege
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Karine Anselme
- IS2M (CNRS - UMR 7361), Université de Haute-Alsace, F-68100, Mulhouse, France
- Université de Strasbourg, F-67081, Strasbourg, France
| | - Martine Ben Amar
- Department of Physics, Laboratoire de Physique de l'Ecole Normale Supérieure, 24 rue Lhomond, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Michał Bykowski
- Department of Plant Anatomy and Cytology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - André P G Castro
- IDMEC, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
- ESTS, Instituto Politécnico de Setúbal, 2914-761, Setúbal, Portugal
| | - Amaia Cipitria
- IS2M (CNRS - UMR 7361), Université de Haute-Alsace, F-68100, Mulhouse, France
- Group of Bioengineering in Regeneration and Cancer, Biodonostia Health Research Institute, 20014, San Sebastian, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48009, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Rhoslyn A Coles
- Cluster of Excellence, Matters of Activity, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10178, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rumiana Dimova
- Department of Theory and Bio-Systems, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Michaela Eder
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Sebastian Ehrig
- Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, 13125, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, 10115, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luis M Escudero
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla and Departamento de Biología Celular, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - Myfanwy E Evans
- Institute for Mathematics, University of Potsdam, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Paulo R Fernandes
- IDMEC, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Liesbet Geris
- Biomechanics Research Unit, GIGA In Silico Medicine, University of Liège, 4000, Liège, Belgium
| | - Notburga Gierlinger
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna (Boku), 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Edouard Hannezo
- Institute of Science and Technology Austria, 3400, Klosterneuburg, Austria
| | - Aleš Iglič
- Laboratory of Physics, Faculty of Electrical engineering, University of Ljubljana, Tržaška 25, SI-1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jacob J K Kirkensgaard
- Condensed Matter Physics, Niels Bohr Institute, University of Copenhagen, Universitetsparken 5, 2100, København Ø, Denmark
- Ingredients and Dairy Technology, Department of Food Science, University of Copenhagen, Rolighedsvej 26, 1958, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Philip Kollmannsberger
- Center for Computational and Theoretical Biology, University of Würzburg, 97074, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Łucja Kowalewska
- Department of Plant Anatomy and Cytology, Faculty of Biology, University of Warsaw, 02-096, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Nicholas A Kurniawan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Institute for Complex Molecular Systems, Eindhoven University of Technology, 5600 MB, Eindhoven, The Netherlands
| | - Ioannis Papantoniou
- Prometheus Division of Skeletal Tissue Engineering, KU Leuven, O&N1, Herestraat 49, PB 813, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Skeletal Biology and Engineering Research Center, Department of Development and Regeneration, KU Leuven, O&N1, Herestraat 49, PB 813, 3000, Leuven, Belgium
- Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, Foundation for Research and Technology (FORTH), Stadiou Str., 26504, Patras, Greece
| | - Laurent Pieuchot
- IS2M (CNRS - UMR 7361), Université de Haute-Alsace, F-68100, Mulhouse, France
- Université de Strasbourg, F-67081, Strasbourg, France
| | - Tiago H V Pires
- IDMEC, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Lars D Renner
- Leibniz Institute of Polymer Research and the Max Bergmann Center of Biomaterials, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Gerd E Schröder-Turk
- School of Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, Murdoch University, 90 South St, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
- Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, The Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, 2600, Australia
| | - Anupam Sengupta
- Physics of Living Matter, Department of Physics and Materials Science, University of Luxembourg, L-1511, Luxembourg City, Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
| | - Vikas R Sharma
- Department of the Chemistry and Physics of Materials, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Antonio Tagua
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla and Departamento de Biología Celular, Universidad de Sevilla, 41013, Seville, Spain
- Biomedical Network Research Centre on Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), 28031, Madrid, Spain
| | - Caterina Tomba
- Univ Lyon, CNRS, INSA Lyon, Ecole Centrale de Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, CPE Lyon, INL, UMR5270, 69622, Villeurbanne, France
| | - Xavier Trepat
- ICREA at the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, The Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBER-BBN), 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sarah L Waters
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, OX2 6GG, Oxford, UK
| | - Edwina F Yeo
- Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, OX2 6GG, Oxford, UK
| | - Andreas Roschger
