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Preuss A, Appel E, Gorb SN, Büsse S. Tanning of the tarsal and mandibular cuticle in adult Anax imperator (Insecta: Odonata) during the emergence sequence. Interface Focus 2024; 14:20230076. [PMID: 38618233 PMCID: PMC11008962 DOI: 10.1098/rsfs.2023.0076] [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: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024] Open
Abstract
The arthropod cuticle offers strength, protection, and lightweight. Due to its limit in expandability, arthropods have to moult periodically to grow. While moulting is beneficial in terms of parasite or toxin control, growth and adaptation to environmental conditions, it costs energy and leaves the soft animal's body vulnerable to injuries and desiccation directly after ecdysis. To investigate the temporal change in sclerotization and pigmentation during and after ecdysis, we combined macrophotography, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and histological sectioning. We analysed the tarsal and mandibular cuticle of the blue emperor dragonfly to compare the progress of tanning for structures that are functionally involved during emergence (tarsus/tarsal claws) with structures whose functionality is required much later (mandibles). Our results show that: (i) the tanning of the tarsal and mandibular cuticle increases during emergence; (ii) the tarsal cuticle tans faster than the mandibular cuticle; (iii) the mandibles tan faster on the aboral than on the oral side; and (iv) both the exo- and the endocuticle are tanned. The change in the cuticle composition of the tarsal and mandibular cuticle reflects the demand for higher mechanical stability of these body parts when holding on to the substrate during emergence and during first walking or hunting attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anika Preuss
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Esther Appel
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Stanislav N. Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Sebastian Büsse
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
- Department for Cytology and Evolutionary Biology, Zoological Institute and Museum, University of Greifswald, Soldmannstr. 23, 17489 Greifswald, Germany
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Zhang W, Jiang W, Zhang C, Qin X, Zheng H, Xu W, Cui M, Wang B, Wu J, Wang Z. Honeybee comb-inspired stiffness gradient-amplified catapult for solid particle repellency. NATURE NANOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 19:219-225. [PMID: 37845515 DOI: 10.1038/s41565-023-01524-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Natural surfaces that repel foreign matter are ubiquitous and crucial for living organisms. Despite remarkable liquid repellency driven by surface energy in many organisms, repelling tiny solid particles from surfaces is rare. The main challenge lies in the unfavourable scaling of inertia versus adhesion in the microscale and the inability of solids to release surface energy. Here we report a previously unexplored solid repellency on a honeybee's comb: a catapult-like effect to immediately eject pollen after grooming dirty antennae for self-cleaning. Nanoindentation tests revealed the 38-μm-long comb features a stiffness gradient spanning nearly two orders of magnitude from ~25 MPa at the tip to ~645 MPa at the base. This significantly augments the elastic energy storage and accelerates the subsequent conversion into kinetic energy. The reinforcement in energy storage and conversion allows the particle's otherwise weak inertia to outweigh its adhesion, thereby suppressing the unfavourable scaling effect and realizing solid repellency that is impossible in conventional uniform designs. We capitalize on this to build an elastomeric bioinspired stiffness-gradient catapult and demonstrate its generality and practicality. Our findings advance the fundamental understanding of natural catapult phenomena with the potential to develop bioinspired stiffness-gradient materials, catapult-based actuators and robotic cleaners.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Wei Jiang
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Chao Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
- MOE Key Lab of Macromolecular Synthesis and Functionalization, Department of Polymer Science and Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuezhi Qin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Huanxi Zheng
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Wanghuai Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Miaomiao Cui
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China
| | - Jianing Wu
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China.
- School of Advanced Manufacturing, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, P. R. China.
| | - Zuankai Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, P. R. China.
