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Yu HP, Zhu YJ. Guidelines derived from biomineralized tissues for design and construction of high-performance biomimetic materials: from weak to strong. Chem Soc Rev 2024; 53:4490-4606. [PMID: 38502087 DOI: 10.1039/d2cs00513a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
Living organisms in nature have undergone continuous evolution over billions of years, resulting in the formation of high-performance fracture-resistant biomineralized tissues such as bones and teeth to fulfill mechanical and biological functions, despite the fact that most inorganic biominerals that constitute biomineralized tissues are weak and brittle. During the long-period evolution process, nature has evolved a number of highly effective and smart strategies to design chemical compositions and structures of biomineralized tissues to enable superior properties and to adapt to surrounding environments. Most biomineralized tissues have hierarchically ordered structures consisting of very small building blocks on the nanometer scale (nanoparticles, nanofibers or nanoflakes) to reduce the inherent weaknesses and brittleness of corresponding inorganic biominerals, to prevent crack initiation and propagation, and to allow high defect tolerance. The bioinspired principles derived from biomineralized tissues are indispensable for designing and constructing high-performance biomimetic materials. In recent years, a large number of high-performance biomimetic materials have been prepared based on these bioinspired principles with a large volume of literature covering this topic. Therefore, a timely and comprehensive review on this hot topic is highly important and contributes to the future development of this rapidly evolving research field. This review article aims to be comprehensive, authoritative, and critical with wide general interest to the science community, summarizing recent advances in revealing the formation processes, composition, and structures of biomineralized tissues, providing in-depth insights into guidelines derived from biomineralized tissues for the design and construction of high-performance biomimetic materials, and discussing recent progress, current research trends, key problems, future main research directions and challenges, and future perspectives in this exciting and rapidly evolving research field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Ping Yu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China.
| | - Ying-Jie Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructure, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P. R. China.
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, P. R. China
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2
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Maliuk A, Marghoub A, Williams CJA, Stanley E, Kéver L, Vickaryous M, Herrel A, Evans SE, Moazen M. Comparative analysis of osteoderms across the lizard body. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38396371 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25418] [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: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Osteoderms (ODs) are mineralized tissue embedded within the skin and are particularly common in reptiles. They are generally thought to form a protective layer between the soft tissues of the animal and potential external threats, although other functions have been proposed. The aim of this study was to characterize OD variation across the lizard body. Adults of three lizard species were chosen for this study. After whole body CT scanning of each lizard, single ODs were extracted from 10 different anatomical regions, CT scanned, and characterized using sectioning and nanoindentation. Morphological analysis and material characterization revealed considerable diversity in OD structure across the species investigated. The scincid Tiliqua gigas was the only studied species in which ODs had a similar external morphology across the head and body. Greater osteoderm diversity was found in the gerrhosaurid Broadleysaurus major and the scincid Tribolonotus novaeguineae. Dense capping tissue, like that reported for Heloderma, was found in only one of the three species examined, B. major. Osteoderm structure can be surprisingly complex and variable, both among related taxa, and across the body of individual animals. This raises many questions about OD function but also about the genetic and developmental factors controlling OD shape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anastasiia Maliuk
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Zoology, National Museum of Natural History, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Arsalan Marghoub
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Catherine J A Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, Aarhus University, Tjele, Denmark
| | - Edward Stanley
- Department of Natural History, Florida Museum of Natural History, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Loïc Kéver
- Département Adaptations du Vivant, UMR7179 CNRS/MNHN, Paris, France
| | - Matthew Vickaryous
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Herrel
- Département Adaptations du Vivant, UMR7179 CNRS/MNHN, Paris, France
- Department of Biology, Evolutionary Morphology of Vertebrates, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Department of Biology, University of Antwerp, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Naturhistorisches Museum Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Susan E Evans
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mehran Moazen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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3
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Marghoub A, Kéver L, Williams CJA, Abzhanov A, Vickaryous M, Herrel A, Evans SE, Moazen M. The role of cranial osteoderms on the mechanics of the skull in scincid lizards. Anat Rec (Hoboken) 2023; 306:2415-2424. [PMID: 36748783 DOI: 10.1002/ar.25168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Osteoderms (ODs) are calcified organs formed directly within the skin of most major extant tetrapod lineages. Lizards possibly show the greatest diversity in ODs morphology and distribution. ODs are commonly hypothesized to function as a defensive armor. Here we tested the hypothesis that cranial osteoderms also contribute to the mechanics of the skull during biting. A series of in vivo experiments were carried out on three specimens of Tiliqua gigas. Animals were induced to bite a force plate while a single cranial OD was strain gauged. A finite element (FE) model of a related species, Tiliqua scincoides, was developed and used to estimate the level of strain across the same OD as instrumented in the in vivo experiments. FE results were compared to the in vivo data and the FE model was modified to test two hypothetical scenarios in which all ODs were (i) removed from, and (ii) fused to, the skull. In vivo data demonstrated that the ODs were carrying load during biting. The hypothetical FE models showed that when cranial ODs were fused to the skull, the overall strain across the skull arising from biting was reduced. Removing the ODs showed an opposite effect. In summary, our findings suggest that cranial ODs contribute to the mechanics of the skull, even when they are loosely attached.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arsalan Marghoub
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Loïc Kéver
- Département Adaptations du Vivant, Bâtiment, UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N, d'Anatomie Comparée, Paris, France
| | - Catherine J A Williams
- Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Aarhus C, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arkhat Abzhanov
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Silkwood Park Campus, Berkshire, UK
| | - Matthew Vickaryous
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Herrel
- Département Adaptations du Vivant, Bâtiment, UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N, d'Anatomie Comparée, Paris, France
| | - Susan E Evans
- Centre for Integrative Anatomy, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Mehran Moazen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
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4
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Maden M, Polvadore T, Polanco A, Barbazuk WB, Stanley E. Osteoderms in a mammal the spiny mouse Acomys and the independent evolution of dermal armor. iScience 2023; 26:106779. [PMID: 37378333 PMCID: PMC10291248 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Osteoderms are bony plates found in the skin of vertebrates, mostly commonly in reptiles where they have evolved independently multiple times, suggesting the presence of a gene regulatory network that is readily activated and inactivated. They are absent in birds and mammals except for the armadillo. However, we have discovered that in one subfamily of rodents, the Deomyinae, there are osteoderms in the skin of their tails. Osteoderm development begins in the proximal tail skin and is complete 6 weeks after birth. RNA sequencing has identified the gene networks involved in their differentiation. There is a widespread down-regulation of keratin genes and an up-regulation of osteoblast genes and a finely balanced expression of signaling pathways as the osteoderms differentiate. Future comparisons with reptilian osteoderms may allow us to understand how these structures have evolved and why they are so rare in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malcolm Maden
- Department of Biology & UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Trey Polvadore
- Department of Biology & UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Arod Polanco
- Department of Biology & UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - W. Brad Barbazuk
- Department of Biology & UF Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
| | - Edward Stanley
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Museum Road, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA
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5
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Darabi A, Long R, Weber JC, Cox LM. Effect of Geometry and Orientation on the Tensile Properties and Failure Mechanisms of Compliant Suture Joints. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:11084-11091. [PMID: 36800520 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c21925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Compliant sutures surrounded by stiff matrices are present in biological armors and carapaces, providing enhanced mechanical performance. Understanding the mechanisms through which these sutured composites achieve outstanding properties is key to developing engineering materials with improved strength and toughness. This article studies the impact of suture geometry and load direction on the performance of suture joints using a two-stage reactive polymer resin that enables facile photopatterning of mechanical heterogeneity within a single polymer network. Compliant sinusoidal sutures with varying geometries are photopatterned into stiff matrices, generating a modulus contrast of 2 orders of magnitude. Empirical relationships are developed connecting suture wavelength and amplitude to composite performance under parallel and perpendicular loading conditions. Results indicate that a greater suture interdigitation broadly improves composite performance when loading is applied perpendicular to suture joints but has deleterious effects when loading is applied parallel to the joint. Investigations into the failure mechanisms under perpendicular loading highlight the interplay between suture geometry and crack growth stability after damage initiation occurs. Our findings could enable a framework for engineering composites and bio-inspired structures in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amir Darabi
