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Different orders and life stages of springtails (Collembola) have developed a variety of periodic, hierarchical surface structures with hydrophobic properties. A-A″) Image of Entomobrya intermedia and SEM images showing hexagonal and triangular motifs in P. flavescens. B-B″) Image of Vertagopus arboreus, and SEM images showing irregular square and pentagonal motifs in I. viridus. C-C″) Image of Kalaphorura burmeisteri, and SEM images showing secondary granular structures and hexagonal motifs in S. quadrispina. D-D″) Image of D. ornata, and SEM images showing secondary granular structures and variable elliptical patterns in A. pygmaeus, Scale bars: A′-D′ = 2 µm, A″-D″ = 500 nm. Reproduced with permission. [666] Copyright 2012, Springer.
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Over the course of their wildly successful proliferation across the earth, the insects as a taxon have evolved enviable adaptations to their diverse habitats, which include adhesives, locomotor systems, hydrophobic surfaces, and sensors and actuators that transduce mechanical, acoustic, optical, thermal, and chemical signals. Insect-inspired design...
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... (i) prevent water (and thus weight) accumulation though antiwetting, (ii) exhibit low adhesion to foreign particles, (iii) promote droplet rolling to encapsulate and remove any contaminants that manage to stick to the surface, (iv) encourage droplet coalescence, which helps protect against the accumulation of water from fine mists, and (v) discourage bacterial growth. [149,154] Broadly, these hydrophobic designs can be generalized into at least four groups: simple (e.g., pillar or dome-shaped) micro- or nanostructures, complex (varied shape) micro-or nanostruc- tures, scales (usually 2-3 µm in one dimension), hairs or setae much longer (typically more than 5 µm in length) than their diameters, and hierarchical organizations including any combi- nation of these elements (Figure 9). [155] Regardless of their design motif, hydrophobicity-inducing structures in insects generally seek to maximize the air-water interface area while minimizing the solid-water contact area. ...
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... research from our group has taken inspiration from the lipid-bilayer-lined pores in the walls of sensilla in moth antennae, which also have the function of detecting and identifying chemicals in small amounts. Moth sensilla provide a nonstick fluid coating (Figure 19C, [430][431][432] ) and selective odorant-binding proteins and neural receptors enable moths to distinguish between odorants as described below. [430,[433][434][435] Similarly, selective conjugation of an analyte to a lipid membrane imparts selectivity to synthetic nanopore sys- tems while minimizing nonspecific adsorption. ...
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... some mechanosensors (see Section 5), the basic chem- oreceptive structures in insects are called sensilla. Sensilla take various shapes involving cuticular projections containing pores or pits ( Figure 19A,B), but the role of each chemoreceptive sen- sillum is the same as in the mechanical sensors: to bring the den- drites of the detecting sensory neurons into direct contact with the outside world while providing them with a protective bar- rier that facilitates chemical transport. The pores on a sensillum mediate access to the sensory neurons. ...
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... to the low concentration of odorant molecules in air and their importance in signaling, many insects have been evolution- arily pressured toward developing incredibly sensitive olfactory systems. For this reason, olfactory sensilla tend to have thou- sands of pores lining their walls ( Figure 19C) to give the sensory dendrites of each sensillum maximum exposure to the environ- ment. Different types of sensilla have evolved to optimally detect different types of analytes; double-walled sensilla are thought to be more sensitive to polar molecules, while single-walled sen- silla have evolved close-packed arrays of pore tubules specialized for the transport of nonpolar odorants. ...
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... types of sensilla have evolved to optimally detect different types of analytes; double-walled sensilla are thought to be more sensitive to polar molecules, while single-walled sen- silla have evolved close-packed arrays of pore tubules specialized for the transport of nonpolar odorants. [430,437] Many insects have multiple types of sensilla decorating their antennae, [438] giving them a wider scope of substrates ( Figure 19A). ...
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... moths in particular have developed spectacular antennae in the shape of combs or feathers. Extensive branching increases the surface area of the antennae of the silkmoth, Bombyx mori, sixfold from 4.8 to 29 mm 2 (Figure 19). [438,439] Adv. ...
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... Less than a millisecond after the valve opens, the explosion resulting from the contact of the fuel with the enzymes displaces a flexible expansion membrane ( Figure 20B) that closes the valve again, giving the jet its pulsed character and automatically regulating the consumption of fuel for longer, less self-destructive pulses than if the fuel were to all enter the chamber at once. [464] The secretion that catalyzes the reaction is dense and sticky and is held to the inner surface of the reaction chamber by an impressively diverse array of microsculp- tures, including branched spines, haired walls, spiny hairs, spiny lobes, small spinules, and a honeycomb-like floor, which mini- mize catalyst loss due to washout between blasts ( Figure 19D). The "turret" at the abdominal apex contains resilin to minimize recoil. ...