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Koehnsen A, Gorb SN, Büsse S. A switchable joint in the head of dragonfly larvae (Insecta: Odonata) as key to the multifunctionality of the prehensile labial mask. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2023. [PMID: 37186461 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2706] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
Dragonfly and damselfly larvae (Insecta: Odonata) capture prey by rapid protraction of a raptorial mouthpart, based on a modified labium. Yet, in insects with biting-chewing mouthparts, the labium has an essential role in food handling. These two distinct functions -prey capturing and handling-lead to a mechanical problem in Odonata larvae: while the labium is always protracted in a straight line during prey capture, food handling requires more dexterity. In this study, we investigate the role of the labium in the feeding process and analyse the mechanics of the labial joints in the dragonfly larva Anax imperator. Our results show that the labium features a multiaxial joint connecting the basal segment (postmentum) and the head. During feeding, a combination of rotations around different axes is used to handle and orient prey, which is unique among biting-chewing mouthparts. Furthermore, we identified structures at the joint which likely restrict lateral motion during the predatory strike. Our results provide a further understanding of the unique prey-capturing apparatus of odonate larvae capable of controlling a 'switchable' multiaxial to a restricted monoaxial joint. This concept highlights the evolution of a highly modified raptorial mouthpart appendage where the degrees of freedom can be actively restricted to allow for the respectively needed functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Koehnsen
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sebastian Büsse
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
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4
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Harrison JS, Patek SN. Developing elastic mechanisms: ultrafast motion and cavitation emerge at the millimeter scale in juvenile snapping shrimp. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:287686. [PMID: 36854255 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244645] [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: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
Organisms such as jumping froghopper insects and punching mantis shrimp use spring-based propulsion to achieve fast motion. Studies of elastic mechanisms have primarily focused on fully developed and functional mechanisms in adult organisms. However, the ontogeny and development of these mechanisms can provide important insights into the lower size limits of spring-based propulsion, the ecological or behavioral relevance of ultrafast movement, and the scaling of ultrafast movement. Here, we examined the development of the spring-latch mechanism in the bigclaw snapping shrimp, Alpheus heterochaelis (Alpheidae). Adult snapping shrimp use an enlarged claw to produce high-speed strikes that generate cavitation bubbles. However, until now, it was unclear when the elastic mechanism emerges during development and whether juvenile snapping shrimp can generate cavitation at this size. We reared A. heterochaelis from eggs, through their larval and postlarval stages. Starting 1 month after hatching, the snapping shrimp snapping claw gradually developed a spring-actuated mechanism and began snapping. We used high-speed videography (300,000 frames s-1) to measure juvenile snaps. We discovered that juvenile snapping shrimp generate the highest recorded accelerations (5.8×105±3.3×105 m s-2) for repeated-use, underwater motion and are capable of producing cavitation at the millimeter scale. The angular velocity of snaps did not change as juveniles grew; however, juvenile snapping shrimp with larger claws produced faster linear speeds and generated larger, longer-lasting cavitation bubbles. These findings establish the development of the elastic mechanism and cavitation in snapping shrimp and provide insights into early life-history transitions in spring-actuated mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - S N Patek
- Department of Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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5
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Wang T, Fan X, Koh JJ, He C, Yeow CH. Self-Healing Approach toward Catalytic Soft Robots. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2022; 14:40590-40598. [PMID: 36039512 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c09889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Soft robotics is a rapidly evolving research field that focuses on developing robots with bioinspired actuation/sensing mechanisms and highly flexible soft materials, some of which are similar to those found in living organisms. The hydrogel has the characteristics of excellent biocompatibility, softness, and elasticity, which makes it an ideal candidate material for the preparation of soft robots. Here we utilized a self-healing approach to develop a catalytically driven soft robot, which was constructed by dynamic imine bonds between modular hydrogels. One of the modules was a hydrogel formed by dynamic aldimine cross-linking of chitosan and glutaraldehyde, and the other module was a hydrogel embedded with catalase. The