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, 220 Roberts Hall, Bozeman, Montana 59717, United States
| | - Rong Long
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Colorado Boulder, 1111 Engineering Drive, Boulder, Colorado 80309, United States
| | - Joel C Weber
- National Institute of Standards and Technology, 325 Broadway, Boulder, Colorado 80305, United States
| | - Lewis M Cox
- Department of Mechanical & Industrial Engineering, Montana State University, 220 Roberts Hall, Bozeman, Montana 59717, United States
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Sena MVDA, Marinho TDS, Montefeltro FC, Langer MC, Fachini TS, Nava WR, Pinheiro AEP, de Araújo EV, Aubier P, de Andrade RCLP, Sayão JM, de Oliveira GR, Cubo J. Osteohistological characterization of notosuchian osteoderms: Evidence for an overlying thick leathery layer of skin. J Morphol 2023; 284:e21536. [PMID: 36394285 PMCID: PMC10107732 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Osteoderms are mineralized structures embedded in the dermis, known for nonavian archosaurs, squamates, xenarthrans, and amphibians. Herein, we compared the osteoderm histology of Brazilian Notosuchia of Cretaceous age using three neosuchians for comparative purposes. Microanatomical analyses showed that most of them present a diploe structure similar to those of other pseudosuchians, lizards, and turtles. This structure contains two cortices (the external cortex composed of an outer and an inner layers, and the basal cortex) and a core in-between them. Notosuchian osteoderms show high bone compactness (>0.85) with varying degrees of cancellous bone in the core. The neosuchian Guarinisuchus shows the lowest bone compactness with a well-developed cancellous layer. From an ontogenetic perspective, most tissues are formed through periosteal ossification, although the mineralized tissues observed in baurusuchid LPRP/USP 0634 suggest a late metaplastic development. Histology suggests that the ossification center of notosuchian osteoderm is located at the keel. Interestingly, we identified Sharpey's fibers running perpendicularly to the outer layer of the external cortex in Armadillosuchus arrudai, Itasuchus jesuinoi, and Baurusuchidae (LPRP/USP 0642). This feature indicates a tight attachment within the dermis, and it is evidence for the presence of an overlying thick leathery layer of skin over these osteoderms. These data allow a better understanding of the osteohistological structure of crocodylomorph dermal bones, and highlight their structural diversity. We suggest that the vascular canals present in some sampled osteoderms connecting the inner layer of the external cortex and the core with the external surface may increase osteoderm surface and the capacity of heat transfer in terrestrial notosuchians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Valéria de Araújo Sena
- Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie Paris (CR2P, UMR 7207), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France.,Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Paleontologia da URCA, Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Carolino Sucupira-Pimenta, Crato, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Thiago da Silva Marinho
- Centro de Pesquisas Paleontológicas "Llewellyn Ivor Price", Complexo Cultural e Científico Peirópolis, Pró-Reitoria de Extensão Universitária, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.,Instituto de Ciências Exatas, Naturais e Educação, Universidade Federal do Triângulo Mineiro, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Felipe Chinaglia Montefeltro
- Departamento de Biologia e Zootecnia, Faculdade de Engenharia de Ilha Solteira, Universidade Estadual Paulista, Ilha Solteira, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Max Cardoso Langer
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Laboratório de Paleontologia de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago Schineider Fachini
- Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Laboratório de Paleontologia de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - William Roberto Nava
- Museu de Paleontologia de Marília, Prefeitura Municipal de Marília, Marília, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Esaú Victor de Araújo
- Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Paul Aubier
- Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie Paris (CR2P, UMR 7207), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Rafael César Lima Pedroso de Andrade
- Centro de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Laboratório de Paleontologia da URCA, Universidade Regional do Cariri, Rua Carolino Sucupira-Pimenta, Crato, Ceará, Brazil
| | - Juliana Manso Sayão
- Museu Nacional do Rio de Janeiro, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Ribeiro de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Paleontologia e Sistemática (LAPASI), Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
| | - Jorge Cubo
- Centre de Recherche en Paléontologie Paris (CR2P, UMR 7207), Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, CNRS, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
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7
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Shiang CSA, Bonney C, Lazarus B, Meyers M, Jasiuk I. Hierarchical modeling of elastic moduli of equine hoof wall. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2022; 136:105529. [PMID: 36327663 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2022.105529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study predicts analytically effective elastic moduli of substructures within an equine hoof wall. The hoof wall is represented as a composite material with a hierarchical structure comprised of a sequence of length scales. A bottom-up approach is employed. Thus, the outputs from a lower spatial scale serve as the inputs for the following scale. The models include the Halpin-Tsai model, composite cylinders model, a sutured interface model, and classical laminate theory. The length scales span macroscale, mesoscale, sub-mesoscale, microscale, sub-microscale, and nanoscale. The macroscale represents the hoof wall, consisting of tubules within a matrix at the mesoscale. At the sub-mesoscale, a single hollow tubule is reinforced by a tubule wall made of lamellae; the surrounding intertubular material also has a lamellar structure. The lamellae contain sutured and layered cells at the microscale. A single cell is made of crystalline macrofibrils arranged in an amorphous matrix at the sub-microscale. A macrofibril contains aligned crystalline rod-like intermediate filaments at the nanoscale. Experimentally obtained parameters are used in the modeling as inputs for geometry and nanoscale properties. The predicted properties of the hoof wall material agree with experimental measurements at the mesoscale and macroscale. We observe that the hierarchical structure of the hoof wall leads to a decrease in the elastic modulus with increasing scale, from the nanoscale to the macroscale. Such behavior is an intrinsic characteristic of hierarchical biological materials. This study can serve as a framework for designing impact-resistant hoof-inspired materials and structures.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Christian Bonney
- Dept. of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA
| | - Benjamin Lazarus
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Marc Meyers
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, USA; Dept. of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of California, San Diego, USA; Dept. of Nanoengineering, University of California, San Diego, USA
| | - Iwona Jasiuk
- Dept. of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, USA.
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8
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Marghoub A, Williams CJ, Leite JV, Kirby AC, Kéver L, Porro LB, Barrett PM, Bertazzo S, Abzhanov A, Vickaryous M, Herrel A, Evans SE, Moazen M. Unravelling the structural variation of lizard osteoderms. Acta Biomater 2022; 146:306-316. [PMID: 35552001 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Vertebrate skin is a remarkable organ that supports and protects the body. It consists of two layers, the epidermis and the underlying dermis. In some tetrapods, the dermis includes mineralised organs known as osteoderms (OD). Lizards, with over 7,000 species, show the greatest diversity in OD morphology and distribution, yet we barely understand what drives this diversity. This multiscale analysis of five species of lizards, whose lineages diverged ∼100-150 million years ago, compared the micro- and macrostructure, material properties, and bending rigidity of their ODs, and examined the underlying bones of the skull roof and jaw (including teeth when possible). Unsurprisingly, OD shape, taken alone, impacts bending rigidity, with the ODs of Corucia zebrata being most flexible and those of Timon lepidus being most rigid. Macroscopic variation is also reflected in microstructural diversity, with differences in tissue composition and arrangement. However, the properties of the core bony tissues, in both ODs and cranial bones, were found to be similar across taxa, although the hard, capping tissue on the ODs of Heloderma and Pseudopus had material properties similar to those of tooth enamel. The results offer evidence on the functional adaptations of cranial ODs, but questions remain regarding the factors driving their diversity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Understanding nature has always been a significant source of inspiration for various areas of the physical and biological sciences. Here we unravelled a novel biomineralization, i.e. calcified tissue, OD, forming within the skin of lizards which show significant diversity across the group. A range of techniques were used to provide an insight into these exceptionally diverse natural structures, in an integrated, whole system fashion. Our results offer some suggestions into the functional and biomechanical adaptations of OD and their hierarchical structure. This knowledge can provide a potential source of inspiration for biomimetic and bioinspired designs, applicable to the manufacturing of light-weight, damage-tolerant and multifunctional materials for areas such as tissue engineering.
