Over the last decade, computational methods have been intensively applied to a variety of scientific researches and engineering designs. Although the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method has played a dominant r...Over the last decade, computational methods have been intensively applied to a variety of scientific researches and engineering designs. Although the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method has played a dominant role in studying and simulating transport phenomena involving fluid flow and heat and mass transfers, in recent years, other numerical methods for the simulations at meso- and micro-scales have also been actively applied to solve the physics of complex flow and fluid-interface interactions. This paper presents a review of recent advances in multi-scale computational simulation of biomimetics related fluid flow problems. The state-of-the-art numerical techniques, such as lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), molecular dynamics (MD), and conventional CFD, applied to different problems such as fish flow, electro-osmosis effect of earthworm motion, and self-cleaning hydrophobic surface, and the numerical approaches are introduced. The new challenging of modelling biomimetics problems in developing the physical conditions of self-clean hydrophobic surfaces is discussed.展开更多
The concept of electroosmotically driven flow is built around understanding how the ionized particles or fluid are driven to flow by electroosmosis forces. Apart from the major applications of this concept to micro f...The concept of electroosmotically driven flow is built around understanding how the ionized particles or fluid are driven to flow by electroosmosis forces. Apart from the major applications of this concept to micro flow control elements which have been explored in parallel with the rapid developments in micro fabrication technologies, the present focus is on its application to biomimetics. As soil animals (in fact all living creatures) such as earthworms and dung beetles carry bioelectricity, the relative movement between the creatures and the surrounding soil which is a multi-component medium with moist content will generate electrophoresis or electroosmosis forces. Such forces drive the ionized moist content, normally water, to migrate from positive to negative poles under the action of electric double layer (EDL) effect, and effectively reduce the adhesion or drag.Predicting the electroosmotically driven flow in the vicinity of biological and animal surfaces is a key problem of drag/adhesion reduction and biomimetics design. The aim of this article is to demonstrate how the theory of electroosmotically driven flow has developed and to describe its broader significance for anti adhesion of soil animals and biomimetics design of soil machinery tools.展开更多
With the advanced development of computer-based enabling technologies, many engineering, medical, biology, chemistry, physics and food science etc have developed to the unprecedented levels, which lead to many researc...With the advanced development of computer-based enabling technologies, many engineering, medical, biology, chemistry, physics and food science etc have developed to the unprecedented levels, which lead to many research and development interests in various multi-discipline areas. Among them, biomimetics is one of the most promising and attractive branches of study. Biomimetics is a branch of study that uses biological systems as a model to develop synthetic systems. To learn from nature, one of the fundamental issues is to understand the natural systems such animals, insects, plants and human beings etc. The geometrical characterization and representation of natural systems is an important fundamental work for biomimetics research. 3D modeling plays a key role in the geometrical characterization and representation, especially in computer graphical visualization. This paper firstly presents the typical procedure of 3D modelling methods and then reviews the previous work of 3D geometrical modelling techniques and systems developed for industrial, medical and animation applications. Especially the paper discusses the problems associated with the existing techniques and systems when they are applied to 3D modelling of biological systems. Based upon the discussions, the paper proposes some areas of research interests in 3D modelling of biological systems and for Biomimetics.展开更多
Oscillations and their damping were investigated for plant stems of Cyperus alternifolius L., Equisetum hyemale L., Equisetum fluviatile L., Juncus effuses L., Stipa gigantea Link, and Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franc...Oscillations and their damping were investigated for plant stems of Cyperus alternifolius L., Equisetum hyemale L., Equisetum fluviatile L., Juncus effuses L., Stipa gigantea Link, and Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) Soderstr. With the exception of T. spathaceus, mechanical damping of the oscillation of individual plant stems, even without side organs, leaves or inflorescences, is quite effective. Our experiments support the hypothesis that embedding stiff sclerenchymatous elements in a more compliant parenchymatous matrix provides the structural basis for the dissipation of mechanical energy in the plant stem. As an application the naturally occurring structures were mimicked in a compound material made from hemp fabrics em- bedded in polyurethane foam, cured under pressure. Like its natural model it shows plastic deformability and viscoelastic be- haviour. In particular the material is characterized by a remarkably high shock absorption capacity even for high impact loads.展开更多
The landmark discovery of moonlighting proteins embarks the significant progress in understanding the biological complexity and their closed-circuit analysis. The growing continuum in the variety of moonlighting funct...The landmark discovery of moonlighting proteins embarks the significant progress in understanding the biological complexity and their closed-circuit analysis. The growing continuum in the variety of moonlighting functions paved the way for further elucidation of structural-functional aspects of protein evolution and design of proteins with novel functions. Currently, the moonlighting functions in various adhesive properties of surface layer proteins, an essential component of cell surface architecture of archaea and all phylogenetic groups of eubacteria become more prominently recognized. The remarkable credentials of surface layer proteins to self-assemble into supramolecular structures at nano-scale dimension have been exploited for the production of smart biomaterials in the form of biomimetics has been thrust area of research. The finely tuned topological features in terms of shape, size, geometry and surface chemistry of surface layer proteins are crucial for the production of biomimetics. The current developments of biomimetic lipid bilayers and composite membranes find applicability in understanding the functional dynamism of evolutionary relationship of bacterial cell envelopes and vaccine development, drug development and drug delivery. Though the development of biomimetics embraces fascination but faces with technological challenges. The plethora of literature has been available for the moonlighting aspects and nano-technological applications separately but none of the review describes towards the rhythmic transition from moonlighting functions of surface layer proteins of bacteria to biomimetics development and applications. Therefore, this review describes certain basic aspects of moonlighting functions and their mechanism of action, surface layer proteins and their moonlighting functions of commensal bacteria and their transition towards biomimetics. The recent developments of biomimetics based on surface layer proteins have been summarized and also posited different challenges and future prospects.展开更多
