1
|
Zhang L, Zuo S. The Significance of Lignocellulosic Raw Materials on the Pore Structure of Activated Carbons Prepared by Steam Activation. Molecules 2024; 29:3197. [PMID: 38999149 PMCID: PMC11243171 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29133197] [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: 06/17/2024] [Revised: 06/30/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Five different lignocellulosic raw materials (coconut shells, Moso bamboo, sawtooth oak, Chinese fir, and Masson pine) were used to prepare activated carbons by steam activation at 850 °C to evaluate the effects of their structures on physical activation. The chemical compositions, botanic forms, and pore structures of the lignocellulose-based charcoal samples were systematically characterized by proximate and ultimate analyses, scanning electron microscopy, and mercury injection porosimetry. It was found that the rate of the activation reaction between charcoal and steam is determined by the porosity of the precursor. Pore structure results show that the steam activation of coconut shell and bamboo charcoals primarily produced micropores, thus yielding microporous activated carbon materials with just a few mesopores, even following a high burn-off of >66%. The steam activation of sawtooth oak charcoals produced mainly micropores at a low burn-off of <50% and both micropores and mesopores at a high burn-off of >50%. The steam activation of Chinese fir and Masson pine charcoals produced mainly mesopores at a burn-off of 0-80%. These mesopores were remarkably broadened to >20 nm on extending the activation time, resulting in a high vitamin B12 (VB12) adsorption capacity of ~530 mg/g. In conclusion, the raw lignocellulosic materials used as precursors have a decisive effect on the development of pore structures in activated carbon materials obtained through physical activation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China;
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Songlin Zuo
- International Innovation Center for Forest Chemicals and Materials, College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China;
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kuwada R, Ishii D. Functionally graded structures in the involucre of Job's tears. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2024; 19:036016. [PMID: 38579734 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad3b56] [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: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Nature is filled with materials that are both strong and light, such as bones, teeth, bamboo, seashells, arthropod exoskeletons, and nut shells. The insights gained from analyzing the changing chemical compositions and structural characteristics, as well as the mechanical properties of these materials, have been applied in developing innovative, durable, and lightweight materials like those used for impact absorption. This research concentrates on the involucres of Job's tears (Coix lacryma-jobivar.lacryma-jobi), which are rich in silica, hard, and serve to encase the seeds. The chemical composition and structural characteristics of involucres were observed using scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy and optical microscopy with safranin staining. The hardness of the outer and inner surfaces of the involucre was measured using the micro-Vickers hardness test, and the Young's modulus of the involucre's cross-section was measured using nanoindentation. Additionally, the breaking behavior of involucres was measured through compression test and three-point bending tests. The results revealed a smooth transition in chemical composition, as well as in the orientation and dimensions of the tissues from the outer to the inner layers of involucres. Furthermore, it was estimated that the spatial gradient of the Young's modulus is due to the gradient of silica deposition. By distributing the hard, brittle silica in the outer layer and elastoplastic organic components in the middle and inner layers, the involucres effectively respond to compressive and tensile stresses that occur when loads are applied to the outside of the involucre. Furthermore, the involucres are reinforced in both meridional and equatorial directions by robust fibrovascular bundles, fibrous bundles, and the inner layer's sclerenchyma fibers. From these factors, it was found that involucres exhibit high toughness against loads from outside, making it less prone to cracking.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rikima Kuwada
- Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Ishii
- Department of Engineering, Graduate School of Engineering, Nagoya Institute of Technology, Nagoya, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khan MH, Akash NM, Akter S, Rukh M, Nzediegwu C, Islam MS. A comprehensive review of coconut-based porous materials for wastewater treatment and CO 2 capture. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT 2023; 338:117825. [PMID: 37031519 DOI: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2023.117825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
For several decades, water pollution has become a major threat to aquatic and non-aquatic species, including humans. Different treatment techniques have already been proposed and implemented depending on wastewater characteristics. But many of these treatment techniques are expensive and inefficient. Adsorption-based techniques have shown impressive performances as an inexpensive treatment method previously. Coconut-based resources have been considered as adsorbents for wastewater treatment because of their abundance, low cost, and favorable surface properties. However, over the last decade, no comprehensive study has been published regarding biochar from coconut-based materials for wastewater treatment and CO2 capture. This review discusses biochar production technology for coconut-based materials, its modification and characterization, its utilization as an adsorbent for removing metals and organics from wastewater, and the associated removal mechanisms and the economic aspects of coconut-based biochar. Coconut-based materials are cheap and effective for removing various organic compounds such as pesticides, hormones, phenol, and phenolic compounds from solutions and capturing CO2 from air mainly through the pore-filling mechanism. Utilizing coconut-based biochars in a hybrid system that combines adsorption and other techniques, such as biotechnology or chemical coagulation is a promising way to increase their performance as an adsorbent in wastewater treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mahmudul Hasan Khan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh; Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, Iowa State University, Ames, IA, 50011, United States