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9
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Eigen L, Baum D, Dean MN, Werner D, Wölfer J, Nyakatura JA. Ontogeny of a tessellated surface: Carapace growth of the longhorn cowfish Lactoria cornuta. J Anat 2022; 241:565-580. [PMID: 35638264 PMCID: PMC9358767 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Biological armors derive their mechanical integrity in part from their geometric architectures, often involving tessellations: individual structural elements tiled together to form surface shells. The carapace of boxfish, for example, is composed of mineralized polygonal plates, called scutes, arranged in a complex geometric pattern and nearly completely encasing the body. In contrast to artificial armors, the boxfish exoskeleton grows with the fish; the relationship between the tessellation and the gross structure of the armor is therefore critical to sustained protection throughout growth. To clarify whether or how the boxfish tessellation is maintained or altered with age, we quantify architectural aspects of the tessellated carapace of the longhorn cowfish Lactoria cornuta through ontogeny (across nearly an order of magnitude in standard length) and in a high‐throughput fashion, using high‐resolution microCT data and segmentation algorithms to characterize the hundreds of scutes that cover each individual. We show that carapace growth is canalized with little variability across individuals: rather than continually adding scutes to enlarge the carapace surface, the number of scutes is surprisingly constant, with scutes increasing in volume, thickness, and especially width with age. As cowfish and their scutes grow, scutes become comparatively thinner, with the scutes at the edges (weak points in a boxy architecture) being some of the thickest and most reinforced in younger animals and thinning most slowly across ontogeny. In contrast, smaller scutes with more variable curvature were found in the limited areas of more complex topology (e.g., around fin insertions, mouth, and anus). Measurements of Gaussian and mean curvature illustrate that cowfish are essentially tessellated boxes throughout life: predominantly zero curvature surfaces comprised of mostly flat scutes, and with scutes with sharp bends used sparingly to form box edges. Since growth of a curved, tiled surface with a fixed number of tiles would require tile restructuring to accommodate the surface's changing radius of curvature, our results therefore illustrate a previously unappreciated advantage of the odd boxfish morphology: by having predominantly flat surfaces, it is the box‐like body form that in fact permits a relatively straightforward growth system of this tessellated architecture (i.e., where material is added to scute edges). Our characterization of the ontogeny and maintenance of the carapace tessellation provides insights into the potentially conflicting mechanical, geometric, and developmental constraints of this species but also perspectives into natural strategies for constructing mutable tiled architectures. The carapace of boxfish is composed of mineralized polygonal plates, called scutes, arranged in a complex geometric pattern and nearly completely encasing the body. To clarify whether or how this armor is maintained or altered with age, we quantify architectural aspects of the carapace of the longhorn cowfish Lactoria cornuta through ontogeny, using high‐resolution microCT data and segmentation algorithms to characterize the hundreds of scutes that cover each individual.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Lennart Eigen
- Comparative Zoology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Bernstein Center for Computational Neuroscience Berlin, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Daniel Baum
- Visual and Data-Centric Computing Department, Zuse Institute Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mason N Dean
- Comparative Zoology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Daniel Werner
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Potsdam, Germany
| | - Jan Wölfer
- Comparative Zoology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - John A Nyakatura
- Comparative Zoology, Institute of Biology, Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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10
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Insuasti‐Cruz E, Suárez‐Jaramillo V, Mena Urresta KA, Pila‐Varela KO, Fiallos‐Ayala X, Dahoumane SA, Alexis F. Natural Biomaterials from Biodiversity for Healthcare Applications. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2101389. [PMID: 34643331 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Natural biomaterials originating during the growth cycles of all living organisms have been used for many applications. They span from bioinert to bioactive materials including bioinspired ones. As they exhibit an increasing degree of sophistication, natural biomaterials have proven suitable to address the needs of the healthcare sector. Here the different natural healthcare biomaterials, their biodiversity sources, properties, and promising healthcare applications are reviewed. The variability of their properties as a result of considered species and their habitat is also discussed. Finally, some limitations of natural biomaterials are discussed and possible future developments are provided as more natural biomaterials are yet to be discovered and studied.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erick Insuasti‐Cruz
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
| | | | | | - Kevin O. Pila‐Varela
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
| | - Xiomira Fiallos‐Ayala
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
| | - Si Amar Dahoumane
- Department of Chemical Engineering Polytech Montreal Montreal Quebec H3C 3A7 Canada
- Center for Advances in Water and Air Quality (CAWAQ) Lamar University Beaumont TX 77710 USA
| | - Frank Alexis
- School of Biological Sciences & Engineering Yachay Tech University Urcuquí 100119 Ecuador
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11
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Liang C, Marghoub A, Kever L, Bertazzo S, Abzhanov A, Vickaryous M, Herrel A, E Evans S, Moazen M. Lizard osteoderms - Morphological characterisation, biomimetic design and manufacturing based on three species. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2021; 16:066011. [PMID: 34525458 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac26d0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Osteoderms (OD) are mineralised dermal structures consisting mainly of calcium phosphate and collagen. The sheer diversity of OD morphologies and their distribution within the skin of lizards makes these reptiles an ideal group in which to study ODs. Nonetheless, our understanding of the structure, development, and function of lizard ODs remains limited. The specific aims of this study were: (1) to carry out a detailed morphological characterisation of ODs in three lizard species; (2) to design and manufacture biomimetic sheets of ODs corresponding to the OD arrangement in each species; and (3) to evaluate the impact resistance of the manufactured biomimetic sheets under a drop weight test. Skin samples of the anguimorphsH. suspectumandO. ventralis, and the skinkC. zebratawere obtained from frozen lab specimens. Following a series of imaging and image characterisations, 3D biomimetic models of the ODs were developed. 3D models were then printed using additive manufacturing techniques and subjected to drop weight impact tests. The results suggest that a 3D printed compound of overlapping ODs as observed inCoruciacan potentially offers a higher energy absorption by comparison with the overlapping ODs ofOphisaurusand the non-overlapping ODs ofHeloderma.Compound overlapping ODs need to be further tested and explored as a biomimetic concept to increase the shock absorption capabilities of devices and structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ce Liang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| | - Arsalan Marghoub
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
| | - Loic Kever
- UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Département Adaptations du Vivant, Bâtiment, d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Arkhat Abzhanov
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Silkwood18 Park Campus, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Vickaryous
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
| | - Anthony Herrel
- UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Département Adaptations du Vivant, Bâtiment, d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, 75005, Paris, France
| | - Susan E Evans
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Mehran Moazen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, United Kingdom
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12
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Williams C, Kirby A, Marghoub A, Kéver L, Ostashevskaya-Gohstand S, Bertazzo S, Moazen M, Abzhanov A, Herrel A, Evans SE, Vickaryous M. A review of the osteoderms of lizards (Reptilia: Squamata). Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2021; 97:1-19. [PMID: 34397141 PMCID: PMC9292694 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Osteoderms are mineralised structures consisting mainly of calcium phosphate and collagen. They form directly within the skin, with or without physical contact with the skeleton. Osteoderms, in some form, may be primitive for tetrapods as a whole, and are found in representatives of most major living lineages including turtles, crocodilians, lizards, armadillos, and some frogs, as well as extinct taxa ranging from early tetrapods to dinosaurs. However, their distribution in time and space raises questions about their evolution and homology in individual groups. Among lizards and their relatives, osteoderms may be completely absent; present only on the head or dorsum; or present all over the body in one of several arrangements, including non-overlapping mineralised clusters, a continuous covering of overlapping plates, or as spicular mineralisations that thicken with age. This diversity makes lizards an excellent focal group in which to study osteoderm structure, function, development and evolution. In the past, the focus of researchers was primarily on the histological structure and/or the gross anatomy of individual osteoderms in a limited sample of taxa. Those studies demonstrated that lizard osteoderms are sometimes two-layered structures, with a vitreous, avascular layer just below the epidermis and a deeper internal layer with abundant collagen within the deep dermis. However, there is considerable variation on this model, in terms of the arrangement of collagen fibres, presence of extra tissues, and/or a cancellous bone core bordered by cortices. Moreover, there is a lack of consensus on the contribution, if any, of osteoblasts in osteoderm development, despite research describing patterns of resorption and replacement that would suggest both osteoclast and osteoblast involvement. Key to this is information on development, but our understanding of the genetic and skeletogenic processes involved in osteoderm development and patterning remains minimal. The most common proposition for the presence of osteoderms is that they provide a protective armour. However, the large morphological and distributional diversity in lizard osteoderms raises the possibility that they may have other roles such as biomechanical reinforcement in response to ecological or functional constraints. If lizard osteoderms are primarily for defence, whether against predators or conspecifics, then this 'bony armour' might be predicted to have different structural and/or mechanical properties compared to other hard tissues (generally intended for support and locomotion). The cellular and biomineralisation mechanisms by which osteoderms are formed could also be different from those of other hard tissues, as reflected in their material composition and nanostructure. Material properties, especially the combination of malleability and resistance to impact, are of interest to the biomimetics and bioinspired material communities in the development of protective clothing and body armour. Currently, the literature on osteoderms is patchy and is distributed across a wide range of journals. Herein we present a synthesis of current knowledge on lizard osteoderm evolution and distribution, micro- and macrostructure, development, and function, with a view to stimulating further work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Williams