- Department of the Chemistry and Physics of Materials, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Cécile M Bidan
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, 14476, Potsdam, Germany
| | - John W C Dunlop
- Department of the Chemistry and Physics of Materials, Paris-Lodron University of Salzburg, 5020, Salzburg, Austria
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Zhang F, Yang M, Xu X, Liu X, Liu H, Jiang L, Wang S. Unperceivable motion mimicking hygroscopic geometric reshaping of pine cones. NATURE MATERIALS 2022; 21:1357-1365. [PMID: 36357689 DOI: 10.1038/s41563-022-01391-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
The hygroscopic deformation of pine cones, featured by opening and closing their scales depending on the environmental humidity, is a well-known stimuli-responsive model system for artificial actuators. However, it has not been noted that the deformation of pine cones is an ultra-slow process. Here, we reveal that vascular bundles with unique parallelly arranged spring/square microtubular heterostructures dominate the hygroscopic movement, characterized as ultra-slow motion with the outer sclereids. The spring microtubes give a much larger hygroscopic deformation than that of the square microtubes along the longitudinal axis direction, which bends the vascular bundles and consequently drives the scales to move. The outer sclereids with good water retention enable the vascular-bundle-triggered deformation to proceed ultra-slowly. Drawing inspiration, we developed soft actuators enabling controllable yet unperceivable motion. The motion velocity is almost two orders of magnitude lower than that of the same-class actuators reported, which made the as-developed soft actuators applicable in camouflage and reconnaissance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feilong Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Man Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xuetao Xu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Xi Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Huan Liu
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, Beihang University, Beijing, P. R. China.
| | - Lei Jiang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China
- Research Institute for Frontier Science, Beihang University, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shutao Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Bio-inspired Materials and Interfacial Science, CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience, Technical Institute of Physics and Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P. R. China.
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5
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Yoon J, Hou Y, Knoepfel AM, Yang D, Ye T, Zheng L, Yennawar N, Sanghadasa M, Priya S, Wang K. Bio-inspired strategies for next-generation perovskite solar mobile power sources. Chem Soc Rev 2021; 50:12915-12984. [PMID: 34622260 DOI: 10.1039/d0cs01493a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Smart electronic devices are becoming ubiquitous due to many appealing attributes including portability, long operational time, rechargeability and compatibility with the user-desired form factor. Integration of mobile power sources (MPS) based on photovoltaic technologies with smart electronics will continue to drive improved sustainability and independence. With high efficiency, low cost, flexibility and lightweight features, halide perovskite photovoltaics have become promising candidates for MPS. Realization of these photovoltaic MPS (PV-MPS) with unconventionally extraordinary attributes requires new 'out-of-box' designs. Natural materials have provided promising designing solutions to engineer properties under a broad range of boundary conditions, ranging from molecules, proteins, cells, tissues, apparatus to systems in animals, plants, and humans optimized through billions of years of evolution. Applying bio-inspired strategies in PV-MPS could be biomolecular modification on crystallization at the atomic/meso-scale, bio-structural duplication at the device/system level and bio-mimicking at the functional level to render efficient charge delivery, energy transport/utilization, as well as stronger resistance against environmental stimuli (e.g., self-healing and self-cleaning). In this review, we discuss the bio-inspired/-mimetic structures, experimental models, and working principles, with the goal of revealing physics and bio-microstructures relevant for PV-MPS. Here the emphasis is on identifying the strategies and material designs towards improvement of the performance of emerging halide perovskite PVs and strategizing their bridge to future MPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jungjin Yoon
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, PA, USA.
| | - Yuchen Hou
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, PA, USA.
| | - Abbey Marie Knoepfel
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, PA, USA.
| | - Dong Yang
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, PA, USA.
| | - Tao Ye
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, PA, USA.
| | - Luyao Zheng
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, PA, USA.
| | - Neela Yennawar
- Huck Institute of the Life Sciences, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, PA, USA
| | - Mohan Sanghadasa
- U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command Aviation & Missile Center, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, 35898, USA
| | - Shashank Priya
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, PA, USA.