Citations
... One key factor for arthropods' evolutionary success is their natural mastery of nanotechnology. The surfaces of most arthropods feature various nano-sized outgrowths, grooves, or depressions, which provide functional advantages such as improved vision or self-cleaning [21,22]. These enhanced properties arise from significant changes in the physical and chemical properties of materials at the nanoscale. ...
... Nanoscale analysis of the corneal structures in Coleoptera revealed variations in nanocoatings among different specimens [24]. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) analysis of the superfamily Tenebrionoidea showed that the commonly observed dimpled nanocoatings are sometimes modified into maze-like or nipple-like structures (Figure 1a-d) [21,31]. ...
Nanopatterning of signal-transmitting proteins is essential for cell physiology and drug delivery but faces challenges such as high cost, limited pattern variability, and non-biofriendly materials. Arthropods, particularly beetles (Coleoptera), offer a natural model for biomimetic nanopatterning due to their diverse corneal nanostructures. Using atomic force microscopy (AFM), we analyzed Coleoptera corneal nanocoatings and identified dimpled nanostructures that can transform into maze-like/nipple-like protrusions. Further analysis suggested that these modifications result from a temporary, self-assembled process influenced by surface adhesion. We identified cuticular protein 7 (CP7) as a key component of dimpled nanocoatings. Biophysical analysis revealed CP7’s unique self-assembly properties, allowing us to replicate its nanopatterning ability in vitro. Our findings demonstrate CP7’s potential for bioinspired nanocoatings and provide insights into the evolutionary mechanisms of nanostructure formation. This research paves the way for cost-effective, biomimetic nanopatterning strategies with applications in nanotechnology and biomedicine.
... People began to notice that some organisms, such as insects, birds, and marine life, had gorgeous and bright structural colors as early as centuries ago. After observing and studying these organisms, scientists began to notice that these colors were not caused by the existence of pigments but by the microstructure inside the organisms [7]. For example, many insects [8] Butterflies [9] and the feathers of birds [10], fish scales, etc. [11], all have special microstructures and can produce unique color effects through interference and scattering of light, as shown in Figure 1. ...
... Certified Italian vineyards involved in the production of certified organic wine use the fungal biocontrol agent Beauveria bassiana to control pests commonly affecting vineyards such as grapevine moths and mealybugs. Unlike bacteria, this fungus bores holes through the insect's cuticle and finally kills the host (Schroeder et al., 2018). Beauveria bassiana is non-toxic to man and useful insects and its application in farming systems is safe for the health of plant and human consumers. ...
In a world increasingly defined by environmental challenges, public health concerns, and the quest for sustainable industrial practices, the role of biotechnology has never been more critical. Biotechnology for a Green Future explores the groundbreaking advancements at the intersection of biology, technology, and sustainability. This book delves into the innovative applications of microbial systems, nanoparticles, medicinal plants, biocontrol agents, and bioinformatics, offering a comprehensive overview of how these emerging fields are shaping the future of health, agriculture, and industry. With a focus on green and sustainable synthesis techniques, we examine how modern biotechnology harnesses the power of nature to solve pressing global issues, from reducing environmental pollution to enhancing medical therapies. We explore how microorganisms, such as yeasts, bacteria, and fungi, are revolutionizing industrial processes and medicine, while offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional methods. Furthermore, we discuss the growing role of bioinformatics in drug discovery, providing new tools for precision medicine and personalized healthcare.
This book also highlights the challenges that accompany these innovations—scientific, ethical, and regulatory—and presents real-world case studies that demonstrate the potential of biotechnologies to transform industries, improve human health, and protect the planet. As we look to the future, Biotechnology for a Green Future offers insights into the next frontiers of scientific discovery and the ways in which biotechnology will continue to address the complexities of a rapidly changing world.
... Brochosomes offer both superhydrophobicity and omnidirectional anti-reflectivity. These properties could inspire new materials with antimicrobial and self-cleaning properties, useful for engineering applications like biofilm reduction and surface fouling prevention (Schroeder et al., 2018). ...
Brochosomes are an incredible adaptation that help leafhoppers survive by protecting their bodies, avoiding predators, repelling water, and defending against microbes. These tiny structures not only show the brilliance of evolution but also offer ideas for practical uses like pest control and creating advanced materials. While much has been discovered about brochosomes, there is still more to learn about how they evolved and their specific roles, leaving exciting opportunities for future research.
... The animals showed that paper could be manufactured from wood, a resource abundantly available for humans (Vogel, 1998: 261ff). A more recent overview of functional material features that are used by insects and that are interesting for engineering has been compiled in Schroeder et al. (2018); indeed, some of these features have already been used in engineering. ...