The reduction of water resources and soil fertility in Northeast China will have a requirement on higher working efficiency of agricultural soil-engaging components.The adhesion and resistance are main problems for so...The reduction of water resources and soil fertility in Northeast China will have a requirement on higher working efficiency of agricultural soil-engaging components.The adhesion and resistance are main problems for soil-engaging tillage components.However,the soil-burrowing or soil-digging animals give inspirations to resolve those problems.Their fair,claw,toe,textured surface and scales have functions of anti-adhesion or resistance reduction.Those results provide a way to realize the sustainable development of modern agriculture by developing novel biomimetic agricultural machinery systems with independent intellectual property rights to meet conservation tillage requirements in the Northern China region.Biological structures of some soil-burrowing or soil-digging animals,such as beetle,mole cricket,earthworm,mole,vole,pangolin,and snake,as well as their mechanisms of anti-adhesion or reducing resistance were reviewed in this paper.Bioinspired applications in Northeast China were also presented in the paper,including moldboard,subsoiler components,furrow opener,roller,and biomimetic rototilling-stubble-breaking blade.In addition,the existed problems in agricultural engineering and the future development trends were discussed.展开更多
Biomimetics is an established field in research and industry. Current approaches focus on the use of biological principles in product development, while large potentials have also been identified for transferring orga...Biomimetics is an established field in research and industry. Current approaches focus on the use of biological principles in product development, while large potentials have also been identified for transferring organisational principles from nature to production organisation. This study gives a comprehensive overview of existing literature and illustrates that only fragmented research is being conducted at present. In order to enable systematic translation into methods that are available to practitioners, a framework is developed which allows the body of literature to be structured and potential fields not being researched at present to be identified. It also points out that some biological principles receive more attention in research approaches and practical implementation in production organisation than others. Furthermore, correlations between biological principles and principles in production are identified that there have already been successful translations of biomimetic approaches to production organisation. On the other hand, it suggests that there are numerous promising approaches only described in an initial paper that need further research before they can be implemented in practice.展开更多
Nanofiber membranes(NFMs) have become attractive candidates for next-generation flexible transparent materials due to their exceptional flexibility and breathability. However, improving the transmittance of NFMs is a ...Nanofiber membranes(NFMs) have become attractive candidates for next-generation flexible transparent materials due to their exceptional flexibility and breathability. However, improving the transmittance of NFMs is a great challenge due to the enormous reflection and incredibly poor transmission generated by the nanofiber-air interface. In this research, we report a general strategy for the preparation of flexible temperature-responsive transparent(TRT) membranes,which achieves a rapid transformation of NFMs from opaque to highly transparent under a narrow temperature window. In this process, the phase change material eicosane is coated on the surface of the polyurethane nanofibers by electrospray technology. When the temperature rises to 37 ℃, eicosane rapidly completes the phase transition and establishes the light transmission path between the nanofibers, preventing light loss from reflection at the nanofiber-air interface. The resulting TRT membrane exhibits high transmittance(> 90%), and fast response(5 s). This study achieves the first TRT transition of NFMs, offering a general strategy for building highly transparent nanofiber materials, shaping the future of next-generation intelligent temperature monitoring, anti-counterfeiting measures, and other high-performance devices.展开更多
The twenty-first century is one of the most complex in the history of humanity,mainly due to the ecological crisis it is going through.The construction sector generates about 40%of CO2 emissions into the environment;t...The twenty-first century is one of the most complex in the history of humanity,mainly due to the ecological crisis it is going through.The construction sector generates about 40%of CO2 emissions into the environment;the foregoing should motivate this sector to seek new alternatives to develop new building practices.Taking these current needs into account,this document classifies and presents a multidisciplinary solution that integrates biology,engineering and architecture to develop a new and innovative lightweight timber structure;it divides with a main structure made of timber and an innovative joint system made of bio-polymers connecting all the panels.Through the study of diatoms,it was able to analyze the bio-morphology of the structure,joints and in particular the geometry since they were the inspiration for the design of this structure that presents an innovative and novel design of structural optimization.Through parametric design and digital fabrication,it was able to create a complex geometry that obtains excellent structural behavior.This research discusses and explores how materials,geometry led to the optimization of a structure and how new structures can arise,thanks to biology new solutions can be obtained that are completely sustainable,being a clear example of how to combat the effects of the climate change and in a precise way it highlights the advantages of the bio-design in the architectural design.展开更多
Piezoelectricity in native bones has been well recognized as the key factor in bone regeneration.Thus,bio-piezoelectric materials have gained substantial attention in repairing damaged bone by mimicking the tissue’s ...Piezoelectricity in native bones has been well recognized as the key factor in bone regeneration.Thus,bio-piezoelectric materials have gained substantial attention in repairing damaged bone by mimicking the tissue’s electrical microenvironment(EM).However,traditional manufacturing strategies still encounter limitations in creating personalized bio-piezoelectric scaffolds,hindering their clinical applications.Three-dimensional(3D)/four-dimensional(4D)printing technology based on the principle of layer-by-layer forming and stacking of discrete materials has demonstrated outstanding advantages in fabricating bio-piezoelectric scaffolds in a more complex-shaped structure.Notably,4D printing functionality-shifting bio-piezoelectric scaffolds can provide a time-dependent programmable tissue EM in response to external stimuli for bone regeneration.In this review,we first summarize the physicochemical properties of commonly used bio-piezoelectric materials(including polymers,ceramics,and their composites)and representative biological findings for bone regeneration.Then,we discuss the latest research advances in the 3D printing of bio-piezoelectric scaffolds in terms of feedstock selection,printing process,induction strategies,and potential applications.Besides,some related challenges such as feedstock scalability,printing resolution,stress-to-polarization conversion efficiency,and non-invasive induction ability after implantation have been put forward.Finally,we highlight the potential of shape/property/functionality-shifting smart 4D bio-piezoelectric scaffolds in bone tissue engineering(BTE).Taken together,this review emphasizes the appealing utility of 3D/4D printed biological piezoelectric scaffolds as next-generation BTE implants.展开更多