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada.,Department of Biology, Aarhus University, Ny Munkegade 114-116, Aarhus C, DK-8000, Denmark
| | - Alexander Kirby
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K.,Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Arsalan Marghoub
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K
| | - Loïc Kéver
- Département Adaptations du Vivant, UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Bâtiment d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Sonya Ostashevskaya-Gohstand
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, U.K
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Mehran Moazen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, WC1E 7JE, U.K
| | - Arkhat Abzhanov
- Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Imperial College London, Silwood Park Campus, Berkshire, SL5 7PY, U.K
| | - Anthony Herrel
- Département Adaptations du Vivant, UMR 7179 MECADEV C.N.R.S/M.N.H.N., Bâtiment d'Anatomie Comparée, 55 rue Buffon, Paris, 75005, France
| | - Susan E Evans
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, U.K
| | - Matt Vickaryous
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, ON, N1G 2W1, Canada
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13
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Kitayama C, Ueda K, Omata M, Tomita T, Fukada S, Murakami S, Tanaka Y, Kaji A, Kondo S, Suganuma H, Aiko Y, Fujimoto A, Kawai YK, Yanagawa M, Kondoh D. Morphological features of the nasal cavities of hawksbill, olive ridley, and black sea turtles: Comparative studies with green, loggerhead and leatherback sea turtles. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0250873. [PMID: 33914838 PMCID: PMC8084137 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0250873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We analyzed the internal structure of the nasal cavities of hawksbill, olive ridley and black sea turtles from computed tomography images. The nasal cavities of all three species consisted of a vestibule, nasopharyngeal duct and cavum nasi proprium that included anterodorsal, posterodorsal and anteroventral diverticula, and a small posteroventral salience formed by a fossa of the wall. These findings were similar to those of green and loggerhead sea turtles (Cheloniidae), but differed from those of leatherback sea turtles (Dermochelyidae). Compared to the Cheloniidae species, the nasal cavity in leatherback sea turtles was relatively shorter, wider and larger in volume. Those structural features of the nasal cavity of leatherback sea turtles might help to suppress heat dissipation and reduce water pressure within the nasal cavity in cold and deep waters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiyo Kitayama
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Keiichi Ueda
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan
- Okinawa Churashima Research Center, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Mariko Omata
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan
| | - Taketeru Tomita
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan
- Okinawa Churashima Research Center, Motobu, Okinawa, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | - Satomi Kondo
- Everlasting Nature of Asia (ELNA), Ogasawara Marine Center, Ogasawara, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yuki Aiko
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Atsuru Fujimoto
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Yusuke K. Kawai
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Masashi Yanagawa
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kondoh
- Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Obihiro, Hokkaido, Japan
- * E-mail:
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14
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Jearanaisilawong P, Jongpairojcosit N, Glunrawd C. Dynamic behaviors and protection mechanisms of sulcata tortoise carapace. Comput Methods Biomech Biomed Engin 2021; 24:1450-1462. [PMID: 33661036 DOI: 10.1080/10255842.2021.1892661] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
This paper presents the compressive behavior of tortoise carapace at high strain rates and its protection mechanisms under impact loading. Both experimental and numerical results are reported. Tortoise is a land-based desert-dwelling animal taxonomically classified in the order of Testudines. The carapace is the dome-shaped upper part of the tortoise shell that protects its body from predator attacks. The carapace structure is composed of four layers formed as a composite structure with a porous core. The outer surface is keratin scutes made of fibrous structural proteins. The remaining layers are bone-like materials which are dorsal cortex, cancellous interior and ventral cortex. The compressive behavior at high rate of deformation is examined using split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) technique. The results shown in the stress-strain plot illustrate a strain-rate hardening effect. The impact test is conducted using a gas gun with 6.35-mm diameter steel bearing balls as projectiles. The responses of carapace sample under a range of impact velocities are investigated to analyze its protection mechanisms. The numerical model of impact test is created to obtain an insight into mechanical behaviors of the carapace structure that cannot be observed in the experiments. The strain rate dependent material model is defined based on the SHPB test results. The distributions of stress and rebound velocity are presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Jearanaisilawong
- Faculty of Engineering, Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - N Jongpairojcosit
- Ministry of Defence, Office of the Permanent Secretary of Defence (Chaengwattana), Defence Technology Institute, Nonthaburi, Thailand
| | - C Glunrawd
- The Sirindhorn International Thai-German Graduate School of Engineering (TGGS), King Mongkut's University of Technology North Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
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15
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Alheit B, Bargmann S, Reddy B. Computationally modelling the mechanical behaviour of turtle shell sutures—A natural interlocking structure. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 110:103973. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2020.103973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/02/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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16
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Iacoviello F, Kirby AC, Javanmardi Y, Moeendarbary E, Shabanli M, Tsolaki E, Sharp AC, Hayes MJ, Keevend K, Li JH, Brett DJL, Shearing PR, Olivo A, Herrmann IK, Evans SE, Moazen M, Bertazzo S. The multiscale hierarchical structure of Heloderma suspectum osteoderms and their mechanical properties. Acta Biomater 2020; 107:194-203. [PMID: 32109598 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.02.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Osteoderms are hard tissues embedded in the dermis of vertebrates and have been suggested to be formed from several different mineralized regions. However, their nano architecture and micro mechanical properties had not been fully characterized. Here, using electron microscopy, µ-CT, atomic force microscopy and finite element simulation, an in-depth characterization of osteoderms from the lizard Heloderma suspectum, is presented. Results show that osteoderms are made of three different mineralized regions: a dense apex, a fibre-enforced region comprising the majority of the osteoderm, and a bone-like region surrounding the vasculature. The dense apex is stiff, the fibre-enforced region is flexible and the mechanical properties of the bone-like region fall somewhere between the other two regions. Our finite element analyses suggest that when combined into the osteoderm structure, the distinct tissue regions are able to shield the body of the animal by bearing the external forces. These findings reveal the structure-function relationship of the Heloderma suspectum osteoderm in unprecedented detail. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The structures of bone and teeth have been thoroughly investigated. They provide a basis not only for understanding the mechanical properties and functions of these hard tissues, but also for the de novo design of composite materials. Osteoderms, however, are hard tissues that must possess mechanical properties distinct from teeth and bone to function as a protective armour. Here we provide a detailed analysis of the nanostructure of vertebrate osteoderms from Heloderma suspectum, and show that their mechanical properties are determined by their multiscale hierarchical tissue. We believe this study contributes to advance the current knowledge of the structure-function relationship of the hierarchical structures in the Heloderma suspectum osteoderm. This knowledge might in turn provide a source of inspiration for the design of bioinspired and biomimetic materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Iacoviello
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Alexander C Kirby
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK; Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Murad Shabanli
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Elena Tsolaki
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Alana C Sharp
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Matthew J Hayes
- Department of Ophthalmology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Kerda Keevend
- Department of Materials, Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Jian-Hao Li
- Department of Materials, Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Daniel J L Brett
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Paul R Shearing
- Electrochemical Innovation Lab, Department of Chemical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Alessandro Olivo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Inge K Herrmann
- Department of Materials, Meet Life, Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, (Empa), Lerchenfeldstrasse 5, CH-9014 St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Susan E Evans
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Mehran Moazen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 7JE, UK
| | - Sergio Bertazzo
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, UK.