soft hydrogel robot moved because of catalytic reactions between the robot and environment [hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) fuel], giving rise to a fluidic release that supports propulsion, as inspired by the jet-propulsive mechanism in swimming dragonfly larvae. The speed of the soft robot can be mediated by adjusting the concentration of H2O2 and enable/disable movement based on the folding and unfolding of enzymes. In addition, the hydrogel formed by replacing glutaraldehyde with dialdehyde-functionalized PEG2000 had excellent elastic properties, and the soft robot based on PEG2000 had a higher movement speed than that based on glutaraldehyde under the same H2O2 concentration. Moreover, the addition of iron oxide nanoparticles can realize the magnetic guidance of the soft robot and the combination of different modules can realize different motion modes. The highly configurable self-healing catalytic soft robot holds great potential for a variety of interesting applications, including swimming robots, robot-assisted water treatment, and drug release.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
| | - Xiaotong Fan
- Institute of Sustainability for Chemicals, Energy and Environment, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 1 Pesek Road, Jurong Island, Singapore 627833, Singapore
| | - J Justin Koh
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634, Singapore
| | - Chaobin He
- Institute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 2 Fusionopolis Way, Innovis, #08-03, Singapore 138634, Singapore
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 9 Engineering Drive 1, Singapore 117576, Singapore
| | - Chen-Hua Yeow
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
- Advanced Robotics Center, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117583, Singapore
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Cook A, Pandhigunta K, Acevedo MA, Walker A, Didcock RL, Castro JT, O’Neill D, Acharya R, Bhamla MS, Anderson PSL, Ilton M. A Tunable, Simplified Model for Biological Latch Mediated Spring Actuated Systems. Integr Org Biol 2022; 4:obac032. [PMID: 36060863 PMCID: PMC9434652 DOI: 10.1093/iob/obac032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
We develop a model of latch-mediated spring actuated (LaMSA) systems relevant to comparative biomechanics and bioinspired design. The model contains five components: two motors (muscles), a spring, a latch, and a load mass. One motor loads the spring to store elastic energy and the second motor subsequently removes the latch, which releases the spring and causes movement of the load mass. We develop freely available software to accompany the model, which provides an extensible framework for simulating LaMSA systems. Output from the simulation includes information from the loading and release phases of motion, which can be used to calculate kinematic performance metrics that are important for biomechanical function. In parallel, we simulate a comparable, directly actuated system that uses the same motor and mass combinations as the LaMSA simulations. By rapidly iterating through biologically relevant input parameters to the model, simulated kinematic performance differences between LaMSA and directly actuated systems can be used to explore the evolutionary dynamics of biological LaMSA systems and uncover design principles for bioinspired LaMSA systems. As proof of principle of this concept, we compare a LaMSA simulation to a directly actuated simulation that includes either a Hill-type force-velocity trade-off or muscle activation dynamics, or both. For the biologically-relevant range of parameters explored, we find that the muscle force-velocity trade-off and muscle activation have similar effects on directly actuated performance. Including both of these dynamic muscle properties increases the accelerated mass range where a LaMSA system outperforms a directly actuated one.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Cook
- Department of Physics, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA 91711
| | | | - Mason A Acevedo
- Department of Physics, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA 91711
| | - Adam Walker
- Department of Physics, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA 91711
| | | | | | - Declan O’Neill
- Department of Physics, Harvey Mudd College, Claremont, CA 91711
| | - Raghav Acharya
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30318
| | - M Saad Bhamla
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30318
| | - Philip S L Anderson
- Department of Evolution, Ecology, and Behavior, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
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7
