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Morankar S, Luktuke A, Nieto-Valeiras E, Mistry Y, Bhate D, Penick CA, Chawla N. Cholla cactus wood (Cylindropuntia imbricata): Hierarchical structure and micromechanical properties. Acta Biomater 2024; 174:269-280. [PMID: 38072224 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.12.005] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The Cholla cactus is a species of cacti that survives in arid environments and produces a unique mesh-like porous wood. In this article, we present a comprehensive investigation on the hierarchical structure and micromechanical properties of the Cholla cactus wood. Multiple approaches consisting of X-ray tomography, scanning electron microscopy, scanning probe microscopy, nanoindentation, and finite element simulations were used to gain insight into the structure, property, and design principles of the Cholla cactus wood. The microstructure of the Cholla cactus wood consists of different components, including vessels, rays, and fibers. In the present study, we quantitatively describe the structure of each of these wood components and their likely functions, both from the perspective of biological and mechanical behavior. Nanoindentation experiments revealed for the first time that the cell walls of the fibers exhibit stiffness and hardness higher than those of rays. Furthermore, the idea of making porous, thin-walled cylinders was abstracted from the design of vessel elements, and the structures inspired by this principle were studied in tensile and torsional loading conditions using finite element simulations. Finite element simulations revealed that the utilization of a larger volume of material to carry the load leads to an increase in toughness of these structures, and thus suggested that the pores should be architected to maximize the distribution of load. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The Cholla cactus wood possess a unique hierarchical structure that enables it to thrive in arid environments. Our correlative microscopy approach reveals incredible strategies that individual wood components exhibit to enable the survival of Cholla cactus in extreme environments. The present work quantifies the microstructure and mechanical properties of this very interesting natural system. We further investigate a design principle inspired by the vessel elements, one of the wood components of Cholla cactus, using finite element simulations. The study presented here advances our understanding of the structural significance of Cholla cactus and potentially other desert plants and will further help design architected structural materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swapnil Morankar
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Amey Luktuke
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Eugenia Nieto-Valeiras
- IMDEA Materials Institute, C/Eric Kandel 2, Getafe, Madrid 28906, Spain; Department of Materials Science, Polytechnic University of Madrid/Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, E. T. S. de Ingenieros de Caminos, Madrid 28040, Spain
| | - Yash Mistry
- School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, Arizona State University, 7001 E Williams Field Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
| | - Dhruv Bhate
- School of Manufacturing Systems and Networks, Arizona State University, 7001 E Williams Field Rd, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
| | - Clint A Penick
- Department of Entomology and Plant Pathology, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Nikhilesh Chawla
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
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Dai H, Dai W, Hu Z, Zhang W, Zhang G, Guo R. Advanced Composites Inspired by Biological Structures and Functions in Nature: Architecture Design, Strengthening Mechanisms, and Mechanical-Functional Responses. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207192. [PMID: 36935371 PMCID: PMC10190572 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The natural design and coupling of biological structures are the root of realizing the high strength, toughness, and unique functional properties of biomaterials. Advanced architecture design is applied to many materials, including metal materials, inorganic nonmetallic materials, polymer materials, and so on. To improve the performance of advanced materials, the designed architecture can be enhanced by bionics of biological structure, optimization of structural parameters, and coupling of multiple types of structures. Herein, the progress of structural materials is reviewed, the strengthening mechanisms of different types of structures are highlighted, and the impact of architecture design on the performance of advanced materials is discussed. Architecture design can improve the properties of materials at the micro level, such as mechanical, electrical, and thermal conductivity. The synergistic effect of structure makes traditional materials move toward advanced functional materials, thus enriching the macroproperties of materials. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of structural innovation of advanced materials in improving material properties are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanqing Dai
- Academy for Engineering and TechnologyInstitute for Electric Light SourcesFudan UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Wenqing Dai
- School of Materials Science and EngineeringShanghai Jiao Tong UniversityShanghai200240China
| | - Zhe Hu
- School of Information Science and TechnologyFudan UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Wanlu Zhang
- School of Information Science and TechnologyFudan UniversityShanghai200433China
| | - Guoqi Zhang
- Department of MicroelectronicsDelft University of TechnologyDelftCD 2628Netherlands
| | - Ruiqian Guo
- Academy for Engineering and TechnologyInstitute for Electric Light SourcesFudan UniversityShanghai200433China