| | - Nasim Mahmud Akash
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh
| | - Sonia Akter
- Bangladesh Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (BCSIR), Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Mahe Rukh
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, North Carolina State University, North Carolina, United States
| | - Christopher Nzediegwu
- Department of Renewable Resources, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, T6G 2E3, Canada
| | - Md Shahinoor Islam
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology, Dhaka, 1000, Bangladesh.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Speck O, Speck T. Biomimetics in Botanical Gardens-Educational Trails and Guided Tours. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:303. [PMID: 37504191 PMCID: PMC10807481 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8030303] [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: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The first botanical gardens in Europe were established for the study of medicinal, poisonous, and herbal plants by students of medicine or pharmacy at universities. As the natural sciences became increasingly important in the 19th Century, botanical gardens additionally took on the role of public educational institutions. Since then, learning from living nature with the aim of developing technical applications, namely biomimetics, has played a special role in botanical gardens. Sir Joseph Paxton designed rainwater drainage channels in the roof of the Crystal Palace for the London World's Fair in 1881, having been inspired by the South American giant water lily (Victoria amazonica). The development of the Lotus-Effect® at the Botanical Garden Bonn was inspired by the self-cleaning leaf surfaces of the sacred lotus (Nelumbo nucifera). At the Botanic Garden Freiburg, a self-sealing foam coating for pneumatic systems was developed based on the self-sealing of the liana stems of the genus Aristolochia. Currently, botanical gardens are both research institutions and places of lifelong learning. Numerous botanical gardens provide biomimetics trails with information panels at each station for self-study and guided biomimetics tours with simple experiments to demonstrate the functional principles transferred from the biological model to the technical application. We present eight information panels suitable for setting up education about biomimetics and simple experiments to support guided garden tours about biomimetics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Speck
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS@FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany;
- Plant Biomechanics Group@Botanic Garden Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Speck
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS@FIT—Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Georges-Köhler-Allee 105, 79110 Freiburg, Germany;
- Plant Biomechanics Group@Botanic Garden Freiburg, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestr. 1, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Mazumder S, Zhang N. Cellulose-Hemicellulose-Lignin Interaction in the Secondary Cell Wall of Coconut Endocarp. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:biomimetics8020188. [PMID: 37218775 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The coconut shell consists of three distinct layers: the skin-like outermost exocarp, the thick fibrous mesocarp, and the hard and tough inner endocarp. In this work, we focused on the endocarp because it features a unique combination of superior properties, including low weight, high strength, high hardness, and high toughness. These properties are usually mutually exclusive in synthesized composites. The microstructures of the secondary cell wall of the endocarp at the nanoscale, in which cellulose microfibrils are surrounded by hemicellulose and lignin, were generated. All-atom molecular dynamics simulations with PCFF force field were conducted to investigate the deformation and failure mechanisms under uniaxial shear and tension. Steered molecular dynamics simulations were carried out to study the interaction between different types of polymer chains. The results demonstrated that cellulose-hemicellulose and cellulose-lignin exhibit the strongest and weakest interactions, respectively. This conclusion was further validated against the DFT calculations. Additionally, through shear simulations of sandwiched polymer models, it was found that cellulose-hemicellulose-cellulose exhibits the highest strength and toughness, while cellulose-lignin-cellulose shows the lowest strength and toughness among all tested cases. This conclusion was further confirmed by uniaxial tension simulations of sandwiched polymer models. It was revealed that hydrogen bonds formed between the polymer chains are responsible for the observed strengthening and toughening behaviors. Additionally, it was interesting to note that failure mode under tension varies with the density of amorphous polymers located between cellulose bundles. The failure mode of multilayer polymer models under tension was also investigated. The findings of this work could potentially provide guidelines for the design of coconut-inspired lightweight cellular materials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharmi Mazumder
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Baylor University, Waco, TX 76706, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sun J, Wang Z. Hierarchical levels of the ginkgo seed shell. Sci Bull (Beijing) 2023; 68:376-378. [PMID: 36754761 DOI: 10.1016/j.scib.2023.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zuankai Wang