Osteoconductive function is remarkably low in bone disease in the absence of bone tissue surrounding the grafting site,or if the bone tissue is in poor condition.Thus,an effective bone graft in terms of both osteocond...Osteoconductive function is remarkably low in bone disease in the absence of bone tissue surrounding the grafting site,or if the bone tissue is in poor condition.Thus,an effective bone graft in terms of both osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity is required for clinical therapy.Recently,the three-dimensional(3D)kagome structure has been shown to be advantageous for bone tissue regeneration due to its mechanical properties.In this study,a polycaprolactone(PCL)kagome-structure scaffold containing a hyaluronic acid(HA)-based hydrogel was fabricated using a 3D printing technique.The retention capacity of the hydrogel in the scaffold was assessed in vivo with a rat calvaria subcutaneous model for 3 weeks,and the results were compared with those obtained with conventional 3D-printed PCL grid-structure scaffolds containing HA-based hydrogel and bulk-type HA-based hydrogel.The retained hydrogel in the kagome-structure scaffold was further evaluated by in vivo imaging system analysis.To further reinforce the osteoinductivity of the kagome-structure scaffold,a PCL kagome-structure scaffold with bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2)containing HA hydrogel was fabricated and implanted in a calvarial defect model of rabbits for 16 weeks.The bone regeneration characteristics were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin(H&E),Masson’s trichrome staining,and micro-CT image analysis.展开更多
We previously prepared nerve growth factor poly-lactide co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres to treat rat sciatic nerve injury using the small gap sleeve technique.Multiple growth factors play a synergistic role...We previously prepared nerve growth factor poly-lactide co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres to treat rat sciatic nerve injury using the small gap sleeve technique.Multiple growth factors play a synergistic role in promoting the repair of peripheral nerve injury;as a result,in this study,we added basic fibroblast growth factors to the microspheres to further promote nerve regeneration.First,in an in vitro biomimetic microenvironment,we developed and used a drug screening biomimetic microfluidic chip to screen the optimal combination of nerve growth factor/basic fibroblast growth factor to promote the regeneration of Schwann cells.We found that 22.56 ng/mL nerve growth factor combined with 4.29 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor exhibited optimal effects on the proliferation of primary rat Schwann cells.The successfully prepared nerve growth factor-basic fibroblast growth factor-poly-lactide-co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres were used to treat rat sciatic nerve transection injury using the small gap sleeve bridge technique.Compared with epithelium sutures and small gap sleeve bridging alone,the small gap sleeve bridging technique combined with drug-free sustained-release microspheres has a stronger effect on rat sciatic nerve transfection injury repair at the structural and functional level.展开更多
Large bone defect regeneration has always been recognized as a challenging clinical problem due to the difficulty of revascularization.Conventional treatments exhibit certain inherent disadvantages(e.g.,secondary inju...Large bone defect regeneration has always been recognized as a challenging clinical problem due to the difficulty of revascularization.Conventional treatments exhibit certain inherent disadvantages(e.g.,secondary injury,immunization,and potential infections).However,three-dimensional(3D)printing technology as an emerging field can serve as an effective approach to achieve satisfactory revascularization while making up for the above limitations.A wide variety of methods can be used to facilitate blood supply during the design of a 3D-printed scaffold.Importantly,the scaffold structure lays a foundation for the entire printing object;any method to promote angiogenesis can be effective only if it is based on well-designed scaffolds.In this review,different designs related to angiogenesis are summarized by collecting the literature from recent years.The 3D-printed scaffolds are classified into four major categories and discussed in detail,from elementary porous scaffolds to the most advanced bone-like scaffolds.Finally,structural design suggestions to achieve rapid angiogenesis are proposed by analyzing the above architectures.This review can provide a reference for organizations or individual academics to achieve improved bone defect repair and regeneration using 3D printing.展开更多
Metastasis-associated processes are the predominant instigator of fatalities linked to cancer,wherein the pivotal role of circulating tumor cells lies in the resurgence of malignant growth.In recent epochs,exosomes,co...Metastasis-associated processes are the predominant instigator of fatalities linked to cancer,wherein the pivotal role of circulating tumor cells lies in the resurgence of malignant growth.In recent epochs,exosomes,constituents of the extracellular vesicle cohort,have garnered attention within the field of tumor theranostics owing to their inherent attributes encompassing biocompatibility,modifiability,payload capacity,stability,and therapeutic suitability.Nonetheless,the rudimentary functionalities and limited efficacy of unmodified exosomes curtail their prospective utility.In an effort to surmount these shortcomings,intricate methodologies amalgamating nanotechnology with genetic manipulation,chemotherapy,immunotherapy,and optical intervention present themselves as enhanced avenues to surveil and intercede in tumor metastasis and relapse.This review delves into the manifold techniques currently employed to engineer exosomes,with a specific focus on elucidating the interplay between exosomes and the metastatic cascade,alongside the implementation of tailored exosomes in abating tumor metastasis and recurrence.This review not only advances comprehension of the evolving landscape within this domain but also steers the trajectory of forthcoming investigations.展开更多