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17
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Clarac F, Scheyer TM, Desojo JB, Cerda IA, Sanchez S. The evolution of dermal shield vascularization in Testudinata and Pseudosuchia: phylogenetic constraints versus ecophysiological adaptations. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2020; 375:20190132. [PMID: 31928197 PMCID: PMC7017437 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2019.0132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies on living turtles have demonstrated that shells are involved in the resistance to hypoxia during apnea via bone acidosis buffering; a process which is complemented with cutaneous respiration, transpharyngeal and cloacal gas exchanges in the soft-shell turtles. Bone acidosis buffering during apnea has also been identified in crocodylian osteoderms, which are also known to employ heat transfer when basking. Although diverse, many of these functions rely on one common trait: the vascularization of the dermal shield. Here, we test whether the above ecophysiological functions played an adaptive role in the evolutionary transitions between land and aquatic environments in both Pseudosuchia and Testudinata. To do so, we measured the bone porosity as a proxy for vascular density in a set of dermal plates before performing phylogenetic comparative analyses. For both lineages, the dermal plate porosity obviously varies depending on the animal lifestyle, but these variations prove to be highly driven by phylogenetic relationships. We argue that the complexity of multi-functional roles of the post-cranial dermal skeleton in both Pseudosuchia and Testudinata probably is the reason for a lack of obvious physiological signal, and we discuss the role of the dermal shield vascularization in the evolution of these groups. This article is part of the theme issue 'Vertebrate palaeophysiology'.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Clarac
- Department of Organismal Biology, Subdepartment of Evolution and Development, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Torsten M. Scheyer
- Paleontological Institute and Museum, University of Zurich, Karl Schmid-Strasse 4, 8006 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Julia B. Desojo
- CONICET, División Paleontología Vertebrados, Museo de La Plata, Paseo del Bosque s/n°, B1900FWA La Plata, Argentina
| | - Ignacio A. Cerda
- CONICET, Argentina y Instituto de Investigacion en Paleobiología y Geología, Universidad Nacional de Río Negro, Museo Carlos Ameghino, Belgrano 1700, Paraje Pichi Ruca (predio Marabunta), 8300 Cipolletti, Río Negro, Argentina
| | - Sophie Sanchez
- Department of Organismal Biology, Subdepartment of Evolution and Development, Uppsala University, Norbyvägen 18A, 752 36 Uppsala, Sweden
- European Synchrotron Radiation Facility, 71 Avenue des Martyrs, CS-40220, 38043 Grenoble Cedex, France
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18
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Jiang H, Ghods S, Ma Y, Dai X, Yang F, He X. Designed for the enhancement of structure mechanostability and strength: Suture-serrate margins of bivalve shells. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 103:103586. [PMID: 32090914 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.103586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Through biological evolution, bivalve mollusks developed shells to improve the utilization of metabolic energy and provide protection against external threats. In addition to the mechanical optimization of the microstructure, the design of the macroscopic shape of a bivalve shell naturally becomes a potential approach to achieving the aforementioned purposes. While the functions of some features of mollusk shells have been studied, the role of the suture-serrate margins, a common morphology of bivalve shell edges, in the global mechanical behaviors of bivalve shells requires further exploration. Here, we present how the serrate margins contribute to the global mechanical properties of bivalve shells. The results of the compression tests employed on a typical bivalve, M. mercenaria, showed that the complete bivalve shells with suture-serrate margins perform better in terms of strength and work to fracture than those without the margins under the same conditions (dry and wet). The primary failure types observed during compression reveal that the failure mechanisms of valve shells are dependent on the suture-serrate margin morphology and water content. Using numerical simulations, the mechanical functions of the suture-serrate margins were demonstrated. Specifically, serrate margins provide mutual resistance by "locking" complementary valves to redistribute and eliminate stress concentrations around pre-existing defects, thereby enhancing the mechanostability and strength of the entire structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanyang Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, JS, China
| | - Sean Ghods
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Yinhang Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, JS, China
| | - Xiangjun Dai
- School of Transportation and Vehicle Engineering, Shandong University of Technology, Zibo, SD, China
| | - Fujun Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, JS, China.
| | - Xiaoyuan He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Engineering Mechanics, School of Civil Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, JS, China
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19
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Laver RJ, Morales CH, Heinicke MP, Gamble T, Longoria K, Bauer AM, Daza JD. The development of cephalic armor in the tokay gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae:
Gekko gecko
). J Morphol 2019; 281:213-228. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca J. Laver
- Research School of Biology Australian National University Canberra Australia
| | - Cristian H. Morales
- Department of Biological Sciences Sam Houston State University Huntsville Texas
- Department of Biology University of Texas at Arlington Arlington Texas
| | - Matthew P. Heinicke
- Department of Natural Sciences University of Michigan‐Dearborn Dearborn Michigan
| | - Tony Gamble
- Department of Biological Sciences Marquette University Milwaukee Wisconsin
- Milwaukee Public Museum Milwaukee Wisconsin
- Bell Museum of Natural History University of Minnesota Saint Paul Minnesota
| | - Kristin Longoria
- Department of Biological Sciences Sam Houston State University Huntsville Texas
| | - Aaron M. Bauer
- Department of Biology Villanova University Villanova Pennsylvania
| | - Juan D. Daza
- Department of Biological Sciences Sam Houston State University Huntsville Texas
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20
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Connors M, Yang T, Hosny A, Deng Z, Yazdandoost F, Massaadi H, Eernisse D, Mirzaeifar R, Dean MN, Weaver JC, Ortiz C, Li L. Bioinspired design of flexible armor based on chiton scales. Nat Commun 2019; 10:5413. [PMID: 31822663 PMCID: PMC6904579 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-13215-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Man-made armors often rely on rigid structures for mechanical protection, which typically results in a trade-off with flexibility and maneuverability. Chitons, a group of marine mollusks, evolved scaled armors that address similar challenges. Many chiton species possess hundreds of small, mineralized scales arrayed on the soft girdle that surrounds their overlapping shell plates. Ensuring both flexibility for locomotion and protection of the underlying soft body, the scaled girdle is an excellent model for multifunctional armor design. Here we conduct a systematic study of the material composition, nanomechanical properties, three-dimensional geometry, and interspecific structural diversity of chiton girdle scales. Moreover, inspired by the tessellated organization of chiton scales, we fabricate a synthetic flexible scaled armor analogue using parametric computational modeling and multi-material 3D printing. This approach allows us to conduct a quantitative evaluation of our chiton-inspired armor to assess its orientation-dependent flexibility and protection capabilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Connors
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139-4307, USA
| | - Ting Yang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Ahmed Hosny
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Zhifei Deng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Fatemeh Yazdandoost
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Hajar Massaadi
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139-4307, USA
| | - Douglas Eernisse
- Department of Biological Science, California State University Fullerton, Fullerton, CA, 92834, USA
| | - Reza Mirzaeifar
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA
| | - Mason N Dean
- Department of Biomaterials, Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Am Muehlenberg 1, 14424, Potsdam, Germany
| | - James C Weaver
- Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Christine Ortiz
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139-4307, USA
| | - Ling Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24060, USA.