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin S, Zhang Y, Luo L, Huang M, Cao H, Hu J, Sun C, Chen J. Visualization and quantification of coconut using advanced computed tomography postprocessing technology. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0282182. [PMID: 36827442 PMCID: PMC9956593 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0282182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Computed tomography (CT) is a non-invasive examination tool that is widely used in medicine. In this study, we explored its value in visualizing and quantifying coconut. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twelve coconuts were scanned using CT for three months. Axial CT images of the coconuts were obtained using a dual-source CT scanner. In postprocessing process, various three-dimensional models were created by volume rendering (VR), and the plane sections of different angles were obtained through multiplanar reformation (MPR). The morphological parameters and the CT values of the exocarp, mesocarp, endocarp, embryo, bud, solid endosperm, liquid endosperm, and coconut apple were measured. The analysis of variances was used for temporal repeated measures and linear and non-linear regressions were used to analyze the relationship between the data. RESULTS The MPR images and VR models provide excellent visualization of the different structures of the coconut. The statistical results showed that the weight of coconut and liquid endosperm volume decreased significantly during the three months, while the CT value of coconut apple decreased slightly. We observed a complete germination of a coconut, its data showed a significant negative correlation between the CT value of the bud and the liquid endosperm volume (y = -2.6955x + 244.91; R2 = 0.9859), and a strong positive correlation between the height and CT value of the bud (y = 1.9576 ln(x) -2.1655; R2 = 0.9691). CONCLUSION CT technology can be used for visualization and quantitative analysis of the internal structure of the coconut, and some morphological changes and composition changes of the coconut during the germination process were observed during the three-month experiment. Therefore, CT is a potential tool for analyzing coconuts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shenghuang Lin
- Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- College of Computer Science and Technology, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Li’an Luo
- Siemens Healthineers, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mengxing Huang
- College of Information and Communication Engineering, Hainan University, Haikou, China
| | - Hongxing Cao
- Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jinyue Hu
- Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, China
| | - Chengxu Sun
- Coconut Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences, Wenchang, Hainan, People’s Republic of China
- * E-mail: (JC); (CS)
| | - Jing Chen
- Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine, Haikou, China
- * E-mail: (JC); (CS)
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Beveridge FC, Kalaipandian S, Yang C, Adkins SW. Fruit Biology of Coconut ( Cocos nucifera L.). PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:3293. [PMID: 36501334 PMCID: PMC9738799 DOI: 10.3390/plants11233293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Coconut (Cocos nucifera L.) is an important perennial crop adapted to a wide range of habitats. Although global coconut demand has increased sharply over the past few years, its production has been decreasing due to palm senility, as well as abiotic and biotic stresses. In fact, replanting efforts are impeded due to the lack of good quality seedlings. In vitro technologies have a great potential; however, their applications may take time to reach a commercial level. Therefore, traditional seed propagation is still critical to help meet the rising demand and its practice needs to be improved. To achieve an improved propagation via seeds, it is important to understand coconut fruit biology and its related issues. This review aims to provide a comprehensive summary of the existing knowledge on coconut fruit morpho-anatomy, germination biology, seed dispersal, distribution, fruit longevity and storage. This will help to identify gaps where future research efforts should be directed to improve traditional seed propagation.
Collapse
|
9
|
Antreich SJ, Huss JC, Xiao N, Singh A, Gierlinger N. The walnut shell network: 3D visualisation of symplastic and apoplastic transport routes in sclerenchyma tissue. PLANTA 2022; 256:49. [PMID: 35881249 PMCID: PMC9325819 DOI: 10.1007/s00425-022-03960-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
High symplastic connectivity via pits was linked to the lignification of the developing walnut shell. With maturation, this network lessened, whereas apoplastic intercellular space remained and became relevant for shell drying. The shell of the walnut (Juglans regia) sclerifies within several weeks. This fast secondary cell wall thickening and lignification of the shell tissue might need metabolites from the supporting husk tissue. To reveal the transport capacity of the walnut shell tissue and its connection to the husk, we visualised the symplastic and apoplastic transport routes during shell development by serial block face-SEM and 3D reconstruction. We found an extensive network of pit channels connecting the cells within the shell tissue, but even more towards the husk tissue. Each pit channel ended in a pit field, which was occupied by multiple plasmodesmata passing through the middle lamella. During shell development, secondary cell wall formation progressed towards the interior of the cell, leaving active pit channels open. In contrast, pit channels, which had no plasmodesmata connection to a neighbouring cell, got filled by cellulose layers from the inner cell wall lamellae. A comparison with other nut species showed that an extended network during sclerification seemed to be linked to high cell wall lignification and that the connectivity between cells got reduced with maturation. In contrast, intercellular spaces between cells remained unchanged during the entire sclerification process, allowing air and water to flow through the walnut shell tissue when mature. The connectivity between inner tissue and environment was essential during shell drying in the last month of nut development to avoid mould formation. The findings highlight how connectivity and transport work in developing walnut shell tissue and how finally in the mature state these structures influence shell mechanics, permeability, conservation and germination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian J Antreich
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190, Vienna, Austria.
