1
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Omidvarnia F, Sarhadi A. Nature-Inspired Designs in Wind Energy: A Review. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:90. [PMID: 38392136 PMCID: PMC10886931 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9020090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The field of wind energy stands at the forefront of sustainable and renewable energy solutions, playing a pivotal role in mitigating environmental concerns and addressing global energy demands. For many years, the convergence of nature-inspired solutions and wind energy has emerged as a promising avenue for advancing the efficiency and sustainability of wind energy systems. While several research endeavors have explored biomimetic principles in the context of wind turbine design and optimization, a comprehensive review encompassing this interdisciplinary field is notably absent. This review paper seeks to rectify this gap by cataloging and analyzing the multifaceted body of research that has harnessed biomimetic approaches within the realm of wind energy technology. By conducting an extensive survey of the existing literature, we consolidate and scrutinize the insights garnered from diverse biomimetic strategies into design and optimization in the wind energy domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Omidvarnia
- Department of Wind and Energy Systems, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ali Sarhadi
- Department of Wind and Energy Systems, Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Frederiksborgvej 399, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
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2
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Spitzer AR, Hutchens SB. Deformation-dependent polydimethylsiloxane permeability measured using osmotic microactuators. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:6005-6017. [PMID: 37503827 DOI: 10.1039/d2sm01666d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
In soft solids, large deformations significantly alter molecular structure and device geometry, which can impact other properties. In the case of mass transport, an interplay between flux and mechanical deformation results. Here we demonstrate a platform for the simultaneous characterization of mechano-permselectivity using the (slow) transport of water through polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) as a challenging test case. The platform uses micron-sized, cylindrical, NaCl solution-filled PDMS chambers encapsulated by selectively-permeable PDMS thin film membranes. When placed in a high chemical potential environment (high water potential) the osmotic pressure difference between the chamber and environment induces water to flow through the PDMS membrane into the chamber, resulting in membrane bulging. A model combining membrane flux and nonlinear elasticity captures the time-dependent response well, but only when a deformation-dependent permeability is used. Notably, the permeability of water through PDMS decreases by nearly an order of magnitude, from 2 × 10-12 to 5 × 10-13 m2 s-1, due primarily to its thickness decreasing by nearly an order of magnitude as the average biaxial stretch increases from 1 to 2.75.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra R Spitzer
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
| | - Shelby B Hutchens
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA
- Department of Mechanical Science and Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
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3
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Meder F, Baytekin B, Del Dottore E, Meroz Y, Tauber F, Walker I, Mazzolai B. A perspective on plant robotics: from bioinspiration to hybrid systems. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2022; 18:015006. [PMID: 36351300 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/aca198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
As miscellaneous as the Plant Kingdom is, correspondingly diverse are the opportunities for taking inspiration from plants for innovations in science and engineering. Especially in robotics, properties like growth, adaptation to environments, ingenious materials, sustainability, and energy-effectiveness of plants provide an extremely rich source of inspiration to develop new technologies-and many of them are still in the beginning of being discovered. In the last decade, researchers have begun to reproduce complex plant functions leading to functionality that goes far beyond conventional robotics and this includes sustainability, resource saving, and eco-friendliness. This perspective drawn by specialists in different related disciplines provides a snapshot from the last decade of research in the field and draws conclusions on the current challenges, unanswered questions on plant functions, plant-inspired robots, bioinspired materials, and plant-hybrid systems looking ahead to the future of these research fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Meder
- Bioinspired Soft Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Bilge Baytekin
- Department of Chemistry and UNAM National Nanotechnology Research Center, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | | | - Yasmine Meroz
- School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Falk Tauber
- Plant Biomechanics Group (PBG) Freiburg, Botanic Garden of the University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS @ FIT-Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ian Walker
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, United States of America
| | - Barbara Mazzolai
- Bioinspired Soft Robotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
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4