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Ampaw E, Owoseni TA, Du F, Pinilla N, Obayemi J, Hu J, Nigay PM, Nzihou A, Uzonwanne V, Zebaze-Kana MG, Dewoolkar M, Tan T, Soboyejo W. Compressive deformation and failure of trabecular structures in a turtle shell. Acta Biomater 2019; 97:535-543. [PMID: 31310853 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Turtle shells comprising of cortical and trabecular bones exhibit intriguing mechanical properties. In this work, compression tests were performed using specimens made from the carapace of Kinixys erosa turtle. A combination of imaging techniques and mechanical testing were employed to examine the responses of hierarchical microstructures of turtle shell under compression. Finite element models produced from microCT-scanned microstructures and analytical foam structure models were then used to elucidate local responses of trabecular bones deformed under compression. The results reveal the contributions from micro-strut bending and stress concentrations to the fractural mechanisms of trabecular bone structures. The porous structures of turtle shells could be an excellent prototype for the bioinspired design of deformation-resistant structures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: In this study, a combination of analytical, computational models and experiments is used to study the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the compressive deformation of a Kinixys erosa turtle shell between the nano-, micro- and macro-scales. The proposed work shows that the turtle shell structures can be analyzed as sandwich structures that have the capacity to concentrate deformation and stresses within the trabecular bones, which enables significant energy absorption during compressive deformation. Then, the trends in the deformation characteristics and the strengths of the trabecular bone segments are well predicted by the four-strut model, which captures the effects of variations in strut length, thickness and orientation that are related to microstructural uncertainties of the turtle shells. The above results also suggest that the model may be used to guide the bioinspired design of sandwich porous structures that mimic the properties of the cortical and trabecular bone segments of turtle shells under a range of loading conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Ampaw
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Nigeria; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Koforidua Technical University, Koforidua, Ghana
| | - Tunji Adetayo Owoseni
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, African University of Science and Technology, Nigeria
| | - Fen Du
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Vermont Technical College, Randolph Center, VT 05061, USA
| | - Nelson Pinilla
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - John Obayemi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA 01609, USA
| | - Jingjie Hu
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA
| | - Pierre-Marie Nigay
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA 01609, USA
| | - Ange Nzihou
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Université de Toulouse, Mines Albi, CNRS UMR 5302, Centre RAPSODEE, F-81013 Albi Cedex 09, France
| | - Vanessa Uzonwanne
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA 01609, USA
| | | | - Mandar Dewoolkar
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Ting Tan
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT 05405, USA
| | - Winston Soboyejo
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ 08540, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, MA 01609, USA.
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Drol CJ, Kennedy EB, Hsiung BK, Swift NB, Tan KT. Bioinspirational understanding of flexural performance in hedgehog spines. Acta Biomater 2019; 94:553-564. [PMID: 31129360 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2019.04.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Revised: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
In this research, the flexural performance of hedgehog spines is investigated in four ways. First, X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) is employed to analyze the complex internal architecture of hedgehog spines. μCT images reveal distinct structural morphology, characterized by longitudinal stringers and transverse central plates, which enhance flexural performance. Second, computer-aided design (CAD) is utilized to create and produce different three-dimensional (3D) computational models that gradually approach resemblance to hedgehog spines. Various levels of models are constructed by including and excluding key internal features of hedgehog spines, resulting in the formation of model levels from the simplest to the most realistic form. Third, finite element analysis (FEA) is exploited to simulate flexural behavior of hedgehog spines undergoing three-point bending. FEA results aim to identify and elucidate how internal structural features affect flexural stiffness and bending stress contours. Fourth, flexural analytical modeling is performed to calculate flexural shear flow and twist angle during transverse loading. The effects of the number of hedgehog outer cells, the spine wall thickness ratio and radius ratio are theoretically investigated to predict the shear stress and twist angle of the hedgehog spine structure. Results demonstrate that longitudinal stringers of the hedgehog spine significantly increase the overall flexural stiffness, while the transverse central plates provide support and rigidity to prevent spines from buckling and collapsing. Interestingly, the 3D model level that most realistically resembles the actual hedgehog spine is evidenced to have the highest specific bending stiffness, demonstrating nature's most efficient design. The findings of this study may be useful for developing hedgehog-inspired lightweight, high-stiffness, impact-tolerant structures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This research has given much needed insight on the inner morphology of hedgehog spines and the structure-property relationship to the spine's flexural performance. X-ray μCT images reveal inner structural morphology, characterized by longitudinal stringers and transverse plates. Finite element analysis shows that longitudinal stringers significantly increase flexural stiffness, while the transverse plates provide support and rigidity to prevent buckling. The model that resembles the actual hedgehog spine is evidenced to have the highest specific bending stiffness, demonstrating nature's most efficient design. Analytical model studies influence on cell number, spine geometrical ratios, and further confirms nature's perfect design with lowest flexural shear flow and twist angle during transverse loading. This work paths future design for hedgehog-inspired lightweight, high-stiffness, impact-tolerant structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Drol
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Emily B Kennedy
- Department of Biology, Integrated Bioscience PhD Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Bor-Kai Hsiung
- Department of Biology, Integrated Bioscience PhD Program, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA
| | - Nathan B Swift
- Department of Physics, Science Technology Entrepreneurship Master's Program, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Kwek-Tze Tan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325, USA.
