This study delves into the investigation of dynamic response and energy absorption capabilities inherent in cornstalk-inspired porous structures. The specimens were meticulously fabricated using acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), , a material chosen for its known toughness and impact resistance, through 3D printing. Characterization of the base material was conducted using Shimadzu® Universal Testing Machine and Split Hopkinson Pressure Bar. Low-velocity impact tests were subsequently executed, subjecting the structures to a dynamic strain rate of 3.04 × 10² s^-1. In-depth damage analyses were carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to understand the brittle behaviour of polymers and identify debonding in the 3D-printed layers.

The results unveiled a noteworthy 12% increase in specific energy absorption (SEA) compared with quasi-static measurements. Remarkably, the selected topology exhibited outstanding energy-absorbing capability, surpassing that of many other porous structures reported in the literature by approximately ~17.5%. Complementary numerical modeling of compressive dynamic loading was performed to reinforce our experimental findings. This research not only validates the promising potential of cornstalk-inspired structures for enhanced energy absorption but also suggests avenues for improvement through the optimization of geometrical design. Importantly, this work builds upon the author's prior exploration of the quasi-static response of the cornstalk-inspired design, providing a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of the material's dynamic behaviour.

INTRODUCTION:

The electrification of transport has made battery technology a focal point of research and development. However, conventional manufacturing and disposal methods involving toxic elements present several direct and indirect environmental implications. This research review proposes a biomimetic approach to transition from material-centric to structure- and ecosystem-based functionality across various scales in energy storage. This encompasses electrode fabrication, material functionalization, separators, charge–discharge transfer ecosystems, geometrical arrangements, and thermal regulation. Nature-inspired fundamental structures such as gradients, cellular, fibrous, and tubular configurations were specifically explored for electrode slurry and binder functionalities, while sutures and overlapping scales were investigated for cell design. Geobacter and its related microbial ecosystems were identified as potential ecosystems for bio-designing charge transfer.

OBJECTIVE:
By shifting the focus from chemical innovation to structural and systemic design, this study aims to advocate for the utilization of life-conducive energy materials and resilient cell architectures to eliminate the adverse environmental impacts associated with traditional battery manufacturing and disposal restrictions.

METHODS AND RESULTS:
The available scientific literature, frameworks, and tools related to nature-inspired energy storage technologies were reviewed and analyzed. A co-creative, frugal, and agile framework is proposed for integrating nature-inspired structures and ecosystems at various stages of cell and battery fabrication. Gaps in the literature, existing methodologies, and future directions concerning biomimetic batteries were identified.

This study highlights the adsorption efficiency of A.Erioloba Seed Nanoparticles (AESNs) in the removal of ibuprofen from water. Ibuprofen is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world and often makes its way into aquatic resources through improper disposal. The AESNs (adsorbents) were extracted from the A.Erioloba seed pod via dewaxing, alkali treatment, bleaching, and acid hydrolysis to obtain nanoparticles. These nanoparticles were characterized by SEM analysis. An ibuprofen solution model was prepared via the dissolution of water–methanol at a ratio of 9:1. A calibration curve was prepared with a standard solution of the ibuprofen in a concentration range of 0.001mg/l- 0.010mg/l. The effect of dosage, pH, time, and temperature in each of the prepared ibuprofen concentrations was determined. Fourier–transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) was used to determine functional groups, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to study the morphology, size, and surface structure of the nanoparticles. UV spectroscopy determined the concentration of ibuprofen after the interaction with the AESN in different parameters, and X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to determine the crystal structure of the AESN. The Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models, as well as Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) methods, were applied to optimize the conditions for maximum adsorption and elucidate the surface area of AESNs and the behaviour of AESN as an adsorbent. The Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) results indicate that the surface area was found to be 0.7313 m²/g and the pore size was 0.001148 cm³/g. The R² 0.77 and 0.3710 results indicate that they do not favor both Langmuir and Freundlich isotherm models. The use of a low ibuprofen concentration, i.e., a low dosage, in this study resulted in positive results.

The study aimed to address the challenge posed by the large molecular weight of natural extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins in fabricating functional structures suitable for tissue repair. To overcome this, a low-molecular-weight and multifunctional chimeric recombinant ECM was engineered by fusing elastin-like polypeptide with various proteins to effectively stimulate mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) for tissue regeneration. The rationale for establishing the fusion with elastin-like polypeptide was to enhance the bioactivity and functionality of the ECM proteins. Control studies with the proteins alone were conducted to assess the impact of elastin-like polypeptide fusion on cellular responses.

Additionally, the bio-functionalization of titanium surfaces with recombinant fibronectin and elastin-like peptide was utilized to enhance bioactivity for improved osseointegration. This biofunctionalization sustained bioactivity over a 4-week period without an initial burst effect and notably increased the adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic differentiation of human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). The biomimetic fibronectin-coated titanium surfaces further induced the elevated expression of osteogenesis-related genes, emphasizing its potential to promote bone regeneration.