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Luthfikasari R, Patil TV, Patel DK, Dutta SD, Ganguly K, Espinal MM, Lim KT. Plant-Actuated Micro-Nanorobotics Platforms: Structural Designs, Functional Prospects, and Biomedical Applications. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2201417. [PMID: 35801427 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202201417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Plants are anatomically and physiologically different from humans and animals; however, there are several possibilities to utilize the unique structures and physiological systems of plants and adapt them to new emerging technologies through a strategic biomimetic approach. Moreover, plants provide safe and sustainable results that can potentially solve the problem of mass-producing practical materials with hazardous and toxic side effects, particularly in the biomedical field, which requires high biocompatibility. In this review, it is investigated how micro-nanostructures available in plants (e.g., nanoparticles, nanofibers and their composites, nanoporous materials, and natural micromotors) are adapted and utilized in the design of suitable materials for a micro-nanorobot platform. How plants' work on micro- and nanoscale systems (e.g., surface roughness, osmotically induced movements such as nastic and tropic, and energy conversion and harvesting) that are unique to plants, can provide functionality on the platform and become further prospective resources are examined. Furthermore, implementation across organisms and fields, which is promising for future practical applications of the plant-actuated micro-nanorobot platform, especially on biomedical applications, is discussed. Finally, the challenges following its implementation in the micro-nanorobot platform are also presented to provide advanced adaptation in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachmi Luthfikasari
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Tejal V Patil
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
- Interdisiplinary Program in Smart Agriculture, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Dinesh K Patel
- Institute of Forest Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Sayan Deb Dutta
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Keya Ganguly
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Maria Mercedes Espinal
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki-Taek Lim
- Department of Biosystems Engineering, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
- Interdisiplinary Program in Smart Agriculture, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
- Institute of Forest Science, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, 24341, Republic of Korea
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5
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Kong X, Li Y, Xu W, Liang H, Xue Z, Niu Y, Pang M, Ren C. Drosera-Inspired Dual-Actuating Double-Layer Hydrogel Actuator. Macromol Rapid Commun 2021; 42:e2100416. [PMID: 34418888 DOI: 10.1002/marc.202100416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Drosera is a small insectivorous plant whose antennae can fold up, encircle, and prey. The rapid movement of the antennae is achieved by the synergistic effect of a double-layer structure with the antennae contracts on the front and expands on the back. In this work, a drosera-inspired dual-actuating double-layer hydrogel actuator is proposed, in which the temperature-responsive poly(N, N-diethyl acrylamide) (PDEAAm) layer acts as the main actuation layer and a moisture-responsive poly(acrylamide) (PAAm) layer acts as the auxiliary actuation layer. In a water environment with low temperature, both the PAAm and PDEAAm layers absorb water and expand with a swelling property. When the temperature exceeds the lower critical solution temperature of PDEAAm, the PDEAAm layer undergoes a hydrophilic-hydrophobic transition and shrinks rapidly. Therefore, the synergistic effect of the double-layer hydrogel enables the double-layer hydrogel to achieve a large bending angle at high temperature. In addition, when designing and fabricating shape-patterned double-layer hydrogels, complex shape changes can be achieved. Due to the physical and chemical properties, the actuator can be used to grab, transport, and release objects. This drosera-inspired double-layer hydrogel actuator has high practical value, which may provide new insights for the design and manufacture of artificial intelligence materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Kong
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Yuanze Li
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Wenlong Xu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Haiqing Liang
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Zhongxin Xue
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Yuzhong Niu
- School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Ludong University, Yantai, 264025, China
| | - Maofu Pang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Shandong University, Jinan, 250002, China
| | - Chunguang Ren
- Yantai Institute of Materia Medica, Yantai, 2640000, China
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6
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Mazzolai B, Tramacere F, Fiorello I, Margheri L. The Bio-Engineering Approach for Plant Investigations and Growing Robots. A Mini-Review. Front Robot AI 2020; 7:573014. [PMID: 33501333 PMCID: PMC7806088 DOI: 10.3389/frobt.2020.573014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been 10 years since the publication of the first article looking at plants as a biomechatronic system and as model for robotics. Now, roboticists have started to look at plants differently and consider them as a model in the field of bioinspired robotics. Despite plants have been seen traditionally as passive entities, in reality they are able to grow, move, sense, and communicate. These features make plants an exceptional example of morphological computation - with probably the highest level of adaptability among all living beings. They are a unique model to design robots that can act in- and adapt to- unstructured, extreme, and dynamically changing environments exposed to sudden or long-term events. Although plant-inspired robotics is still a relatively new field, it has triggered the concept