A bio-inspired strategy has recently been developed for camouflaging nanocarriers with biomembranes,such as natural cell membranes or subcellular structure-derived membranes.This strategy endows cloaked nanomaterials ...A bio-inspired strategy has recently been developed for camouflaging nanocarriers with biomembranes,such as natural cell membranes or subcellular structure-derived membranes.This strategy endows cloaked nanomaterials with improved interfacial properties,superior cell targeting,immune evasion potential,and prolonged duration of systemic circulation.Here,we summarize recent advances in the production and application of exosomal membrane-coated nanomaterials.The structure,properties,and manner in which exosomes communicate with cells are first reviewed.This is followed by a discussion of the types of exosomes and their fabrication methods.We then discuss the applications of biomimetic exosomes and membrane-cloaked nanocarriers in tissue engineering,regenerative medicine,imaging,and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.Finally,we appraise the current challenges associated with the clinical translation of biomimetic exosomal membrane-surface-engineered nanovehicles and evaluate the future of this technology.展开更多
The influence of minor environmental factors,such as the geomagnetic field,on the biomineralization of nacres,is often ignored but a great deal of research has confirmed its important role in the normal mineralization...The influence of minor environmental factors,such as the geomagnetic field,on the biomineralization of nacres,is often ignored but a great deal of research has confirmed its important role in the normal mineralization of calcium carbonate.Although the geomagnetic field is weak,its cumulative effects need to be considered given that the biomineralization process can take years.Accordingly,the authors of this paper have investigated the effects of weak magnetic fields(25 Gs or 50 Gs)on calcium carbonate mineralization and analyzed the mechanism involved.The results show that even a weak magnetic field conduces to the formation of vaterite or aragonite,in the induction order of precursor→vaterite→aragonite.The stronger the magnetic field and the longer the time,the more obvious the induction effect.The effect of a magnetic field is strongest in the aging stage and weakest in the solution stage.Inductions by egg-white protein and by a magnetic field inhibit each other,but they both restrict particle growth.These findings highlight the importance of minor environmental factors for biomineralization and can serve as a reference for biomimetic preparation of a CaCO_(3)nacre-like structure and for anti-scale technology for circulating cooling water.展开更多
People could potentially mitigate heat discomfort when outdoors by combining passive radiative cooling(PRC)strategies with personal thermal management techniques.However,most current PRC materials lack wearing comfort...People could potentially mitigate heat discomfort when outdoors by combining passive radiative cooling(PRC)strategies with personal thermal management techniques.However,most current PRC materials lack wearing comfort and durability.In this study,a microarray technique is applied to fabricate the tailoring photonic-engineered textiles with intriguing PRC capability and appealing wearability.The developed radiative cooling textiles(RCTs)demonstrate appropriate air-moisture permeability,structural stability,and extended spectroscopic response with high sunlight reflectivity(91.7%)and robust heat emissivity(95.8%)through the atmospheric transparent spectral window(ATSW).In a hot outdoor cooling test,a skin simulator covered by the RCTs displays a temperature drop of approximately 4.4℃at noon compared with cotton textiles.The evolution of our mimetic structures may provide new insights into the generation of wearable,thermal-wet comfortable,and robust textiles for exploring PRC techniques in personal thermal management applications.展开更多
Oriented immobilization of enzymes helps to maintain their native structure and proper orientation for high-performance engineering to meet extensive biocatalysis demands.However,the supporting materials used for orie...Oriented immobilization of enzymes helps to maintain their native structure and proper orientation for high-performance engineering to meet extensive biocatalysis demands.However,the supporting materials used for orientated immobilization are usually costly or complicated in preparation,affecting their practical applications.In this work,a facile purification and immobilization method was proposed for enzyme immobilization based on organic-inorganic hybrid calcium phosphate nanocrystal(Ca Ps)induced by Cu^(2+) modified bovine serum albumin(BSA-Cu).Then,the as-prepared hybrid calcium phosphate nanosheet,BSA-Cu@Ca Ps,was utilized for one-pot purification and immobilization of His-tagged organophosphorus hydrolase(OPH)by metal-affinity binding to the incorporated BSA.BSA-Cu@Ca PsOPH exhibited enhanced p H stability and thermal stability compared to the free enzyme.Moreover,BSA-Cu@Ca Ps-OPH could retain more than 75%and 56%of initial activity after reuse 5 and 10 times,respectively.The results demonstrated that this facile strategy was promising for the effective biodegradation of organophosphorus pesticides with the immobilized enzyme.展开更多
Lung diseases associated with alveoli,such as acute respiratory distress syndrome,have posed a long-term threat to human health.However,an in vitro model capable of simulating different deformations of the alveoli and...Lung diseases associated with alveoli,such as acute respiratory distress syndrome,have posed a long-term threat to human health.However,an in vitro model capable of simulating different deformations of the alveoli and a suitable material for mimicking basement membrane are currently lacking.Here,we present an innovative biomimetic controllable strain membrane(BCSM)at an air–liquid interface(ALI)to reconstruct alveolar respiration.The BCSM consists of a high-precision three-dimensional printing melt-electrowritten polycaprolactone(PCL)mesh,coated with a hydrogel substrate—to simulate the important functions(such as stiffness,porosity,wettability,and ALI)of alveolar microenvironments,and seeded pulmonary epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells on either side,respectively.Inspired by papercutting,the BCSM was fabricated in the plane while it operated in three dimensions.A series of the topological structure of the BCSM was designed to control various local-area strain,mimicking alveolar varied deformation.Lopinavir/ritonavir could reduce Lamin A expression under over-stretch condition,which might be effective in preventing ventilator-induced lung injury.The biomimetic lung-unit model with BCSM has broader application prospects in alveoli-related research in the future,such as in drug toxicology and metabolism.展开更多
文摘Over the last decade, computational methods have been intensively applied to a variety of scientific researches and engineering designs. Although the computational fluid dynamics (CFD) method has played a dominant role in studying and simulating transport phenomena involving fluid flow and heat and mass transfers, in recent years, other numerical methods for the simulations at meso- and micro-scales have also been actively applied to solve the physics of complex flow and fluid-interface interactions. This paper presents a review of recent advances in multi-scale computational simulation of biomimetics related fluid flow problems. The state-of-the-art numerical techniques, such as lattice Boltzmann method (LBM), molecular dynamics (MD), and conventional CFD, applied to different problems such as fish flow, electro-osmosis effect of earthworm motion, and self-cleaning hydrophobic surface, and the numerical approaches are introduced. The new challenging of modelling biomimetics problems in developing the physical conditions of self-clean hydrophobic surfaces is discussed.