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Materials Science & Engineering, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, 16802, PA, USA.
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6
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Eder M, Schäffner W, Burgert I, Fratzl P. Wood and the Activity of Dead Tissue. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2021; 33:e2001412. [PMID: 32748985 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202001412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
Wood is a prototypical biological material, which adapts to mechanical requirements. The microarchitecture of cellulose fibrils determines the mechanical properties of woody materials, as well as their actuation properties, based on absorption and desorption of water. Herein it is argued that cellulose fiber orientation corresponds to an analog code that determines the response of wood to humidity as an active material. Examples for the harvesting of wood activity, as well as bioinspiration, are given.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Eder
- Max-Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Schäffner
- Institute of Cultural History and Theory, Humboldt Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, 10117, Germany
| | - Ingo Burgert
- ETH Zürich, Wood Materials Science, Zürich, 8093, Switzerland
- Empa, Cellulose & Wood Materials Laboratory, Dübendorf, 8600, Switzerland
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Max-Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, Am Mühlenberg 1, Potsdam, 14476, Germany
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7
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Huss JC, Gierlinger N. Functional packaging of seeds. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 230:2154-2163. [PMID: 33629369 PMCID: PMC8252473 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The encapsulation of seeds in hard coats and fruit walls (pericarp layers) fulfils protective and dispersal functions in many plant families. In angiosperms, packaging structures possess a remarkable range of different morphologies and functionalities, as illustrated by thermo and hygro-responsive seed pods and appendages, as well as mechanically strong and water-impermeable shells. Key to these different functionalities are characteristic structural arrangements and chemical modifications of the underlying sclerenchymatous tissues. Although many ecological aspects of hard seed encapsulation have been well documented, a detailed understanding of the relationship between tissue structure and function only recently started to emerge, especially in the context of environmentally driven fruit opening and seed dispersal (responsive encapsulations) and the outstanding durability of some seed coats and indehiscent fruits (static encapsulations). In this review, we focus on the tissue properties of these two systems, with particular consideration of water interactions, mechanical resistance, and force generation. Common principles, as well as unique adaptations, are discussed in different plant species. Understanding how plants integrate a broad range of functions and properties for seed protection during storage and dispersal plays a central role for seed conservation, population dynamics, and plant-based material developments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. Huss
- Department of NanobiotechnologyInstitute of BiophysicsUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) ViennaMuthgasse 11/IIVienna1900Austria
| | - Notburga Gierlinger
- Department of NanobiotechnologyInstitute of BiophysicsUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) ViennaMuthgasse 11/IIVienna1900Austria
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Soffiatti P, Rowe NP. Mechanical Innovations of a Climbing Cactus: Functional Insights for a New Generation of Growing Robots. Front Robot AI 2020; 7:64. [PMID: 33501232 PMCID: PMC7806016 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2020.00064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Climbing plants are being increasingly viewed as models for bioinspired growing robots capable of spanning voids and attaching to diverse substrates. We explore the functional traits of the climbing cactus Selenicereus setaceus (Cactaceae) from the Atlantic forest of Brazil and discuss the potential of these traits for robotics applications. The plant is capable of growing through highly unstructured habitats and attaching to variable substrates including soil, leaf litter, tree surfaces, rocks, and fine branches of tree canopies in wind-blown conditions. Stems develop highly variable cross-sectional geometries at different stages of growth. They include cylindrical basal stems, triangular climbing stems and apical star-shaped stems searching for supports. Searcher stems develop relatively rigid properties for a given cross-sectional area and are capable of spanning voids of up to 1 m. Optimization of rigidity in searcher stems provide some potential design ideas for additive engineering technologies where climbing robotic artifacts must limit materials and mass for curbing bending moments and buckling while climbing and searching. A two-step attachment mechanism involves deployment of recurved, multi-angled spines that grapple on to wide ranging surfaces holding the stem in place for more solid attachment via root growth from the stem. The cactus is an instructive example of how light mass searchers with a winged profile and two step attachment strategies can facilitate traversing voids and making reliable attachment to a wide range of supports and surfaces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Soffiatti