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Josten B, Gorb SN, Büsse S. The mouthparts of the adult dragonfly Anax imperator (Insecta: Odonata), functional morphology and feeding kinematics. J Morphol 2022; 283:1163-1181. [PMID: 35848446 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.21497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Insects evolved differently specialized mouthparts. We study the mouthparts of adult Anax imperator, one of the largest odonates found in Central Europe. Like all adult dragonflies, A. imperator possesses carnivorous-type of biting-chewing mouthparts. To gain insights into the feeding process, behavior and kinematics, living specimens were filmed during feeding using synchronized high-speed videography. Additionally, the maximum angles of movement were measured using a measuring microscope and combined with data from micro-computed tomography (µCT). The resulting visualizations of the 3D-geometry of each mouthpart were used to study their anatomy and complement the existing descriptive knowledge of muscles in A. imperator to date. Furthermore, CLSM-projections allow for estimation of differences in the material composition of the mouthparts' cuticle. By combining all methods, we analyze possible functions and underlying biomechanics of each mouthpart. We also analyzed the concerted movements of the mouthparts; unique behavior of the mouthparts during feeding is active participation by the labrum and distinct movement by the maxillary laciniae. We aim to elucidate the complex movements of the mouthparts and their functioning by combining detailed information on (1) in vivo movement behavior (supplemented with physiological angle approximations), (2) movement ability provided by morphology (morphological movement angles), (3) 3D-anatomy, and (4) cuticle composition estimates. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benedikt Josten
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
| | - Sebastian Büsse
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118, Kiel, Germany
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Sutton GP, St Pierre R, Kuo CY, Summers AP, Bergbreiter S, Cox S, Patek SN. Dual spring force couples yield multifunctionality and ultrafast, precision rotation in tiny biomechanical systems. J Exp Biol 2022; 225:275995. [PMID: 35863219 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.244077] [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: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Small organisms use propulsive springs rather than muscles to repeatedly actuate high acceleration movements, even when constrained to tiny displacements and limited by inertial forces. Through integration of a large kinematic dataset, measurements of elastic recoil, energetic math modeling and dynamic math modeling, we tested how trap-jaw ants (Odontomachus brunneus) utilize multiple elastic structures to develop ultrafast and precise mandible rotations at small scales. We found that O. brunneus develops torque on each mandible using an intriguing configuration of two springs: their elastic head capsule recoils to push and the recoiling muscle-apodeme unit tugs on each mandible. Mandibles achieved precise, planar, circular trajectories up to 49,100 rad s-1 (470,000 rpm) when powered by spring propulsion. Once spring propulsion ended, the mandibles moved with unconstrained and oscillatory rotation. We term this mechanism a 'dual spring force couple', meaning that two springs deliver energy at two locations to develop torque. Dynamic modeling revealed that dual spring force couples reduce the need for joint constraints and thereby reduce dissipative joint losses, which is essential to the repeated use of ultrafast, small systems. Dual spring force couples enable multifunctionality: trap-jaw ants use the same mechanical system to produce ultrafast, planar strikes driven by propulsive springs and for generating slow, multi-degrees of freedom mandible manipulations using muscles, rather than springs, to directly actuate the movement. Dual spring force couples are found in other systems and are likely widespread in biology. These principles can be incorporated into microrobotics to improve multifunctionality, precision and longevity of ultrafast systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory P Sutton
- School of Life Sciences , University of Lincoln, Lincoln LN6 7TS, UK
| | - Ryan St Pierre
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - Chi-Yun Kuo
- Biology Department, Duke University, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Adam P Summers
- Friday Harbor Laboratories, University of Washington, Friday Harbor, WA 98250, USA
| | - Sarah Bergbreiter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Suzanne Cox
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
| | - S N Patek
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14260, USA
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9
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Oufiero CE. Ontogenetic changes in behavioral and kinematic components of prey capture strikes in a praying mantis. Evol Ecol 2021. [DOI: 10.1007/s10682-021-10135-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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10
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Büsse S, Tröger H, Gorb SN. The toolkit of a hunter – functional morphology of larval mouthparts in a dragonfly. J Zool (1987) 2021. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- S. Büsse
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics Institute of Zoology Kiel University Kiel Germany
| | - H.‐L. Tröger
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics Institute of Zoology Kiel University Kiel Germany
| | - S. N. Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics Institute of Zoology Kiel University Kiel Germany
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11