of growing robotics: an emerging area in which systems are designed to create their own body, adapt their morphology, and explore different environments. There is a reciprocal interest between biology and robotics: plants represent an excellent source of inspiration for achieving new robotic abilities, and engineering tools can be used to reveal new biological information. This way, a bidirectional biology-robotics strategy provides mutual benefits for both disciplines. This mini-review offers a brief overview of the fundamental aspects related to a bioengineering approach in plant-inspired robotics. It analyses the works in which both biological and engineering aspects have been investigated, and highlights the key elements of plants that have been milestones in the pioneering field of growing robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mazzolai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Francesca Tramacere
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Isabella Fiorello
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pisa, Italy
| | - Laura Margheri
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
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7
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Ko J, Kim D, Song Y, Lee S, Kwon M, Han S, Kang D, Kim Y, Huh J, Koh JS, Cho J. Electroosmosis-Driven Hydrogel Actuators Using Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Layer-By-Layer Assembly-Induced Crack Electrodes. ACS NANO 2020; 14:11906-11918. [PMID: 32885947 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.0c04899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Development of soft actuators with higher performance and more versatile controllability has been strongly required for further innovative advancement of various soft applications. Among various soft actuators, electrochemical actuators have attracted much attention due to their lightweight, simple device configuration, and facile low-voltage control. However, the reported performances have not been satisfactory because their working mechanism depends on the limited electrode expansion by conventional electrochemical reactions. Herein, we report an electroosmosis-driven hydrogel actuator with a fully soft monolithic structure-based whole-body actuation mechanism using an amphiphilic interaction-induced layer-by-layer assembly. For this study, cracked electrodes with interconnected metal nanoparticles are prepared on hydrogels through layer-by-layer assembly and shape transformation of metal nanoparticles at hydrophobic/hydrophilic solvent interfaces. Electroosmotic pumping by cracked electrodes instantaneously induces hydrogel swelling through reversible and substantial hydraulic flow. The resultant actuator exhibits actuation strain of higher than 20% and energy density of 1.06 × 105 J m-3, allowing various geometries (e.g., curved-planar and square-pillared structures) and motions (e.g., slow-relaxation, spring-out, and two degree of freedom bending). In particular, the energy density of our actuators shows about 10-fold improvement than those of skeletal muscle, electrochemical actuators, and various stimuli-responsive hydrogel actuators reported to date.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jongkuk Ko
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjin Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongkwon Song
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seokmin Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Minseong Kwon
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungyong Han
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Daeshik Kang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongju Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - June Huh
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
| | - Je-Sung Koh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, 206 Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinhan Cho
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Korea University, 145 Anam-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 02841, Republic of Korea
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8
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Wang Y, Li H. Bio-chemo-electro-mechanical modelling of the rapid movement of Mimosa pudica. Bioelectrochemistry 2020; 134:107533. [PMID: 32380450 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioelechem.2020.107533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A remarkable feature of Mimosa pudica is its ability to deform in response to certain external stimuli. Here, a two-dimensional transient bio-chemo-electro-mechanical model of the rapid movement of the main pulvinus of Mimosa pudica is developed. Based on the laws of mass and momentum conservation, poroelasticity, and representative volume elements, a novel fluid pressure equation is proposed to characterize the cell elasticity. Experiments were conducted to measure the time and amplitude of the rapid movement. After examinations with the published experiments, it is confirmed that the model can predict well the ionic concentrations, petiole bending angle, and membrane potential. The simulation analysis of the biophysical properties provides insights to biomechanics: the hydrostatic pressure in the lowest extensor decreases from 0.35 to 0.05 MPa at t = 0.00 to 3.00 s; fluid pressure increases from 0.00 to 0.11 MPa at t = 0.00 to 0.14 s; and the peak bending angle increases from 57.0° to 70.9° when the reflection coefficient is assigned as 0.10 to 0.20 in the model. The results highlight the biochemical actuation mechanism of the Mimosa pudica movement, and they confirm the importance of ionic and water transports for causing changes in osmotic and hydrostatic pressures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Wang
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Republic of Singapore
| | - Hua Li
- School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Nanyang Technological University, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, Republic of Singapore.