- Department of Botany, Federal University of Parana State (UFPR), Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Nick P. Rowe
- AMAP, Univ Montpellier, CIRAD, CNRS, INRAE, IRD, Montpellier, France
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9
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Seale M, Nakayama N. From passive to informed: mechanical mechanisms of seed dispersal. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2020; 225:653-658. [PMID: 31403702 DOI: 10.1111/nph.16110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Plant dispersal mechanisms rely on anatomical and morphological adaptations for the use of physical or biological dispersal vectors. Recently, studies of interactions between the dispersal unit and physical environment have uncovered fluid dynamic mechanisms of seed flight, protective measures against fire, and release mechanisms of explosive dispersers. Although environmental conditions generally dictate dispersal distances, plants are not purely passive players in these processes. Evidence suggests that some plants may enact informed dispersal, where dispersal-related traits are modified according to the environment. This can occur via developmental regulation, but also on shorter timescales via structural remodelling in relation to water availability and temperature. Linking interactions between dispersal mechanisms and environmental conditions will be essential to fully understand population dynamics and distributions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeleine Seale
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
- School of Engineering, Institute for Integrated Micro and Nano Systems, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FF, UK
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
- School of Energy, Geosciences, Infrastructure and Environment, Institute of Life and Earth Sciences, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, UK
| | - Naomi Nakayama
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute of Molecular Plant Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
- Centre for Synthetic and Systems Biology, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3BF, UK
- Centre for Science at Extreme Conditions, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, EH9 3FD, UK
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10
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Huss JC, Spaeker O, Gierlinger N, Merritt DJ, Miller BP, Neinhuis C, Fratzl P, Eder M. Temperature-induced self-sealing capability of Banksia follicles. J R Soc Interface 2019; 15:rsif.2018.0190. [PMID: 29925581 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/18/2018] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Many plants in fire-prone regions retain their seeds in woody fruits in the plant canopy until the passage of a fire causes the fruit to open and release the seeds. To enable this function, suitable tissues are required that effectively store and protect seeds until they are released. Here, we show that three different species of the Australian genus Banksia incorporate waxes at the interface of the two valves of the follicle enclosing the seeds, which melt between 45°C and 55°C. Since the melting temperature of the waxes is lower than the opening temperatures of the follicles in all investigated species (B. candolleana, B. serrata, B. attenuata), we propose that melting of these waxes allows the sealing of micro-fissures at the interface of the two valves while they are still closed. Such a self-sealing mechanism likely contributes to the structural integrity of the seed pods, and benefits seed viability and persistence during storage on the plants. Furthermore, we show in a simplified, bioinspired model system that temperature treatments seal artificially applied surface cuts and restore the barrier properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C Huss
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Oliver Spaeker
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Notburga Gierlinger
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Institute for Biophysics, BOKU - University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190 Vienna, Austria
| | - David J Merritt
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, WA 6005, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Ben P Miller
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity Conservation and Attractions, Kings Park, WA 6005, Australia.,School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Christoph Neinhuis
- Institute for Botany, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062 Dresden, Germany
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Michaela Eder
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
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11