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Zhang W, Wu Z, Wang Z, Wang Z, Li C, Rajabi H, Wu J. Double-rowed teeth: design specialization of the H. venatorants for enhanced tribological stability. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2021; 16:055003. [PMID: 34233306 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ac124a] [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: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The antH. venatorcan engage in various labors using a pair of elongated mandibles with the ability to rotate about two orthogonal axes. This biaxial rotation enables the ant to gently handle their small, fragile eggs with enhanced contact area and smaller work space. However, how this biaxial rotation influences the ant's predation ability and how the ant responds to this influence remain elusive. We quantitatively investigate the tribological performance of the ant's mandibles during interactions with prey by taking morphology and kinematics into consideration. We find that each ant mandible features unique, double-rows of dorsal teeth (DT) and ventral teeth (VT), which are employed to firmly clamp prey over a wide range of sizes by biting their different body parts, demonstrating the ant's predation ability. We hypothesize the mechanism underlying such an ability may rely on the two, non-parallel rows of teeth which potentially eliminate effects of biaxial rotation. To test this hypothesis, we systematically change the distribution and orientation of teeth on bio-inspired robotic mandibles and investigate the mandible tribological performance of different teeth configurations. We find that the friction coefficient varies prominently between the DT and VT resulting from biaxial rotation, with the variations showing an inverse pattern. This explains the observed phenomenon that mandibles equipped with DT and VT provide the most stable friction coefficient when clamping objects of different sizes using different mandible regions. The specialized distribution of teeth facilitates enhanced tribological stability in capturing prey, and demonstrates an intrinsic link between the form, motion, and function in the insect appendages. Our research sheds lights on the current understanding of the predation behaviors of ants, and can inspire future design of multifunctional robotic grippers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhang
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhigang Wu
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
| | - Zixin Wang
- School of Engineering and Technology, China University of Geosciences, Beijing, 100083, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Beijing Engineering Research Center of Radiographic Techniques and Equipment, Institute of High Energy Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
- Jinan Laboratory of Applied Nuclear Science, Jinan, 250031, People's Republic of China
| | - Chuchu Li
- Functional Morphology & Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Hamed Rajabi
- Functional Morphology & Biomechanics, Zoological Institute, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
- Division of Mechanical Engineering and Design, School of Engineering, London South Bank University, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jianing Wu
- School of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, People's Republic of China
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12
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Abstract
AbstractThe insect leg is a multifunctional device, varying tremendously in form and function within Insecta: from a common walking leg, to burrowing, swimming or jumping devices, up to spinning apparatuses or tools for prey capturing. Raptorial forelegs, as predatory striking and grasping devices, represent a prominent example for convergent evolution within insects showing strong morphological and behavioural adaptations for a lifestyle as an ambush predator. However, apart from praying mantises (Mantodea)—the most prominent example of this lifestyle—the knowledge on morphology, anatomy, and the functionality of insect raptorial forelegs, in general, is scarce. Here, we show a detailed morphological description of raptorial forelegs of Mantispa styriaca (Neuroptera), including musculature and the material composition in their cuticle; further, we will discuss the mechanism of the predatory strike. We could confirm all 15 muscles previously described for mantis lacewings, regarding extrinsic and intrinsic musculature, expanding it for one important new muscle—M24c. Combining the information from all of our results, we were able to identify a possible catapult mechanism (latch-mediated spring actuation system) as a driving force of the predatory strike, never proposed for mantis lacewings before. Our results lead to a better understanding of the biomechanical aspects of the predatory strike in Mantispidae. This study further represents a starting point for a comprehensive biomechanical investigation of the convergently evolved raptorial forelegs in insects.
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13
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Wood HM. The strike of the dragonfly larvae. Sci Robot 2021; 6:6/50/eabf4718. [PMID: 34043586 DOI: 10.1126/scirobotics.abf4718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The predatory strike of dragonfly larvae can inspire the design of fast robotic movement with enhanced control and precision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah M Wood
- Department of Entomology, National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution, Washington, DC, USA.
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