- School of Information Science and TechnologyFudan UniversityShanghai200433China
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Penick CA, Cope G, Morankar S, Mistry Y, Grishin A, Chawla N, Bhate D. The Comparative approach to bio-inspired design: integrating biodiversity and biologists into the design process. Integr Comp Biol 2022; 62:icac097. [PMID: 35767863 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icac097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Biodiversity provides a massive library of ideas for bio-inspired design, but the sheer number of species to consider can be daunting. Current approaches for sifting through biodiversity to identify relevant biological models include searching for champion adapters that are particularly adept at solving a particular design challenge. While the champion adapter approach has benefits, it tends to focus on a narrow set of popular models while neglecting the majority of species. An alternative approach to bio-inspired design is the comparative method, which leverages biodiversity by drawing inspiration across a broad range of species. This approach uses methods in phylogenetics to map traits across evolutionary trees and compare trait variation to infer structure-function relationships. Although comparative methods have not been widely used in bio-inspired design, they have led to breakthroughs in studies on gecko-inspired adhesives and multifunctionality of butterfly wing scales. Here we outline how comparative methods can be used to complement existing approaches to bioinspired design, and we provide an example focused on bio-inspired lattices, including honeycomb and glass sponges. We demonstrate how comparative methods can lead to breakthroughs in bio-inspired applications as well as answer major questions in biology, which can strengthen collaborations with biologists and produce deeper insights into biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clint A Penick
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, 30144USA
| | - Grace Cope
- Department of Ecology, Evolution, and Organismal Biology, Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, GA, 30144USA
| | - Swapnil Morankar
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Yash Mistry
- 3DX Research Group, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
| | - Alex Grishin
- Phoenix Analysis & Design Technologies, Inc., Tempe, AZ 85284, USA
| | - Nikhilesh Chawla
- School of Materials Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA
| | - Dhruv Bhate
- 3DX Research Group, Arizona State University, Mesa, AZ 85212, USA
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Mylo MD, Hesse L, Masselter T, Leupold J, Drozella K, Speck T, Speck O. Morphology and Anatomy of Branch-Branch Junctions in Opuntia ficus-indica and Cylindropuntia bigelovii: A Comparative Study Supported by Mechanical Tissue Quantification. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2021; 10:plants10112313. [PMID: 34834679 PMCID: PMC8618873 DOI: 10.3390/plants10112313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
The Opuntioideae include iconic cacti whose lateral branch-branch junctions are intriguing objects from a mechanical viewpoint. We have compared Opuntia ficus-indica, which has stable branch connections, with Cylindropuntia bigelovii, whose side branches abscise under slight mechanical stress. To determine the underlying structures and mechanical characteristics of these stable versus shedding cacti junctions, we conducted magnetic resonance imaging, morphometric and anatomical analyses of the branches and tensile tests of individual tissues. The comparison revealed differences in geometry, shape and material properties as follows: (i) a more pronounced tapering of the cross-sectional area towards the junctions supports the abscission of young branches of C. bigelovii. (ii) Older branches of O. ficus-indica form, initially around the branch-branch junctions, collar-shaped periderm tissue. This secondary coverage mechanically stiffens the dermal tissue, giving a threefold increase in strength and a tenfold increase in the elastic modulus compared with the epidermis. (iii) An approximately 200-fold higher elastic modulus of the vascular bundles of O. ficus-indica is a prerequisite for the stable junction of its young branches. Our results provide, for both biological and engineered materials systems, important insights into the geometric characteristics and mechanical properties of branching joints that are either stable or easily detachable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max D. Mylo
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.H.); (T.M.); (T.S.); (O.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-761-203-2604
| | - Linnea Hesse
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.H.); (T.M.); (T.S.); (O.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tom Masselter
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.H.); (T.M.); (T.S.); (O.S.)
| | - Jochen Leupold
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Medical Physics, Medical Center—University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Killianstraße 5a, D-79106 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Kathrin Drozella
- Faculty of Environment and Natural Resources, Bertoldstraße 17, D-79098 Freiburg, Germany;
| | - Thomas Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.H.); (T.M.); (T.S.); (O.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany
- Freiburg Materials Research Center (FMF), University of Freiburg, Stefan-Meier-Straße 21, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olga Speck
- Plant Biomechanics Group @ Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany; (L.H.); (T.M.); (T.S.); (O.S.)
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, D-79110 Freiburg, Germany
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