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23
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Analysis of bioinspired non-interlocking geometrically patterned interfaces under predominant mode I loading. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2019; 96:244-260. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.04.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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24
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Frey M, Biffi G, Adobes‐Vidal M, Zirkelbach M, Wang Y, Tu K, Hirt AM, Masania K, Burgert I, Keplinger T. Tunable Wood by Reversible Interlocking and Bioinspired Mechanical Gradients. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2019; 6:1802190. [PMID: 31131194 PMCID: PMC6524091 DOI: 10.1002/advs.201802190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Elegant design principles in biological materials such as stiffness gradients or sophisticated interfaces provide ingenious solutions for an efficient improvement of their mechanical properties. When materials such as wood are directly used in high-performance applications, it is not possible to entirely profit from these optimizations because stiffness alterations and fiber alignment of the natural material are not designed for the desired application. In this work, wood is turned into a versatile engineering material by incorporating mechanical gradients and by locally adapting the fiber alignment, using a shaping mechanism enabled by reversible interlocks between wood cells. Delignification of the renewable resource wood, a subsequent topographic stacking of the cellulosic scaffolds, and a final densification allow fabrication of desired 3D shapes with tunable fiber architecture. Additionally, prior functionalization of the cellulose scaffolds allows for obtaining tunable functionality combined with mechanical gradients. Locally controllable elastic moduli between 5 and 35 GPa are obtained, inspired by the ability of trees to tailor their macro- and micro-structure. The versatility of this approach has significant relevance in the emerging field of high-performance materials from renewable resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Frey
- Wood Materials ScienceDepartment of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
- Cellulose & Wood MaterialsFunctional MaterialsEMPA8600DübendorfSwitzerland
| | - Giulia Biffi
- Wood Materials ScienceDepartment of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
| | - Maria Adobes‐Vidal
- Wood Materials ScienceDepartment of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
- Cellulose & Wood MaterialsFunctional MaterialsEMPA8600DübendorfSwitzerland
| | - Meri Zirkelbach
- Wood Materials ScienceDepartment of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
- Design and ArtsLucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts6020EmmenSwitzerland
| | - Yaru Wang
- Wood Materials ScienceDepartment of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
- Cellulose & Wood MaterialsFunctional MaterialsEMPA8600DübendorfSwitzerland
| | - Kunkun Tu
- Wood Materials ScienceDepartment of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
- Cellulose & Wood MaterialsFunctional MaterialsEMPA8600DübendorfSwitzerland
| | - Ann M. Hirt
- Institute for GeophysicsDepartment of Earth SciencesETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
| | - Kunal Masania
- Complex MaterialsDepartment of MaterialsETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
| | - Ingo Burgert
- Wood Materials ScienceDepartment of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
- Cellulose & Wood MaterialsFunctional MaterialsEMPA8600DübendorfSwitzerland
| | - Tobias Keplinger
- Wood Materials ScienceDepartment of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic EngineeringETH Zürich8093ZürichSwitzerland
- Cellulose & Wood MaterialsFunctional MaterialsEMPA8600DübendorfSwitzerland
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25
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Cao Y, Wang W, Wang J, Zhang C. Experimental and numerical study on tensile failure behavior of bionic suture joints. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2019; 92:40-49. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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26
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Ghods S, Murcia S, Ossa E, Arola D. Designed for resistance to puncture: The dynamic response of fish scales. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2019; 90:451-459. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2018.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2017] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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27
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du Plessis A, Broeckhoven C. Looking deep into nature: A review of micro-computed tomography in biomimicry. Acta Biomater 2019; 85:27-40. [PMID: 30543937 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Albert Einstein once said "look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better". Looking deep into nature has in the last few years become much more achievable through the use of high-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography (microCT). The non-destructive nature of microCT, combined with three-dimensional visualization and analysis, allows for the most complete internal and external "view" of natural materials and structures at both macro- and micro-scale. This capability brings with it the possibility to learn from nature at an unprecedented level of detail in full three dimensions, allowing us to improve our current understanding of structures, learn from them and apply them to solve engineering problems. The use of microCT in the fields of biomimicry, biomimetic engineering and bioinspiration is growing rapidly and holds great promise. MicroCT images and three-dimensional data can be used as generic bio-inspiration, or may be interpreted as detailed blueprints for specific engineering applications, i.e., reverse-engineering nature. In this review, we show how microCT has been used in bioinspiration and biomimetic studies to date, including investigations of multifunctional structures, hierarchical structures and the growing use of additive manufacturing and mechanical testing of 3D printed models in combination with microCT. The latest microCT capabilities and developments which might support biomimetic studies are described and the unique synergy between microCT and biomimicry is demonstrated. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: This review highlights the growing use of X-ray micro computed tomography in biomimetic research. We feel the timing of this paper is excellent as there is a significant growth and interest in biomimetic research, also coupled with additive manufacturing, but still no review of the use of microCT in this field. The use of microCT for structural biomimetic and biomaterials research has huge potential but is still under-utilized, partly due to lack of knowledge of the capabilities and how it can be used in this field. We hope this review fills this gap and fuels further advances in this field using microCT.
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28
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Arola D, Ghods S, Son C, Murcia S, Ossa EA. Interfibril hydrogen bonding improves the strain-rate response of natural armour. J R Soc Interface 2019; 16:20180775. [PMID: 30958147 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2018.0775] [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] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Fish scales are laminated composites that consist of plies of unidirectional collagen fibrils with twisted-plywood stacking arrangement. Owing to their composition, the toughness of scales is dependent on the intermolecular bonding within and between the collagen fibrils. Adjusting the extent of this bonding with an appropriate stimulus has implications for the design of next-generation bioinspired flexible armours. In this investigation, scales were exposed to environments of water or a polar solvent (i.e. ethanol) to influence the extent of intermolecular bonding, and their mechanical behaviour was evaluated in uniaxial tension and transverse puncture. Results showed that the resistance to failure of the scales increased with loading rate in both tension and puncture and that the polar solvent treatment increased both the strength and toughness through interpeptide bonding; the largest increase occurred in the puncture resistance of scales from the tail region (a factor of nearly 7×). The increase in strength and damage tolerance with stronger intermolecular bonding is uncommon for structural materials and is a unique characteristic of the low mineral content. Scales from regions of the body with higher mineral content underwent less strengthening, which is most likely the result of interference posed by the mineral crystals to intermolecular bonding. Overall, the results showed that flexible bioinspired composite materials for puncture resistance should enrol constituents and complementary processing that capitalize on interfibril bonds.
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Affiliation(s)
- D Arola
- 1 Department of Mechanics, Shanghai University , Shanghai , People's Republic of China.,2 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington Seattle , Seattle, WA , USA.,3 Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington Seattle , Seattle, WA , USA
| | - S Ghods
- 2 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington Seattle , Seattle, WA , USA
| | - C Son
- 2 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington Seattle , Seattle, WA , USA
| | - S Murcia
- 2 Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Washington Seattle , Seattle, WA , USA
| | - E A Ossa
- 4 School of Engineering, Universidad EAFIT , Medellín , Colombia
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29
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Velasco-Hogan A, Xu J, Meyers MA. Additive Manufacturing as a Method to Design and Optimize Bioinspired Structures. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1800940. [PMID: 30133816 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201800940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Additive manufacturing (AM) is a current technology undergoing rapid development that is utilized in a wide variety of applications. In the field of biological and bioinspired materials, additive manufacturing is being used to generate intricate prototypes to expand our understanding of the fundamental structure-property relationships that govern nature's spectacular mechanical performance. Herein, recent advances in the use of AM for improving the understanding of the structure-property relationship in biological materials and for the production of bioinspired materials are reviewed. There are four essential components to this work: a) extracting defining characteristics of biological designs, b) designing 3D-printed prototypes, c) performing mechanical testing on 3D-printed prototypes to understand fundamental mechanisms at hand, and d) optimizing design for tailorable performance. It is intended to highlight how the various types of additive manufacturing methods are utilized, to unravel novel discoveries in the field of biological materials. Since AM processing techniques have surpassed antiquated limitations, especially with respect to spatial scales, there has been a surge in their demand as an integral tool for research. In conclusion, current challenges and the technical perspective for further development of bioinspired materials using AM are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jun Xu
- Department of Automotive Engineering, School of Transportation Science and Engineering, Advanced Vehicle Research Center (AVRC), Beihang University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Marc A Meyers
- University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
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30