... Small flying vehicles operate at similar Reynolds numbers (100e10,000; Tanaka et al., 2012) to those of insects making their handling of aerodynamic challenges an interesting object of study and mimicking. Furthermore, both insect wings and MAV wings must be lightweight, flexible and strong (Schroeder et al., 2018). In turn, MAVs have been used to tackle scientific questions in biology to aid our understanding of the key functionalities of insect flight (Tanaka et al., 2012). ...
... Arthropod cuticle is a multifunctional composite material (see Vincent & Wegst, 2004; for a review on functional materials in insects, see Schroeder et al., 2018). The diversity of the cuticle's mechanical properties (Politi et al., 2019;Hou et al., 2021) has its origin in cuticle thickness and microstructure, the abundance of proteins and water and the degree of tanning by quinone reactions (Andersen, 2010;Cribb et al., 2008a;Greenfeld et al., 2020;Hellenbrand & Penick, 2023;Hillerton & Vincent, 1982;Hopkins & Kramer, 1992;Hou et al., 2023;Li et al., 2020;Peisker et al., 2013;Schofield et al., 2002; for review on mechanical property gradients and their various origins, see Liu et al., 2017). ...
Leafcutter ants show a high degree of task division among the workers of different castes. For example, the smallest workers, the minims, care for the brood and the symbiotic fungus, whereas the larger mediae cut and transport plant material. This is reflected in the size and morphology of the mandibles, but also in their mechanical properties as mediae possess the hardest and stiffest cuticle and the minims—the softest and most flexible one. This is directly related to the content of the cross‐linking transition metal zinc (Zn). The cuticle microstructure, which can be more or less anisotropic depending on the orientation of cuticle layers, is known to determine the resistance to loads and stresses and thus contributes to the biomechanical behaviour of the structure. To study how the mandible tasks are related to the cuticular organisation, we here documented the microstructure of the mandibles from the mediae and the minims by scanning electron microscopy. Afterwards, the mechanical properties (Youngs' modulus, E , and hardness, H ) of the exo‐, meso‐ and endocuticle were identified by nanoindentation. Tests were performed along the longitudinal and the circumferential axes of the mandibles. We found, that the minims possess mandibles, which are more isotropic, whereas the mandibles of the mediae are rather anisotropic. This difference was never determined within one species before and is probably linked to the task of the individual ant. To gain insight into the origins of these properties, we characterized the elemental composition of the different cuticle layers along the circumferential axis, revealing that only the exocuticle of the mandible cutting edge contains Zn. All other mechanical property gradients thus must be the result of the chitin fibre bundle architecture or the properties of the protein matrix, which awaits further investigation.
... 295average speed, v (1.55 mm/s) is achieved at a P R = 2739%, after which it progressively decreases with increasing payload ratio, 296 reaching its minimum v = 1.3 mm/s at maximum payload ratio. We furthermore compare the P R of Poka against sixteen other 297 ambulating robots and find that when plotted against the mass of the robot, a non-linear relationship can be mapped between the 298 two following the form P R = e a ln(m)+b , where for the data set plotted, a = -0.34 and b = 0.35. ...
... The data for robots other than Poka in this plot is either taken directly from, or deduced from data available in the following papers:65,73,74,[76][77][78][79][80][81][82][83][84][85][86][87] . For the dataset elucidated in this plot, P R is shown to be non-linearly related to m as: P R = e a ln(m)+b where a = -0.34 and b = 0.35. ...
This paper is concerned with the design, manufacture and validation of 'Poka', a novel millimetre-scale necro-robot aimed at bridging the performance gap between miniature robots and insects. To create Poka, we use the exoskeleton of a deceased five-horned rhinoceros beetle (Eupatorus gracilicornis) as a mechanical chassis, which is mechatronically functionalised to enable ambulation. When comparing the payload ratio, PR, of Poka against reported values of the rhinoceros beetle Xyloryctes thestalus, we find that Poka's PR is more than 2-fold higher, reaching a measured maximum of 6847% (i.e. 68.47 times its own body weight). The specific power at maximum payload, P s,t , is nevertheless of the same order of magnitude in both Xyloryctes thestalus (0.21 W/kg) and Poka (0.28 W/kg). Poka's highest average speed, v (1.55 mm/s) is achieved at a PR = 2739%, after which it progressively decreases with increasing payload ratio, reaching its minimum v = 1.3 mm/s at maximum payload ratio. When comparing Poka's maximum measured PR of 6847% against those of sixteen other ambulating robots, we find that Poka's PR far exceeds that of any other robot to date, the highest being otherwise from SuperBot who has a PR = 530%. Poka's payload ratio is therefore the highest robot payload ratio recorded to date and we attribute this to (a) the use of the beetle body as a natural composite chassis with high specific properties, and (b) the additive manufacture of bionic beetle parts using low density but stiff polylactic acid, designed with structurally stable geometries.