Control studies with individual proteins and without elastin-like peptide fusion were conducted to evaluate the specific contribution of the fusion strategy to cellular responses. The results demonstrated significantly increased cellular activities and osteogenic differentiation on the biomimetic fibronectin-coated titanium compared to non-coated surfaces, highlighting the beneficial effects of elastin-like polypeptide fusion for enhancing tissue regeneration outcomes. In summary, the rationale for fusing elastin-like polypeptide to ECM proteins in this study is to leverage ELP's unique properties to enhance the biomimicry, solubility, stability, purification efficiency, controlled release, and overall bioactivity of recombinant ECM proteins for improved tissue regeneration applications. The fusion strategy offers a promising approach to overcome challenges associated with large-molecular-weight ECM proteins and optimize their therapeutic potential.

The textile business is one of the fastest-growing in the world, with items often only being worn seven times before ending up in landfills; it ranks sixth globally in terms of waste production. Biomimetics has a long relationship with silk, extending back more than two millennia. This research adopts a multifaceted approach to the circular economy concept, focusing on enhancing textile sorting procedures, devising recycling plans, and prolonging clothing lifespans. With the rise in popularity of the circular economy, more people are beginning to understand the significance of switching from the linear to the circular economic model. To encourage the growth of the circular economic model, several new legislations have been implemented. Many companies have a tendency to recycle their trash and turn it into clothing that is either of poorer quality or that may be raised to the same level with the application of chemicals and significant financial expenditure. The potential of a circular economy for the environment and a multibillion dollar business is examined in this article along with sustainable design approaches that minimise waste. It assesses how much room there is for collaboration in design and manufacturing within the fashion industry. With an emphasis on the expanding field of interdisciplinary textile research, this study examines the possibility of developing a mutually beneficial partnership between industry and academia, especially in the fashion sector, to advance sustainable practices. The purpose of this research paper is to start a conversation on biomimetic practices of the future in the built environment, specifically in relation to sustainability and transformative change. Rethinking manufacturing, maximising the reuse of textile products, adopting reproduction and recycling tactics, redistributing textiles to new markets, and refining techniques to prolong their lifespan are all recommended under this approach.

Due to the dynamic behaviours often present in biological environments, biomimetics encourages solutions that can address complex design challenges more effectively. From the conceptualization to the implementation of a product, there are several phases in which prototyping is the fastest way to address eventual inaccuracies in design translations from biological mechanisms. Prototyping is also used to improve the combination options of design and materials' specificities altogether. In most cases, additive manufacturing (AM) provides the necessary level of customization within a reasonable timeframe because they can be reprinted after adjustments in the parameters of the digital design. AM has revolutionized the fabrication process by constructing objects layer by layer through the precise deposition of materials. This approach enables meticulous control over dimensions and allows the tailored programming of properties in intricate printed objects. While traditional 3D printing produces static structures, the advent of 4D printing introduces dynamic capabilities, wherein printed objects exhibit shape-changing abilities over time in response to external stimuli, driven by passive energy mechanisms. This concept mirrors the natural phenomenon of self-assembly observed in living organisms, wherein disparate components are autonomously organized into structured forms to adapt to environmental challenges and optimize survival. Inspired by nature's biomechanics and adaptive systems, 4D printing technologies leverage insights from biological processes, paving the way for hybrid technologies that emphasize shape adaptability and responsiveness to stimuli. Interdisciplinary collaboration plays a crucial role in harnessing diverse expertise and fostering innovation at the intersection of multiple fields and sometimes within the same project, as top-down as well as bottom-up approaches are useful. This collaborative approach enables the conceptual process of mimicking relevant properties and incorporating mechanisms of the studied biological system into design applications that effectively respond to challenges rather than inaccurate bioinspired forms and shapes that mainly inspire curiosity.

Most insects have an elongated shape and can be divided into two main geometric sides: the dorsal and the ventral. However, in some insect groups, such as Chrysididae (Hymenoptera), Cybocephalidae, Clambidae (Coleoptera), and Blaberidae (Blattoidea), a similar spherical shape has independently evolved, with the dorsal side becoming the external side. The cuticle is the most important modified part in spherical insects. To investigate the morphological and functional differences in the cuticle between elongate and spherical insects, three beetles from the superfamily Scarabaeoidea were studied: one spherical insect from Ceratocanthinae and two elongate insects from Hybosorinae and Melolonthinae.