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Liu Z, Zhang Z, Ritchie RO. On the Materials Science of Nature's Arms Race. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2018; 30:e1705220. [PMID: 29870573 DOI: 10.1002/adma.201705220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2017] [Revised: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Biological material systems have evolved unique combinations of mechanical properties to fulfill their specific function through a series of ingenious designs. Seeking lessons from Nature by replicating the underlying principles of such biological materials offers new promise for creating unique combinations of properties in man-made systems. One case in point is Nature's means of attack and defense. During the long-term evolutionary "arms race," naturally evolved weapons have achieved exceptional mechanical efficiency with a synergy of effective offense and persistence-two characteristics that often tend to be mutually exclusive in many synthetic systems-which may present a notable source of new materials science knowledge and inspiration. This review categorizes Nature's weapons into ten distinct groups, and discusses the unique structural and mechanical designs of each group by taking representative systems as examples. The approach described is to extract the common principles underlying such designs that could be translated into man-made materials. Further, recent advances in replicating the design principles of natural weapons at differing lengthscales in artificial materials, devices and tools to tackle practical problems are revisited, and the challenges associated with biological and bioinspired materials research in terms of both processing and properties are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengqian Liu
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
| | - Zhefeng Zhang
- Shenyang National Laboratory for Materials Science, Institute of Metal Research, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Robert O Ritchie
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA
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31
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Smith NM, Ebrahimi H, Ghosh R, Dickerson AK. High-speed microjets issue from bursting oil gland reservoirs of citrus fruit. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E5887-E5895. [PMID: 29891663 PMCID: PMC6042112 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1720809115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The rupture of oil gland reservoirs housed near the outer surface of the citrus exocarp is a common experience to the discerning citrus consumer and bartenders the world over. These reservoirs often rupture outwardly in response to bending the peel, which compresses the soft material surrounding the reservoirs, the albedo, increasing fluid pressure in the reservoir. Ultimately, fluid pressure exceeds the failure strength of the outermost membrane, the flavedo. The ensuing high-velocity discharge of oil and exhaustive emptying of oil gland reservoirs creates a method for jetting small quantities of the aromatic oil. We compare this jetting behavior across five citrus hybrids through high-speed videography. The jetting oil undergoes an extreme acceleration to reach velocities in excess of 10 m/s. Through material characterization and finite element simulations, we rationalize the combination of tuned material properties and geometries enabling the internal reservoir pressures that produce explosive dispersal, finding the composite structure of the citrus peel is critical for microjet production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas M Smith
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816
| | - Hossein Ebrahimi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816
| | - Ranajay Ghosh
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816
| | - Andrew K Dickerson
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Central Florida, Orlando, Florida 32816
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32
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du Plessis A, Broeckhoven C, Yadroitsev I, Yadroitsava I, le Roux SG. Analyzing nature's protective design: The glyptodont body armor. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2018; 82:218-223. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2018.03.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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33
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Djumas L, Simon GP, Estrin Y, Molotnikov A. Deformation mechanics of non-planar topologically interlocked assemblies with structural hierarchy and varying geometry. Sci Rep 2017; 7:11844. [PMID: 28928369 PMCID: PMC5605519 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-12147-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Structural hierarchy is known to enhance the performance of many of Nature's materials. In this work, we apply the idea of hierarchical structure to topologically interlocked assemblies, obtained from measurements under point loading, undertaken on identical discrete block ensembles with matching non-planar surfaces. It was demonstrated that imposing a hierarchical structure adds to the load bearing capacity of topological interlocking assemblies. The deformation mechanics of these structures was also examined numerically by finite element analysis. Multiple mechanisms of surface contact, such as slip and tilt of the building blocks, were hypothesised to control the mechanical response of topological interlocking assemblies studied. This was confirmed using as a model a newly designed interlocking block, where slip was suppressed, which produced a gain in peak loading. Our study highlights the possibility of tailoring the mechanical response of topological interlocking assemblies using geometrical features of both the element geometry and the contact surface profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lee Djumas
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and New Horizons Research Centre, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
| | - George P Simon
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and New Horizons Research Centre, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia
| | - Yuri Estrin
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and New Horizons Research Centre, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia
- Laboratory of Hybrid Nanostructured Materials, National University of Science and Technology "MISIS", Leninsky prospect 4, 119049, Moscow, Russia
| | - Andrey Molotnikov
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering and New Horizons Research Centre, Monash University, Victoria, 3800, Australia.
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34
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Surface protection in bio-shields via a functional soft skin layer: Lessons from the turtle shell. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 73:68-75. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.01.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
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35
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Jayasankar A, Seidel R, Naumann J, Guiducci L, Hosny A, Fratzl P, Weaver J, Dunlop J, Dean M. Mechanical behavior of idealized, stingray-skeleton-inspired tiled composites as a function of geometry and material properties. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 73:86-101. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.02.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2016] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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36
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The natural armors of fish: A comparison of the lamination pattern and structure of scales. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 73:17-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2016.09.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 09/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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37
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Lee N, Williams LN, Mun S, Rhee H, Prabhu R, Bhattarai KR, Horstemeyer MF. Stress wave mitigation at suture interfaces. Biomed Phys Eng Express 2017. [DOI: 10.1088/2057-1976/aa777e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
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38
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Functional trade-off between strength and thermal capacity of dermal armor: Insights from girdled lizards. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2017; 74:189-194. [PMID: 28605722 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2017.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Revised: 06/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The presence of dermal armor is often unambiguously considered the result of an evolutionary predator-prey arms-race. Recent studies focusing predominantly on osteoderms - mineralized elements embedded in the dermis layer of various extant and extinct vertebrates - have instead proposed that dermal armor might exhibit additional functionalities besides protection. Multiple divergent functionalities could impose conflicting demands on a phenotype, yet, functional trade-offs in dermal armor have rarely been investigated. Here, we use high-resolution micro-computed tomography and voxel-based simulations to test for a trade-off between the strength and thermal capacity of osteoderms using two armored cordylid lizards as model organisms. We demonstrate that high vascularization, associated with improved thermal capacity might limit the strength of osteoderms. These results call for a holistic, cautionary future approach to studies investigating dermal armor, especially those aiming to inspire artificial protective materials.
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39
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Cymbiola nobilis shell: Toughening mechanisms in a crossed-lamellar structure. Sci Rep 2017; 7:40043. [PMID: 28094256 PMCID: PMC5240333 DOI: 10.1038/srep40043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Natural structural materials with intricate hierarchical architectures over several length scales exhibit excellent combinations of strength and toughness. Here we report the mechanical response of a crossed-lamellar structure in Cymbiola nobilis shell via stepwise compression tests, focusing on toughening mechanisms. At the lower loads microcracking is developed in the stacked direction, and channel cracking along with uncracked-ligament bridging and aragonite fiber bridging occurs in the tiled direction. At the higher loads the main mechanisms involve cracking deflection in the bridging lamellae in the tiled direction alongside step-like cracking in the stacked direction. A distinctive crack deflection in the form of “convex” paths occurs in alternative lamellae with respect to the channel cracks in the tiled direction. Furthermore, a barb-like interlocking mechanism along with the uneven interfaces in the 1st-order aragonite lamellae is also observed. The unique arrangement of the crossed-lamellar structure provides multiple interfaces which result in a complicated stress field ahead of the crack tip, hence increasing the toughness of shell.
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Sherman VR, Yaraghi NA, Kisailus D, Meyers MA. Microstructural and geometric influences in the protective scales of Atractosteus spatula. J R Soc Interface 2016; 13:20160595. [PMID: 27974575 PMCID: PMC5221522 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2016.0595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Atractosteus spatula has been described as a living fossil (having existed for 100 Myr), retaining morphological characteristics of early ancestors such as the ability to breathe air and survive above water for hours. Its highly effective armour consists of ganoid scales. We analyse the protective function of the scales and identify key features which lead to their resistance to failure. Microstructural features include: a twisted cross-plied mineral arrangement that inhibits crack propagation in the external ganoine layer, mineral crystals that deflect cracks in the bony region in order to activate the strength of mineralized collagen fibrils, and saw-tooth ridges along the interface between the two scale layers which direct cracks away from the intrinsically weak interface. The macroscale geometry is additionally evaluated and it is shown that the scales retain full coverage in spite of minimal overlap between adjacent scales while conforming to physiologically required strain and maintaining flexibility via a process in which adjacent rows of scales slide and concurrently reorient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vincent R Sherman
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas A Yaraghi
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - David Kisailus
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Marc A Meyers
- Materials Science and Engineering Program, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Naleway SE, Taylor JR, Porter MM, Meyers MA, McKittrick J. Structure and mechanical properties of selected protective systems in marine organisms. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2016; 59:1143-1167. [DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2015.10.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2015] [Revised: 09/29/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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