| | - Jessica C Huss
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nannan Xiao
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adya Singh
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| | - Notburga Gierlinger
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, 1190, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Ghimire A, Chen PY. Seed protection strategies of the brainy Elaeocarpus ganitrus endocarp: Gradient motif yields fracture tolerance. Acta Biomater 2022; 138:430-442. [PMID: 34728425 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2021.10.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Be it animals or plants, most of the organism's offspring come into existence after their embryos develop inside a protective shell. In plants, these hard protective shells are called endocarps. They serve the function of nourishing and protecting the seeds from external mechanical damage. Through evolution, endocarps of plants have developed various structural strategies to protect the enclosed seeds from external threats, and these strategies can vary according to the habitat or lifestyle of a particular plant. One such intriguing hard plant shell is the endocarp of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus fruit. It mostly grows in South Asia's mountainous forests, and its endocarps are known in the local communities as unbreakable and everlasting prayer beads. We report an in-depth investigation on microstructure, tomography, and mechanical properties to cast light on its performance and the underlying structure-property relation. The 3D structural quantifications by micro-CT demonstrate that the endocarp has gradient microarchitecture. In addition, the endocarp also exhibits gradient hardness and stiffness. The toughening mechanisms arising from the layered cellular structure enable the endocarps to withstand higher loads up to 5000 N before they fracture. Our findings provide experimental evidence of outstanding fracture tolerance and seed protection strategies developed by Elaeocarpus ganitrus endocarp that encourage the design of synthetic fracture tolerant structures. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Endocarps are low-density plant shells that exhibit remarkable fracture resistance and energy absorption when they encounter impact by falling from high trees and prolonged compression and abrasion by the predators. Such outstanding mechanical performance originates through structural design strategies developed to protect their seeds. Here we demonstrate previously undiscovered structural features and mechanical properties of Elaeocarpus ganitrus endocarp. We scrutinize the microstructure using high-resolution x-ray tomography scans and the 3D structural quantifications reveal a gradient microstructure which is in agreement with the gradient hardness and stiffness. The multiscale hierarchical structures combined with the gradient motif yield impressive fracture tolerance in Elaeocarpus ganitrus endocarp. These findings advance the knowledge of the structure-property relation in hard plant shells, and the procured structural design strategies can be utilized to design fracture-resistant structures.
Collapse
|
11
|
Huss JC, Gierlinger N. Functional packaging of seeds. THE NEW PHYTOLOGIST 2021; 230:2154-2163. [PMID: 33629369 PMCID: PMC8252473 DOI: 10.1111/nph.17299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The encapsulation of seeds in hard coats and fruit walls (pericarp layers) fulfils protective and dispersal functions in many plant families. In angiosperms, packaging structures possess a remarkable range of different morphologies and functionalities, as illustrated by thermo and hygro-responsive seed pods and appendages, as well as mechanically strong and water-impermeable shells. Key to these different functionalities are characteristic structural arrangements and chemical modifications of the underlying sclerenchymatous tissues. Although many ecological aspects of hard seed encapsulation have been well documented, a detailed understanding of the relationship between tissue structure and function only recently started to emerge, especially in the context of environmentally driven fruit opening and seed dispersal (responsive encapsulations) and the outstanding durability of some seed coats and indehiscent fruits (static encapsulations). In this review, we focus on the tissue properties of these two systems, with particular consideration of water interactions, mechanical resistance, and force generation. Common principles, as well as unique adaptations, are discussed in different plant species. Understanding how plants integrate a broad range of functions and properties for seed protection during storage and dispersal plays a central role for seed conservation, population dynamics, and plant-based material developments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica C. Huss
- Department of NanobiotechnologyInstitute of BiophysicsUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) ViennaMuthgasse 11/IIVienna1900Austria
| | - Notburga Gierlinger
- Department of NanobiotechnologyInstitute of BiophysicsUniversity of Natural Resources and Life Sciences (BOKU) ViennaMuthgasse 11/IIVienna1900Austria
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Klang K, Nickel KG. The Plant-Like Structure of Lance Sea Urchin Spines as Biomimetic Concept Generator for Freeze-Casted Structural Graded Ceramics. Biomimetics (Basel) 2021; 6:biomimetics6020036. [PMID: 34072652 PMCID: PMC8261639 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics6020036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Revised: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The spine of the lance sea urchin (Phyllacanthus imperialis) is an unusual plant-akin hierarchical lightweight construction with several gradation features: a basic core-shell structure is modified in terms of porosities, pore orientation and pore size, forming superstructures. Differing local strength and energy consumption features create a biomimetic potential for the construction of porous ceramics with predetermined breaking points and adaptable behavior in compression overload. We present a new detailed structural and failure analysis of those spines and demonstrate that it is possible to include at least a limited number of those features in an abstracted way in ceramics, manufactured by freeze-casting. This possibility is shown to come from a modified mold design and optimized suspensions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Klang
- Institute of Glass and Ceramics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Martensstraße 5, D-91058 Erlangen, Germany
- Department of Geosciences, Applied Mineralogy, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.K.); (K.G.N.)