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Campbell RA, Dean MN. Adaptation and Evolution of Biological Materials. Integr Comp Biol 2019; 59:1629-1635. [DOI: 10.1093/icb/icz134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Research into biological materials often centers on the impressive material properties produced in Nature. In the process, however, this research often neglects the ecologies of the materials, the organismal contexts relating to how a biological material is actually used. In biology, materials are vital to organismal interactions with their environment and their physiology, and also provide records of their phylogenetic relationships and the selective pressures that drive biological novelties. With the papers in this symposium, we provide a view on cutting-edge work in biological materials science. The collected research delivers new perspectives on fundamental materials concepts, offering surprising insights into biological innovations and challenging the boundaries of materials’ characterization techniques. The topics, systems, and disciplines covered offer a glimpse into the wide range of contemporary biological materials work. They also demonstrate the need for progressive “whole organism thinking” when characterizing biological materials, and the importance of framing biological materials research in relevant, biological contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert A Campbell
- Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology, 1919-1 Tancha, Onna-son, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Mason N Dean
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department Biomaterials, Am Muehlenberg 1, Potsdam, Germany
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12
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Hesse L, Bunk K, Leupold J, Speck T, Masselter T. Structural and functional imaging of large and opaque plant specimens. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL BOTANY 2019; 70:3659-3678. [PMID: 31188449 DOI: 10.1093/jxb/erz186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Three- and four-dimensional imaging techniques are a prerequisite for spatially resolving the form-structure-function relationships in plants. However, choosing the right imaging method is a difficult and time-consuming process as the imaging principles, advantages and limitations, as well as the appropriate fields of application first need to be compared. The present study aims to provide an overview of three imaging methods that allow for imaging opaque, large and thick (>5 mm, up to several centimeters), hierarchically organized plant samples that can have complex geometries. We compare light microscopy of serial thin sections followed by 3D reconstruction (LMTS3D) as an optical imaging technique, micro-computed tomography (µ-CT) based on ionizing radiation, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) which uses the natural magnetic properties of a sample for image acquisition. We discuss the most important imaging principles, advantages, and limitations, and suggest fields of application for each imaging technique (LMTS, µ-CT, and MRI) with regard to static (at a given time; 3D) and dynamic (at different time points; quasi 4D) structural and functional plant imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linnea Hesse
- Plant Biomechanics Group and Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Bunk
- Plant Biomechanics Group and Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jochen Leupold
- Department of Radiology, Medical Physics, Medical Center University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group and Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT - Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tom Masselter
- Plant Biomechanics Group and Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies (FIT), Freiburg, Germany
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13
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Tetsch L. Manche mögen's heiß! CHEM UNSERER ZEIT 2019. [DOI: 10.1002/ciuz.201980051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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14
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Speck O, Speck T. An Overview of Bioinspired and Biomimetic Self-Repairing Materials. Biomimetics (Basel) 2019; 4:E26. [PMID: 31105211 PMCID: PMC6477613 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics4010026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During the 3.8 billion years of biological evolution, a multitude of functional principles has been developed in all kingdoms of life enabling the sealing and healing of diverse types of damage. Inspired by this treasure trove, biologists and engineers have become increasingly interested in learning from biological insights for the development of self-repairing materials. In this review, particular attention is paid to the systematic transfer of knowledge from wound reactions in biological role models to technical applications with self-repair function. This knowledge transfer includes bioinspiration in terms of the conscious implementation of an idea from nature or biomimetics in the form of a systematic transfer of underlying functional principles found in selected biological role models. The current overview presents a selection of breakthroughs regarding bioinspired or biomimetic self-repairing materials, including the initial basic publications and the recent publications of the last eight years. Each reviewed publication is presented with reference to three key criteria: (i) self-repair mechanisms in plants or animals as role models; (ii) knowledge transfer from living nature to technology; and (iii) bioinspired or biomimetic materials with self-repair function. Finally, damage control is discussed with a focus on damage prevention and damage management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group and Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany.
| | - Thomas Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group and Botanic Garden, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany.