文摘The concept of electroosmotically driven flow is built around understanding how the ionized particles or fluid are driven to flow by electroosmosis forces. Apart from the major applications of this concept to micro flow control elements which have been explored in parallel with the rapid developments in micro fabrication technologies, the present focus is on its application to biomimetics. As soil animals (in fact all living creatures) such as earthworms and dung beetles carry bioelectricity, the relative movement between the creatures and the surrounding soil which is a multi-component medium with moist content will generate electrophoresis or electroosmosis forces. Such forces drive the ionized moist content, normally water, to migrate from positive to negative poles under the action of electric double layer (EDL) effect, and effectively reduce the adhesion or drag.Predicting the electroosmotically driven flow in the vicinity of biological and animal surfaces is a key problem of drag/adhesion reduction and biomimetics design. The aim of this article is to demonstrate how the theory of electroosmotically driven flow has developed and to describe its broader significance for anti adhesion of soil animals and biomimetics design of soil machinery tools.
文摘With the advanced development of computer-based enabling technologies, many engineering, medical, biology, chemistry, physics and food science etc have developed to the unprecedented levels, which lead to many research and development interests in various multi-discipline areas. Among them, biomimetics is one of the most promising and attractive branches of study. Biomimetics is a branch of study that uses biological systems as a model to develop synthetic systems. To learn from nature, one of the fundamental issues is to understand the natural systems such animals, insects, plants and human beings etc. The geometrical characterization and representation of natural systems is an important fundamental work for biomimetics research. 3D modeling plays a key role in the geometrical characterization and representation, especially in computer graphical visualization. This paper firstly presents the typical procedure of 3D modelling methods and then reviews the previous work of 3D geometrical modelling techniques and systems developed for industrial, medical and animation applications. Especially the paper discusses the problems associated with the existing techniques and systems when they are applied to 3D modelling of biological systems. Based upon the discussions, the paper proposes some areas of research interests in 3D modelling of biological systems and for Biomimetics.
文摘Oscillations and their damping were investigated for plant stems of Cyperus alternifolius L., Equisetum hyemale L., Equisetum fluviatile L., Juncus effuses L., Stipa gigantea Link, and Thamnocalamus spathaceus (Franch.) Soderstr. With the exception of T. spathaceus, mechanical damping of the oscillation of individual plant stems, even without side organs, leaves or inflorescences, is quite effective. Our experiments support the hypothesis that embedding stiff sclerenchymatous elements in a more compliant parenchymatous matrix provides the structural basis for the dissipation of mechanical energy in the plant stem. As an application the naturally occurring structures were mimicked in a compound material made from hemp fabrics em- bedded in polyurethane foam, cured under pressure. Like its natural model it shows plastic deformability and viscoelastic be- haviour. In particular the material is characterized by a remarkably high shock absorption capacity even for high impact loads.
文摘The landmark discovery of moonlighting proteins embarks the significant progress in understanding the biological complexity and their closed-circuit analysis. The growing continuum in the variety of moonlighting functions paved the way for further elucidation of structural-functional aspects of protein evolution and design of proteins with novel functions. Currently, the moonlighting functions in various adhesive properties of surface layer proteins, an essential component of cell surface architecture of archaea and all phylogenetic groups of eubacteria become more prominently recognized. The remarkable credentials of surface layer proteins to self-assemble into supramolecular structures at nano-scale dimension have been exploited for the production of smart biomaterials in the form of biomimetics has been thrust area of research. The finely tuned topological features in terms of shape, size, geometry and surface chemistry of surface layer proteins are crucial for the production of biomimetics. The current developments of biomimetic lipid bilayers and composite membranes find applicability in understanding the functional dynamism of evolutionary relationship of bacterial cell envelopes and vaccine development, drug development and drug delivery. Though the development of biomimetics embraces fascination but faces with technological challenges. The plethora of literature has been available for the moonlighting aspects and nano-technological applications separately but none of the review describes towards the rhythmic transition from moonlighting functions of surface layer proteins of bacteria to biomimetics development and applications. Therefore, this review describes certain basic aspects of moonlighting functions and their mechanism of action, surface layer proteins and their moonlighting functions of commensal bacteria and their transition towards biomimetics. The recent developments of biomimetics based on surface layer proteins have been summarized and also posited different challenges and future prospects.
基金National Science&Technology Pillar Program of China in the Twelfth Five-year Plan Period(2014BAD06B03)and by“Project 985”of Jilin University.
文摘The reduction of water resources and soil fertility in Northeast China will have a requirement on higher working efficiency of agricultural soil-engaging components.The adhesion and resistance are main problems for soil-engaging tillage components.However,the soil-burrowing or soil-digging animals give inspirations to resolve those problems.Their fair,claw,toe,textured surface and scales have functions of anti-adhesion or resistance reduction.Those results provide a way to realize the sustainable development of modern agriculture by developing novel biomimetic agricultural machinery systems with independent intellectual property rights to meet conservation tillage requirements in the Northern China region.Biological structures of some soil-burrowing or soil-digging animals,such as beetle,mole cricket,earthworm,mole,vole,pangolin,and snake,as well as their mechanisms of anti-adhesion or reducing resistance were reviewed in this paper.Bioinspired applications in Northeast China were also presented in the paper,including moldboard,subsoiler components,furrow opener,roller,and biomimetic rototilling-stubble-breaking blade.In addition,the existed problems in agricultural engineering and the future development trends were discussed.