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9
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Must I, Sinibaldi E, Mazzolai B. A variable-stiffness tendril-like soft robot based on reversible osmotic actuation. Nat Commun 2019; 10:344. [PMID: 30664648 PMCID: PMC6341089 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-08173-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft robots hold promise for well-matched interactions with delicate objects, humans and unstructured environments owing to their intrinsic material compliance. Movement and stiffness modulation, which is challenging yet needed for an effective demonstration, can be devised by drawing inspiration from plants. Plants use a coordinated and reversible modulation of intracellular turgor (pressure) to tune their stiffness and achieve macroscopic movements. Plant-inspired osmotic actuation was recently proposed, yet reversibility is still an open issue hampering its implementation, also in soft robotics. Here we show a reversible osmotic actuation strategy based on the electrosorption of ions on flexible porous carbon electrodes driven at low input voltages (1.3 V). We demonstrate reversible stiffening (~5-fold increase) and actuation (~500 deg rotation) of a tendril-like soft robot (diameter ~1 mm). Our approach highlights the potential of plant-inspired technologies for developing soft robots based on biocompatible materials and safe voltages making them appealing for prospective applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Indrek Must
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Viale R. Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, Nooruse 1, 50411, Tartu, Estonia
| | - Edoardo Sinibaldi
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Viale R. Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy.
| | - Barbara Mazzolai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Viale R. Piaggio 34, 56025, Pontedera, Italy.
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10
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Darestani M, Locq J, Millar GJ. Powering reversible actuators using forward osmosis membranes: feasibility study and modeling. SEP SCI TECHNOL 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/01496395.2018.1498519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Mariam Darestani
- Institute for Future Environments; and School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Centre for Infrastructure Engineering, School of Computing, Engineering and Mathematics, Western Sydney University, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jerome Locq
- SeaTech Engineering School, University of Toulon CS 60584 - 83041 TOULON CEDEX 9, Toulon, France
| | - Graeme J. Millar
- Institute for Future Environments; and School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Science and Engineering Faculty, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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11
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Mazzolai B. Plant-Inspired Growing Robots. SOFT ROBOTICS: TRENDS, APPLICATIONS AND CHALLENGES 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-46460-2_8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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12
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Soft Plant Robotic Solutions: Biological Inspiration and Technological Challenges. EMERGENCE, COMPLEXITY AND COMPUTATION 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-33921-4_27] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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13
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Li S, Wang KW. Plant-inspired adaptive structures and materials for morphing and actuation: a review. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2016; 12:011001. [PMID: 27995902 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/12/1/011001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
Plants exhibit a variety of reversible motions, from the slow opening of pine cones to the impulsive closing of Venus flytrap leaves. These motions are achieved without muscles and they have inspired a wide spectrum of engineered materials and structures. This review summarizes the recent developments of plant-inspired adaptive structures and materials for morphing and actuation. We begin with a brief overview of the actuation strategies and physiological features associated to these plant movements, showing that different combinations of these strategies and features can lead to motions with different deformation characteristics and response speeds. Then we offer a comprehensive survey of the plant-inspired morphing and actuation systems, including pressurized cellular structures, osmotic actuation, anisotropic hygroscopic materials, and bistable systems for rapid movements. Although these engineered systems are vastly different in terms of their size scales and intended applications, their working principles are all related to the actuation strategies and physiological features in plants. This review is to promote future cross-disciplinary studies between plant biology and engineering, which can foster new solutions for many applications such as morphing airframes, soft robotics and kinetic architectures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suyi Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Clemson University, Clemson, SC, 29634, USA
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14
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Argiolas A, Puleo GL, Sinibaldi E, Mazzolai B. Osmolyte cooperation affects turgor dynamics in plants. Sci Rep 2016; 6:30139. [PMID: 27445173 PMCID: PMC4957097 DOI: 10.1038/srep30139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Scientists have identified turgor-based actuation as a fundamental mechanism in plant movements. Plant cell turgor is generated by water influx due to the osmolyte concentration gradient through the cell wall and the plasma membrane behaving as an osmotic barrier. Previous studies have focused on turgor modulation with respect to potassium chloride (KCl) concentration changes, although KCl is not efficiently retained in the cell, and many other compounds, including L-glutamine (L-Gln) and D-glucose (D-Glc), are present in the cytosol. In fact, the contributions of other osmolytes to turgor dynamics remain to be elucidated. Here, we show the association of osmolytes and their consequent cooperative effects on the time-dependent turgor profile generated in a model cytosol consisting of KCl, D-Glc and L-Gln at experimentally measured plant motor/generic cell concentrations and at modified concentrations. We demonstrate the influence and association of the osmolytes using osmometry and NMR measurements. We also show, using a plant cell-inspired device we previously developed, that osmolyte complexes, rather than single osmolytes, permit to obtain higher turgor required by plant movements. We provide quantitative cues for deeper investigations of osmolyte transport for plant movement, and reveal the possibility of developing osmotic actuators exploiting a dynamically varying concentration of osmolytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alfredo Argiolas