The morphological comparison shows that the dorsal cuticles (e.g., pronotum and elytra) are expanded and curved in the spherical beetles, and additional joints between the cuticles help to maintain the basic shape. Uniaxial compression tests indicate that spherical beetles have greater overall defensive strength. Since the defensive strength of the exoskeleton is affected by both the dimensions (material thickness) and the mechanical properties of the material, CT scans and nanoindentation tests were performed to evaluate these two factors. The results showed that the average cuticular thickness of spherical insects was the highest, and the variation in thickness between different parts of the body cuticle was greater than that of the elongated ones. The elastic moduli of the outer cuticle parts (pronotum and elytra) of Ceratocanthinae were significantly higher than those of other beetles.

In conclusion, the findings show that the cuticles of spherical beetles not only changed their shape, but also exhibited higher stiffness and thickness, supporting the overall higher defensive strength. Further studies on the structures of exocuticles and endocuticles could provide additional information about this strategy. This work helps to explain the evolution of spherical insects and may inform the biomimetic design of spherical robots.

Bridges are important structures, often playing a vital role in society, connecting communities, enabling easy access over complex terrains and providing aesthetic purpose. Bridges are therefore infrastructurally, socially and psychologically beneficial to society. As such, there is importance in considering structural aspects alongside architectural aesthetics when designing bridges. Structures in nature often have coupled benefits. Many structures are aesthetically pleasing to the human eye, whilst also serving structural and mechanical roles. In this paper, we explore beauty in the form and structure of diatoms. We take a bioinspired approach to bridge design by computationally imitating and integrating the complex geometrical pattern of diatom frustules into the bridge design. Diatoms are single-celled algae that are protected by bioglass frustules, each of which exhibits architectural symmetry and porosities. In parallel to designing the aesthetics of bridges, as inspired by diatom frustules, we concurrently parametrically design these architectures to improve the mechanical rigidity of the final bridge forms. Our abstraction from diatom to bridge follows similar principles to analogical KoMBi models, considering specifically geometrical pore features from diatom species alongside their spatial distances and size variations. These abstractions are thus low-level abstractions focusing on geometrical properties such that their geometrical requirements are understood alongside their aesthetic and lightweight biological functions, which are subsequently transferred to bridge design either directly or in convoluted forms. Our initial designs are developed using non-uniform rational B-spline (NURBS) surfaces (Rhino-3D), and selected bridge forms are then modelled using the finite element analysis (FEA) method to ascertain optimal hole sizes and positions (COMSOL Multiphysics) in relation to their fundamental mechanical properties such as tensile and compressive strength and stiffness. Our results yield innovative, artistic and efficient bridge architectures optimised for structural integrity and load bearing.

The effects of static surface properties, such as free energy, toughness, elasticity, etc., on icephobicity have been extensively studied and documented. However, the role of dynamic surface characteristics in ice detachment remains unclear. This study examines the ice adhesion strength of authentic Arctic salmon (Salmon salar) skin by shear test. The results indicate a 60% reduction in ice adhesion strength when sheared against the growth orientation of fish scales compared to shearing along this orientation, revealing an intriguing anisotropic ice adhesion behavior of the fish scales. With the aid of molecular dynamic simulation, a distinctive structural evolution of fish scales, opening and peeling during ice shearing against the growth orientation, is revealed, resulting in a sequential rupture process and thereby significantly lowering the adhesion compared with concurrent rupture. The opening and peeling capacity of fish scales can be defined as the ability of individual scales to separate from their underlying structures and adhesives under applied force. Enhancing this capacity can further reduce ice adhesion strength, facilitating effortless ice detachment on fish scales. The mechanical robustness of fish scales offers new possibilities for designing hard and durable anti-icing surfaces. This opens a new avenue for understanding and designing surfaces with tailored adhesion mechanics.

The construction of artificial biological tissues presents complex interdisciplinary challenges, requiring the convergence of knowledge from materials science, biophysics, biology, design, and related fields. The interaction between cells and the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a crucial role in mechanobiological responses, where the tissue structure influences tissue guidance and growth. Additionally, it is important to consider the influence of various factors, such as porosity, surface topography, chemical composition, and cellular interactions, on scaffold efficacy. In this context, tissue-mimicking is of paramount importance, as it provides adequate and functional support for tissue growth, as well as enhancing cell viability rates. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of scaffold structure on the growth of biological tissues, in order to optimize their growth. Via computational models, tissue growth and its mechanical stiffness behavior can be simulated. It is expected that advances in scaffold research will lead to more sophisticated and effective tissue engineering technologies capable of promoting the regeneration of damaged or lost tissues more precisely and efficiently. The strides made in scaffold research hold substantial promise for the development of advanced tissue engineering technologies adept at effectively regenerating damaged tissues. This progress is poised to bring about profound implications for regenerative medicine, ushering in a new era of innovative therapeutic approaches to address diverse medical conditions. As such, these advancements offer not only hope for enhanced patient outcomes but also the potential for transformative breakthroughs in the field of healthcare.