文摘Biomimetics is an established field in research and industry. Current approaches focus on the use of biological principles in product development, while large potentials have also been identified for transferring organisational principles from nature to production organisation. This study gives a comprehensive overview of existing literature and illustrates that only fragmented research is being conducted at present. In order to enable systematic translation into methods that are available to practitioners, a framework is developed which allows the body of literature to be structured and potential fields not being researched at present to be identified. It also points out that some biological principles receive more attention in research approaches and practical implementation in production organisation than others. Furthermore, correlations between biological principles and principles in production are identified that there have already been successful translations of biomimetic approaches to production organisation. On the other hand, it suggests that there are numerous promising approaches only described in an initial paper that need further research before they can be implemented in practice.
基金financially supported by National Key Research and Development Program of China (2022YFB3804903, 2022YFB3804900)the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No. 52273052)+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No. 2232023Y01)the Program of Shanghai Academic/Technology Research Leader (No. 21XD1420100)the International Cooperation Fund of Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality (No. 21130750100)。
文摘Nanofiber membranes(NFMs) have become attractive candidates for next-generation flexible transparent materials due to their exceptional flexibility and breathability. However, improving the transmittance of NFMs is a great challenge due to the enormous reflection and incredibly poor transmission generated by the nanofiber-air interface. In this research, we report a general strategy for the preparation of flexible temperature-responsive transparent(TRT) membranes,which achieves a rapid transformation of NFMs from opaque to highly transparent under a narrow temperature window. In this process, the phase change material eicosane is coated on the surface of the polyurethane nanofibers by electrospray technology. When the temperature rises to 37 ℃, eicosane rapidly completes the phase transition and establishes the light transmission path between the nanofibers, preventing light loss from reflection at the nanofiber-air interface. The resulting TRT membrane exhibits high transmittance(> 90%), and fast response(5 s). This study achieves the first TRT transition of NFMs, offering a general strategy for building highly transparent nanofiber materials, shaping the future of next-generation intelligent temperature monitoring, anti-counterfeiting measures, and other high-performance devices.
文摘The twenty-first century is one of the most complex in the history of humanity,mainly due to the ecological crisis it is going through.The construction sector generates about 40%of CO2 emissions into the environment;the foregoing should motivate this sector to seek new alternatives to develop new building practices.Taking these current needs into account,this document classifies and presents a multidisciplinary solution that integrates biology,engineering and architecture to develop a new and innovative lightweight timber structure;it divides with a main structure made of timber and an innovative joint system made of bio-polymers connecting all the panels.Through the study of diatoms,it was able to analyze the bio-morphology of the structure,joints and in particular the geometry since they were the inspiration for the design of this structure that presents an innovative and novel design of structural optimization.Through parametric design and digital fabrication,it was able to create a complex geometry that obtains excellent structural behavior.This research discusses and explores how materials,geometry led to the optimization of a structure and how new structures can arise,thanks to biology new solutions can be obtained that are completely sustainable,being a clear example of how to combat the effects of the climate change and in a precise way it highlights the advantages of the bio-design in the architectural design.
基金supported by grants from the National Natural Science Foundation of China(52205363)Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2019kfyRCPY044 and 2021GCRC002)+3 种基金Program for HUST Academic Frontier Youth Team(2018QYTD04)Program for Innovative Research Team of the Ministry of Education(IRT1244)Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Cooperation Zone Shenzhen Park Project:HZQB-KCZYB-2020030the Guangdong Provincial Department of Science and Technology(Key-Area Research and Development Program of Guangdong Province)under the Grant 2020B090923002。
文摘Piezoelectricity in native bones has been well recognized as the key factor in bone regeneration.Thus,bio-piezoelectric materials have gained substantial attention in repairing damaged bone by mimicking the tissue’s electrical microenvironment(EM).However,traditional manufacturing strategies still encounter limitations in creating personalized bio-piezoelectric scaffolds,hindering their clinical applications.Three-dimensional(3D)/four-dimensional(4D)printing technology based on the principle of layer-by-layer forming and stacking of discrete materials has demonstrated outstanding advantages in fabricating bio-piezoelectric scaffolds in a more complex-shaped structure.Notably,4D printing functionality-shifting bio-piezoelectric scaffolds can provide a time-dependent programmable tissue EM in response to external stimuli for bone regeneration.In this review,we first summarize the physicochemical properties of commonly used bio-piezoelectric materials(including polymers,ceramics,and their composites)and representative biological findings for bone regeneration.Then,we discuss the latest research advances in the 3D printing of bio-piezoelectric scaffolds in terms of feedstock selection,printing process,induction strategies,and potential applications.Besides,some related challenges such as feedstock scalability,printing resolution,stress-to-polarization conversion efficiency,and non-invasive induction ability after implantation have been put forward.Finally,we highlight the potential of shape/property/functionality-shifting smart 4D bio-piezoelectric scaffolds in bone tissue engineering(BTE).Taken together,this review emphasizes the appealing utility of 3D/4D printed biological piezoelectric scaffolds as next-generation BTE implants.