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant’Anna, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Gian Luigi Puleo
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Edoardo Sinibaldi
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
| | - Barbara Mazzolai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Viale Rinaldo Piaggio 34, 56025 Pontedera, Italy
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15
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Guo Q, Dai E, Han X, Xie S, Chao E, Chen Z. Fast nastic motion of plants and bioinspired structures. J R Soc Interface 2015; 12:0598. [PMID: 26354828 PMCID: PMC4614472 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2015.0598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2015] [Accepted: 08/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The capability to sense and respond to external mechanical stimuli at various timescales is essential to many physiological aspects in plants, including self-protection, intake of nutrients and reproduction. Remarkably, some plants have evolved the ability to react to mechanical stimuli within a few seconds despite a lack of muscles and nerves. The fast movements of plants in response to mechanical stimuli have long captured the curiosity of scientists and engineers, but the mechanisms behind these rapid thigmonastic movements are still not understood completely. In this article, we provide an overview of such thigmonastic movements in several representative plants, including Dionaea, Utricularia, Aldrovanda, Drosera and Mimosa. In addition, we review a series of studies that present biomimetic structures inspired by fast-moving plants. We hope that this article will shed light on the current status of research on the fast movements of plants and bioinspired structures and also promote interdisciplinary studies on both the fundamental mechanisms of plants' fast movements and biomimetic structures for engineering applications, such as artificial muscles, multi-stable structures and bioinspired robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Guo
- College of Materials Science and Engineering, Fujian University of Technology, Fuzhou 350108, China Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Advanced Materials Processing and Application, Fuzhou 350108, China
| | - E Dai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - X Han
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
| | - S Xie
- Department of Energy, Environmental, and Chemical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - E Chao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St Louis, MO 63130, USA
| | - Z Chen
- Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, NH 03755, USA
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Droogendijk H, Casas J, Steinmann T, Krijnen GJM. Performance assessment of bio-inspired systems: flow sensing MEMS hairs. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2014; 10:016001. [PMID: 25524894 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/10/1/016001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite vigorous growth in biomimetic design, the performance of man-made devices relative to their natural templates is still seldom quantified, a procedure which would however significantly increase the rigour of the biomimetic approach. We applied the ubiquitous engineering concept of a figure of merit (FoM) to MEMS flow sensors inspired by cricket filiform hairs. A well known mechanical model of a hair is refined and tailored to this task. Five criteria of varying importance in the biological and engineering fields are computed: responsivity, power transfer, power efficiency, response time and detection threshold. We selected the metrics response time and detection threshold for building the FoM to capture the performance in a single number. Crickets outperform actual MEMS on all criteria for a large range of flow frequencies. Our approach enables us to propose several improvements for MEMS hair-sensor design.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Droogendijk
- MESA+ Institute for Nanotechnology, University of Twente, Enschede, The Netherlands
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Dicker MPM, Rossiter JM, Bond IP, Weaver PM. Biomimetic photo-actuation: sensing, control and actuation in sun-tracking plants. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2014; 9:036015. [PMID: 24959885 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3182/9/3/036015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Although the actuation mechanisms that drive plant movement have been investigated from a biomimetic perspective, few studies have looked at the wider sensing and control systems that regulate this motion. This paper examines photo-actuation-actuation induced by, and controlled with light-through a review of the sun-tracking functions of the Cornish Mallow. The sun-tracking movement of the Cornish Mallow leaf results from an extraordinarily complex-yet extremely elegant-process of signal perception, generation, filtering and control. Inspired by this process, a concept for a simplified biomimetic analogue of this leaf is proposed: a multifunctional structure employing chemical sensing, signal transmission, and control of composite hydrogel actuators. We present this multifunctional structure, and show that the success of the concept will require improved selection of materials and structural design. This device has application in the solar-tracking of photovoltaic panels for increased energy yield. More broadly it is envisaged that the concept of chemical sensing and control can be expanded beyond photo-actuation to many other stimuli, resulting in new classes of robust solid-state devices.