| | - Klaus G. Nickel
- Department of Geosciences, Applied Mineralogy, Eberhard Karls Universität Tübingen, Wilhelmstraße 56, D-72074 Tübingen, Germany
- Correspondence: (K.K.); (K.G.N.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
The Protective Role of Bark and Bark Fibers of the Giant Sequoia ( Sequoiadendron giganteum) during High-Energy Impacts. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21093355. [PMID: 32397436 PMCID: PMC7247593 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21093355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The influences of (1) a high fiber content, (2) the arrangement of fibers in fiber groups, and (3) a layered hierarchical composition of the bark of the giant sequoia (Sequoiadendron giganteum) on its energy dissipation capability are analyzed and discussed regarding the relevance for an application in bioinspired components in civil engineering. The giant sequoia is native to the Sierra Nevada (USA), a region with regular rockfalls. It is thus regularly exposed to high-energy impacts, with its bark playing a major protective role, as can be seen in the wild and has been proven in laboratory experiments. The authors quantify the fundamental biomechanical properties of the bark at various length scales, taking into account its hierarchical setup ranging from the integral level (whole bark) down to single bark fibers. Microtensile tests on single fibers and fiber pairs give insights into the properties of single fibers as well as the benefits of the strong longitudinal interconnection between single fibers arranged in pairs. Going beyond the level of single fibers or fiber pairs, towards the integral level, quasistatic compression tests and dynamic impact tests are performed on samples comprising the whole bark (inner and outer bark). These tests elucidate the deformation behavior under quasistatic compression and dynamic impact relevant for the high energy dissipation and impact-damping behavior of the bark. The remarkable energy dissipation capability of the bark at the abovementioned hierarchical levels are linked to the layered and fibrous structure of the bark structurally analyzed by thin sections and SEM and µCT scans.
Collapse
|
14
|
Xiao N, Bock P, Antreich SJ, Staedler YM, Schönenberger J, Gierlinger N. From the Soft to the Hard: Changes in Microchemistry During Cell Wall Maturation of Walnut Shells. FRONTIERS IN PLANT SCIENCE 2020; 11:466. [PMID: 32431720 PMCID: PMC7216782 DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2020.00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
The walnut shell is a hard and protective layer that provides an essential barrier between the seed and its environment. The shell is based on only one unit cell type: the polylobate sclerenchyma cell. For a better understanding of the interlocked walnut shell tissue, we investigate the structural and compositional changes during the development of the shell from the soft to the hard state. Structural changes at the macro level are explored by X-ray tomography and on the cell and cell wall level various microscopic techniques are applied. Walnut shell development takes place beneath the outer green husk, which protects and delivers components during the development of the walnut. The cells toward this outer green husk have the thickest and most lignified cell walls. With maturation secondary cell wall thickening takes place and the amount of all cell wall components (cellulose, hemicelluloses and especially lignin) is increased as revealed by FTIR microscopy. Focusing on the cell wall level, Raman imaging showed that lignin is deposited first into the pectin network between the cells and cell corners, at the very beginning of secondary cell wall formation. Furthermore, Raman imaging of fluorescence visualized numerous pits as a network of channels, connecting all the interlocked polylobate walnut shells. In the final mature stage, fluorescence increased throughout the cell wall and a fluorescent layer was detected toward the lumen in the inner part. This accumulation of aromatic components is reminiscent of heartwood formation of trees and is suggested to improve protection properties of the mature walnut shell. Understanding the walnut shell and its development will inspire biomimetic material design and packaging concepts, but is also important for waste valorization, considering that walnuts are the most widespread tree nuts in the world.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nannan Xiao
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Peter Bock
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sebastian J. Antreich
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Yannick Marc Staedler
- Division of Structural and Functional Botany, Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Jürg Schönenberger
- Division of Structural and Functional Botany, Department of Botany and Biodiversity Research, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Notburga Gierlinger
- Institute of Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| |
Collapse
|