基金supported by the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute(KHIDI),the Ministry of Health&Welfare,Republic of Korea(Grant Number:HI14C2143)the National Research Foundation of Korea(NRF)grant funded by the Korea government(MIST)(NRF-2021R1A2C2009665)。
文摘Osteoconductive function is remarkably low in bone disease in the absence of bone tissue surrounding the grafting site,or if the bone tissue is in poor condition.Thus,an effective bone graft in terms of both osteoconductivity and osteoinductivity is required for clinical therapy.Recently,the three-dimensional(3D)kagome structure has been shown to be advantageous for bone tissue regeneration due to its mechanical properties.In this study,a polycaprolactone(PCL)kagome-structure scaffold containing a hyaluronic acid(HA)-based hydrogel was fabricated using a 3D printing technique.The retention capacity of the hydrogel in the scaffold was assessed in vivo with a rat calvaria subcutaneous model for 3 weeks,and the results were compared with those obtained with conventional 3D-printed PCL grid-structure scaffolds containing HA-based hydrogel and bulk-type HA-based hydrogel.The retained hydrogel in the kagome-structure scaffold was further evaluated by in vivo imaging system analysis.To further reinforce the osteoinductivity of the kagome-structure scaffold,a PCL kagome-structure scaffold with bone morphogenetic protein-2(BMP-2)containing HA hydrogel was fabricated and implanted in a calvarial defect model of rabbits for 16 weeks.The bone regeneration characteristics were evaluated with hematoxylin and eosin(H&E),Masson’s trichrome staining,and micro-CT image analysis.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China, No. 2016YFC1101603 (to DYZ)the National Natural Science Foundation of China, Nos. 31640045 (to YHW), 81901251 (to ML)the Natural Science Foundation of Beijing of China, No. 7204323 (to ML)
文摘We previously prepared nerve growth factor poly-lactide co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres to treat rat sciatic nerve injury using the small gap sleeve technique.Multiple growth factors play a synergistic role in promoting the repair of peripheral nerve injury;as a result,in this study,we added basic fibroblast growth factors to the microspheres to further promote nerve regeneration.First,in an in vitro biomimetic microenvironment,we developed and used a drug screening biomimetic microfluidic chip to screen the optimal combination of nerve growth factor/basic fibroblast growth factor to promote the regeneration of Schwann cells.We found that 22.56 ng/mL nerve growth factor combined with 4.29 ng/mL basic fibroblast growth factor exhibited optimal effects on the proliferation of primary rat Schwann cells.The successfully prepared nerve growth factor-basic fibroblast growth factor-poly-lactide-co-glycolid sustained-release microspheres were used to treat rat sciatic nerve transection injury using the small gap sleeve bridge technique.Compared with epithelium sutures and small gap sleeve bridging alone,the small gap sleeve bridging technique combined with drug-free sustained-release microspheres has a stronger effect on rat sciatic nerve transfection injury repair at the structural and functional level.
基金supported by the Zhejiang Province Key Research and Development Program(No.2021C03059)。
文摘Large bone defect regeneration has always been recognized as a challenging clinical problem due to the difficulty of revascularization.Conventional treatments exhibit certain inherent disadvantages(e.g.,secondary injury,immunization,and potential infections).However,three-dimensional(3D)printing technology as an emerging field can serve as an effective approach to achieve satisfactory revascularization while making up for the above limitations.A wide variety of methods can be used to facilitate blood supply during the design of a 3D-printed scaffold.Importantly,the scaffold structure lays a foundation for the entire printing object;any method to promote angiogenesis can be effective only if it is based on well-designed scaffolds.In this review,different designs related to angiogenesis are summarized by collecting the literature from recent years.The 3D-printed scaffolds are classified into four major categories and discussed in detail,from elementary porous scaffolds to the most advanced bone-like scaffolds.Finally,structural design suggestions to achieve rapid angiogenesis are proposed by analyzing the above architectures.This review can provide a reference for organizations or individual academics to achieve improved bone defect repair and regeneration using 3D printing.
基金supported by the Top young and middleaged medical talent of Chongqing,Top young and middleaged medical studio of Chongqing,Chongqing Science and Health Joint fund for top young and middle-aged talent(2023GDRC007)the Key project for clinical innovation of Army Medical University(CX2019LC107)the project for Chongqing University Innovation Research Group,Chongqing Education Committee(CXQT20006).
文摘Metastasis-associated processes are the predominant instigator of fatalities linked to cancer,wherein the pivotal role of circulating tumor cells lies in the resurgence of malignant growth.In recent epochs,exosomes,constituents of the extracellular vesicle cohort,have garnered attention within the field of tumor theranostics owing to their inherent attributes encompassing biocompatibility,modifiability,payload capacity,stability,and therapeutic suitability.Nonetheless,the rudimentary functionalities and limited efficacy of unmodified exosomes curtail their prospective utility.In an effort to surmount these shortcomings,intricate methodologies amalgamating nanotechnology with genetic manipulation,chemotherapy,immunotherapy,and optical intervention present themselves as enhanced avenues to surveil and intercede in tumor metastasis and relapse.This review delves into the manifold techniques currently employed to engineer exosomes,with a specific focus on elucidating the interplay between exosomes and the metastatic cascade,alongside the implementation of tailored exosomes in abating tumor metastasis and recurrence.This review not only advances comprehension of the evolving landscape within this domain but also steers the trajectory of forthcoming investigations.
基金supported by the Fundacao para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT) (SFRH/BD/148771/2019,2021.05914.BD, PTDC/BTM-MAT/4738/2020)the European Research CouncilDERC Starting Grant (848325).