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Affiliation(s)
- M P M Dicker
- Advanced Composites Centre for Innovation and Science, University of Bristol, Queen's Building, Bristol BS8 1TR, UK
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Sinibaldi E, Argiolas A, Puleo GL, Mazzolai B. Another lesson from plants: the forward osmosis-based actuator. PLoS One 2014; 9:e102461. [PMID: 25020043 PMCID: PMC4097062 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0102461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 06/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Osmotic actuation is a ubiquitous plant-inspired actuation strategy that has a very low power consumption but is capable of generating effective movements in a wide variety of environmental conditions. In light of these features, we aimed to develop a novel, low-power-consumption actuator that is capable of generating suitable forces during a characteristic actuation time on the order of a few minutes. Based on the analysis of plant movements and on osmotic actuation modeling, we designed and fabricated a forward osmosis-based actuator with a typical size of 10 mm and a characteristic time of 2-5 minutes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the fastest osmotic actuator developed so far. Moreover, the achieved timescale can be compared to that of a typical plant cell, thanks to the integrated strategy that we pursued by concurrently addressing and solving design and material issues, as paradigmatically explained by the bioinspired approach. Our osmotic actuator produces forces above 20 N, while containing the power consumption (on the order of 1 mW). Furthermore, based on the agreement between model predictions and experimental observations, we also discuss the actuator performance (including power consumption, maximum force, energy density and thermodynamic efficiency) in relation to existing actuation technologies. In light of the achievements of the present study, the proposed osmotic actuator holds potential for effective exploitation in bioinspired robotics systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edoardo Sinibaldi
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics@SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
- * E-mail: (ES); (BM)
| | - Alfredo Argiolas
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics@SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
- The BioRobotics Institute, Scuola Superiore Sant'Anna, Pontedera, Italy
- * E-mail: (ES); (BM)
| | - Gian Luigi Puleo
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics@SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
- * E-mail: (ES); (BM)
| | - Barbara Mazzolai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics@SSSA, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
- * E-mail: (ES); (BM)
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Mazzolai B, Beccai L, Mattoli V. Plants as model in biomimetics and biorobotics: new perspectives. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2014; 2:2. [PMID: 25152878 PMCID: PMC4126448 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2014.00002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2013] [Accepted: 01/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Especially in robotics, rarely plants have been considered as a model of inspiration for designing and developing new technology. This is probably due to their radically different operational principles compared to animals and the difficulty to study their movements and features. Owing to the sessile nature of their lifestyle, plants have evolved the capability to respond to a wide range of signals and efficiently adapt to changing environmental conditions. Plants in fact are able to show considerable plasticity in their morphology and physiology in response to variability within their environment. This results in movements that are characterized by energy efficiency and high density. Plant materials are optimized to reduce energy consumption during motion and these capabilities offer a plethora of solutions in the artificial world, exploiting approaches that are muscle-free and thus not necessarily animal-like. Plant roots then are excellent natural diggers, and their characteristics such as adaptive growth, low energy consumption movements, and the capability of penetrating soil at any angle are interesting from an engineering perspective. A few examples are described to lay the perspectives of plants in the artificial world.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Mazzolai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Lucia Beccai
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
| | - Virgilio Mattoli
- Center for Micro-BioRobotics, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Pontedera, Italy
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Bertinetti L, Fischer FD, Fratzl P. Physicochemical basis for water-actuated movement and stress generation in nonliving plant tissues. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2013; 111:238001. [PMID: 24476305 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.111.238001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Generating stresses and strains through water uptake from atmospheric humidity is a common process in nature, e.g., in seed dispersal. Actuation depends on a balance between chemical interactions and the elastic energy required to accomplish the volume change. In order to study the poorly understood chemical interactions, we combine mechanosorption experiments with theoretical calculations of the swelling behavior to estimate the mechanical energy and extract the contribution of the chemical energy per absorbed water molecule. The latter is highest in the completely dry state and stays almost constant at about 1.2 kT for higher hydrations. This suggests that water bound to the macromolecular components of the wood tissues acquires one additional hydrogen bond per eight water molecules, thus providing energy for actuation.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Bertinetti
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterial Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam, Germany
| | - F D Fischer
- Institute of Mechanics, Montanuniversität Leoben, Franz-Josef-Straße 18, A-8700 Leoben, Austria
| | - P Fratzl
- Max Planck Institute of Colloids and Interfaces, Department of Biomaterial Am Mühlenberg 1, D-14476 Potsdam, Germany
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