... A correlation where beetles with chiral structures occur in humid environments may seem counterintuitive at first, but it deserves further exploration. Typically, organisms rely on superficial 3D structures to create air gaps between the surface and potential water droplets enabling hydrophobicity and self-cleaning 98,99 , but chiral nanostructures in scarabs are placed beneath the epicuticle and cuticular wax 11 -i.e. not in direct contact with water droplets. ...
Beetles exhibit an extraordinary diversity of brilliant and colourful appearances and optical effects invisible to humans. Their underlying mechanisms have received some attention, but we know little about the ecological variables driving their evolution. Here we investigated environmental correlates of reflectivity and circular polarization in a group of optically diverse beetles (Scarabaeidae–Rutelinae). We quantified the optical properties of 261 specimens representing 46 species using spectrophotometry and calibrated photographs. Then, we examined associations between these properties and environmental variables such as temperature, humidity and vegetation cover, controlling for body size and phylogenetic relatedness. Our results showed larger beetles have higher visible reflectivity in drier environments. Unexpectedly, near-infrared (NIR) reflectivity was not correlated with ecological variables. However, we found a correlation between humidity and polarization (chiral nanostructures). We identified trade-offs between optical properties: beetles without polarization-associated nanostructures had higher NIR reflectivity. By contrast, visible reflectivity was negatively correlated with the accumulation of pigments such as melanin. Our study highlights the value of a macroecological approach for testing alternative hypotheses to explain the diversity of optical effects in beetles and to understand the link between structure and function.
... Certified Italian vineyards involved in the production of certified organic wine use the fungal biocontrol agent Beauveria bassiana to control pests commonly affecting vineyards such as grapevine moths and mealybugs. Unlike bacteria, this fungus bores holes through the insect's cuticle and finally kills the host (Schroeder et al., 2018). Beauveria bassiana is non-toxic to man and useful insects and its application in farming systems is safe for the health of plant and human consumers. ...
In a world increasingly defined by environmental challenges, public health
concerns, and the quest for sustainable industrial practices, the role of
biotechnology has never been more critical. Biotechnology for a Green Future
explores the groundbreaking advancements at the intersection of biology,
technology, and sustainability. This book delves into the innovative applications of
microbial systems, nanoparticles, medicinal plants, biocontrol agents, and
bioinformatics, offering a comprehensive overview of how these emerging fields
are shaping the future of health, agriculture, and industry. With a focus on green
and sustainable synthesis techniques, we examine how modern biotechnology
harnesses the power of nature to solve pressing global issues, from reducing
environmental pollution to enhancing medical therapies. We explore how
microorganisms, such as yeasts, bacteria, and fungi, are revolutionizing industrial
processes and medicine, while offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional
methods. Furthermore, we discuss the growing role of bioinformatics in drug
discovery, providing new tools for precision medicine and personalized healthcare.
This book also highlights the challenges that accompany these innovations—
scientific, ethical, and regulatory—and presents real-world case studies that
demonstrate the potential of biotechnologies to transform industries, improve
human health, and protect the planet. As we look to the future, Biotechnology for a
Green Future offers insights into the next frontiers of scientific discovery and the
ways in which biotechnology will continue to address the complexities of a rapidly
changing world.
... Besides faeces, hair is another candidate for such a tissue. Bumblebee hair consists of chitinous setae which are unicellular extensions of the cuticle (Chandran et al., 2016;Schroeder et al., 2018;Winterton, 2009). They are branched differently depending on their body location, function, species and inhabited ecoregion (Hines et al., 2022;Southwick, 1985). ...
A common method in bumblebee monitoring is the capturing and immobilisation of animals to morphologically determine their species. This usually requires researchers to kill the specimens to examine small details under an optics setup. To circumvent this, molecular methods like cytochrome oxidase subunit I–based barcoding have been well established, which support monitoring efforts without the need to keep voucher specimens. The most common way of sampling tissue from living bumblebees for DNA barcoding remains the clipping of tarsal tips. However, the possible effects of this sampling method on the specimens, especially reproductives, have not been studied in detail.
Here, we tested a minimally invasive sampling method for barcode‐based species identification, using hair from living as well as collection‐derived specimens. Our study consists of three different experimental parts, which aimed at adapting the method from controlled experimental to field conditions.
Our results indicate that hair‐based barcoding of bumblebees is possible. In a controlled experiment, there were no negative effects on the survival of sampled individuals. However, sample processing must be handled more carefully than traditional tarsal sampling to avoid sample contamination. Nevertheless, hair is a promising sampling material for supporting difficult identifications in bumblebee monitoring.
Our study is an example of establishing minimally invasive sampling methods for hairy pollinators. The method might be used to reduce the number of specimens killed in monitoring campaigns and to avoid damaging precious museum specimens.