文摘A bio-inspired strategy has recently been developed for camouflaging nanocarriers with biomembranes,such as natural cell membranes or subcellular structure-derived membranes.This strategy endows cloaked nanomaterials with improved interfacial properties,superior cell targeting,immune evasion potential,and prolonged duration of systemic circulation.Here,we summarize recent advances in the production and application of exosomal membrane-coated nanomaterials.The structure,properties,and manner in which exosomes communicate with cells are first reviewed.This is followed by a discussion of the types of exosomes and their fabrication methods.We then discuss the applications of biomimetic exosomes and membrane-cloaked nanocarriers in tissue engineering,regenerative medicine,imaging,and the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.Finally,we appraise the current challenges associated with the clinical translation of biomimetic exosomal membrane-surface-engineered nanovehicles and evaluate the future of this technology.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(12272329)the Sichuan University Student Innovation and Entrepreneurship Training Program(S202110619066)+2 种基金the Project of State Key Laboratory of Environment-friendly Energy Materials,Southwest University of Science and Technology(No.20fksy18)the Undergraduate Innovation Fund Project by Southwest University of Science and Technology(CX21-098)the NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation(Mianyang Central Hospital)(21HYX019)。
文摘The influence of minor environmental factors,such as the geomagnetic field,on the biomineralization of nacres,is often ignored but a great deal of research has confirmed its important role in the normal mineralization of calcium carbonate.Although the geomagnetic field is weak,its cumulative effects need to be considered given that the biomineralization process can take years.Accordingly,the authors of this paper have investigated the effects of weak magnetic fields(25 Gs or 50 Gs)on calcium carbonate mineralization and analyzed the mechanism involved.The results show that even a weak magnetic field conduces to the formation of vaterite or aragonite,in the induction order of precursor→vaterite→aragonite.The stronger the magnetic field and the longer the time,the more obvious the induction effect.The effect of a magnetic field is strongest in the aging stage and weakest in the solution stage.Inductions by egg-white protein and by a magnetic field inhibit each other,but they both restrict particle growth.These findings highlight the importance of minor environmental factors for biomineralization and can serve as a reference for biomimetic preparation of a CaCO_(3)nacre-like structure and for anti-scale technology for circulating cooling water.
基金supported by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technologythe National Development and Reform Commission of the People’s Republic of China+2 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(2232020A-06)the Science and Technology Commission of Shanghai Municipality(20QA1400500,21130750100,and 22dz1200102)Huo Yingdong Education Foundation(171065)。
文摘People could potentially mitigate heat discomfort when outdoors by combining passive radiative cooling(PRC)strategies with personal thermal management techniques.However,most current PRC materials lack wearing comfort and durability.In this study,a microarray technique is applied to fabricate the tailoring photonic-engineered textiles with intriguing PRC capability and appealing wearability.The developed radiative cooling textiles(RCTs)demonstrate appropriate air-moisture permeability,structural stability,and extended spectroscopic response with high sunlight reflectivity(91.7%)and robust heat emissivity(95.8%)through the atmospheric transparent spectral window(ATSW).In a hot outdoor cooling test,a skin simulator covered by the RCTs displays a temperature drop of approximately 4.4℃at noon compared with cotton textiles.The evolution of our mimetic structures may provide new insights into the generation of wearable,thermal-wet comfortable,and robust textiles for exploring PRC techniques in personal thermal management applications.
基金support by the Shenzhen-Hong Kong-Macao Science and Technology Project(Category C)sponsored by the Science Technology and Innovation Committee of Shenzhen Municipality(SGDX20201103093003017)Shenzhen Key Basic Research Project(JCYJ20200109114827177)Hong Kong RGC General Research Fund(CityU 11216421).
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2102801)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(21621004)。
文摘Oriented immobilization of enzymes helps to maintain their native structure and proper orientation for high-performance engineering to meet extensive biocatalysis demands.However,the supporting materials used for orientated immobilization are usually costly or complicated in preparation,affecting their practical applications.In this work,a facile purification and immobilization method was proposed for enzyme immobilization based on organic-inorganic hybrid calcium phosphate nanocrystal(Ca Ps)induced by Cu^(2+) modified bovine serum albumin(BSA-Cu).Then,the as-prepared hybrid calcium phosphate nanosheet,BSA-Cu@Ca Ps,was utilized for one-pot purification and immobilization of His-tagged organophosphorus hydrolase(OPH)by metal-affinity binding to the incorporated BSA.BSA-Cu@Ca PsOPH exhibited enhanced p H stability and thermal stability compared to the free enzyme.Moreover,BSA-Cu@Ca Ps-OPH could retain more than 75%and 56%of initial activity after reuse 5 and 10 times,respectively.The results demonstrated that this facile strategy was promising for the effective biodegradation of organophosphorus pesticides with the immobilized enzyme.
基金sponsored by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(2021YFC2501800)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.U1909218)the Science Fund for Creative Research Groups of the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.T2121004).
文摘Lung diseases associated with alveoli,such as acute respiratory distress syndrome,have posed a long-term threat to human health.However,an in vitro model capable of simulating different deformations of the alveoli and a suitable material for mimicking basement membrane are currently lacking.Here,we present an innovative biomimetic controllable strain membrane(BCSM)at an air–liquid interface(ALI)to reconstruct alveolar respiration.The BCSM consists of a high-precision three-dimensional printing melt-electrowritten polycaprolactone(PCL)mesh,coated with a hydrogel substrate—to simulate the important functions(such as stiffness,porosity,wettability,and ALI)of alveolar microenvironments,and seeded pulmonary epithelial cells and vascular endothelial cells on either side,respectively.Inspired by papercutting,the BCSM was fabricated in the plane while it operated in three dimensions.A series of the topological structure of the BCSM was designed to control various local-area strain,mimicking alveolar varied deformation.Lopinavir/ritonavir could reduce Lamin A expression under over-stretch condition,which might be effective in preventing ventilator-induced lung injury.The biomimetic lung-unit model with BCSM has broader application prospects in alveoli-related research in the future,such as in drug toxicology and metabolism.