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15
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Lin H, Zhang S, Xiao Y, Zhang C, Zhu J, Dunlop JWC, Yuan J. Organic Molecule-Driven Polymeric Actuators. Macromol Rapid Commun 2019; 40:e1800896. [PMID: 30811751 DOI: 10.1002/marc.201800896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Inspired by the motions of plant tissues in response to external stimuli, significant attention has been devoted to the development of actuating polymeric materials. In particular, polymeric actuators driven by organic molecules have been designed due to their combined superiorities of tunable functional monomers, designable chemical structures, and variable structural anisotropy. Here, the recent progress is summarized in terms of material synthesis, structure design, polymer-solvent interaction, and actuating performance. In addition, various possibilities for practical applications, including the ability to sense chemical vapors and solvent isomers, and future directions to satisfy the requirement of sensing and smart systems are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huijuan Lin
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics and Institute of Advanced Materials, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Suyun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China
| | - Yan Xiao
- Key Laboratory for Ultrafine Materials of Ministry of Education, School of Materials Science and Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Chenjun Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics and Institute of Advanced Materials, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Jixin Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Flexible Electronics and Institute of Advanced Materials, Jiangsu National Synergetic Innovation Center for Advanced Materials, Nanjing Tech University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - John W C Dunlop
- Morphophysics Group, Department of the Chemistry and Physics of Materials, Paris Lodron University of Salzburg, Salzburg, 5020, Austria
| | - Jiayin Yuan
- Department of Materials and Environmental Chemistry, Arrhenius Laboratory, Stockholm University, Stockholm, 10691, Sweden
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16
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Huss JC, Fratzl P, Dunlop JWC, Merritt DJ, Miller BP, Eder M. Protecting Offspring Against Fire: Lessons From Banksia Seed Pods. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2019; 10:283. [PMID: 30930918 PMCID: PMC6424018 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2019.00283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2019] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Wildfires are a natural component in many terrestrial ecosystems and often play a crucial role in maintaining biodiversity, particularly in the fire-prone regions of Australia. A prime example of plants that are able to persist in these regions is the genus Banksia. Most Banksia species that occur in fire-prone regions produce woody seed pods (follicles), which open during or soon after fire to release seeds into the post-fire environment. For population persistence, many Banksia species depend on recruitment from these canopy-stored seeds. Therefore, it is critical that their seeds are protected from heat and rapid oxidation during fire. Here, we show how different species of Banksia protect their seeds inside follicles while simultaneously opening up when experiencing fire. The ability of the follicles to protect seeds from heat is demonstrated by intense 180 s experimental burns, in which the maximum temperatures near the seeds ranged from ∼75°C for B. serrata to ∼90°C for B. prionotes and ∼95°C for B. candolleana, contrasting with the mean surface temperature of ∼450°C. Many seeds of native Australian plants, including those of Banksia, are able to survive these temperatures. Structural analysis of individual follicles from these three Banksia species demonstrates that all of them rely on a multicomponent system, consisting of two valves, a porous separator and a thin layer of air surrounding the seeds. The particular geometric arrangement of these components determines the rate of heat transfer more than the tissue properties alone, revealing that a strong embedment into the central rachis can compensate for thin follicle valves. Furthermore, we highlight the role of the separator as an important thermal insulator. Our study suggests that the genus Banksia employs a variety of combinations in terms of follicle size, valve thickness, composition and geometric arrangement to effectively protect canopy-stored seeds during fire.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. Huss
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, Potsdam, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jessica C. Huss, Michaela Eder,
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, Potsdam, Germany
| | - John W. C. Dunlop
- Department of Chemistry and Physics of Materials, University of Salzburg, Salzburg, Austria
| | - David J. Merritt
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Ben P. Miller
- Kings Park Science, Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions, Perth, WA, Australia
- School of Biological Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Michaela Eder
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Research Campus Golm, Potsdam, Germany
- *Correspondence: Jessica C. Huss, Michaela Eder,
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17
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Eder M, Amini S, Fratzl P. Biological composites-complex structures for functional diversity. Science 2018; 362:543-547. [PMID: 30385570 DOI: 10.1126/science.aat8297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 167] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The bulk of Earth's biological materials consist of few base substances-essentially proteins, polysaccharides, and minerals-that assemble into large varieties of structures. Multifunctionality arises naturally from this structural complexity: An example is the combination of rigidity and flexibility in protein-based teeth of the squid sucker ring. Other examples are time-delayed actuation in plant seed pods triggered by environmental signals, such as fire and water, and surface nanostructures that combine light manipulation with mechanical protection or water repellency. Bioinspired engineering transfers some of these structural principles into technically more relevant base materials to obtain new, often unexpected combinations of material properties. Less appreciated is the huge potential of using bioinspired structural complexity to avoid unnecessary chemical diversity, enabling easier recycling and, thus, a more sustainable materials economy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michaela Eder
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, Research Campus Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Shahrouz Amini
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, Research Campus Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany
| | - Peter Fratzl
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterials, Research Campus Golm, 14424 Potsdam, Germany.
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