Natural nanofibers embedded in the seed mucilage envelope: composite hydrogels with specific adhesive and frictional properties

• Agnieszka Kreitschitz and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1603–1618, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.126

• jellyfish). They can be important in different ways for the organisms (locomotion, reproduction, and defence) [34][35], but one of their most significant functions is their ability to absorb water [6][11][15][17][18]. One of such gel-like natural materials studied intensively over the last years is the

Hymenoptera and biomimetic surfaces: insights and innovations

• Vinicius Marques Lopez,
• Carlo Polidori and
• Rhainer Guillermo Ferreira

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 1333–1352, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.107

• for artificial adhesive surfaces because of their rapid stepping frequencies [127]. For instance, weaver ants (Oecophylla smaragdina) can swiftly adjust and control their contact areas in less than a millisecond, a capability that helps prevent unexpected detachment and enables efficient locomotion

• detachment. In other instances, the presence of curved spines or hair on the tarsomeres enhances locomotion on irregular surfaces by penetrating the microdevices of the substrate, providing thousands of interlocking points that contribute to overall friction [131]. For example, weaver ants, renowned for

The effect of age on the attachment ability of stick insects (Phasmatodea)

• Marie Grote,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Thies H. Büscher

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 867–883, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.72

• sign of ageing is the loss of locomotory functions due to neuronal disorders or tissue wear. Soft and pliable attachment pads on the tarsi of insects adapt to the substrate texture to maximize their real contact area and, thereby, generate attachment during locomotion. In the majority of stick insects

• area with the substrate. Keywords: adhesion; attachment pads; friction; locomotion; morphology; material properties; wear; Introduction Ageing inexorably affects most living organisms, does not exclude insects, and makes different organs or tissues susceptible to wear or fatigue of material [1

• ) or ants [4]. One difficulty of measuring age-dependent functional decay is finding feasible methods to investigate underlying material fatigue. One functional system affected by age and of concern for locomotion and, hence, for the survival of individual insects is the attachment system. Two

Functional fibrillar interfaces: Biological hair as inspiration across scales

• Guillermo J. Amador,
• Brett Klaassen van Oorschot,
• Caiying Liao,
• Jianing Wu and
• Da Wei

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 664–677, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.55

• fibrillar ultrastructures on bateriophages. The hairs are categorized according to their functions, including protection (e.g., thermal regulation and defense), locomotion, feeding, and sensing. By understanding the versatile functions of biological hairs, bio-inspired solutions may be developed across

• , hair-like trichomes on plant surfaces [27]. Overall, to promote homeostasis in plants, animals, bacteria, and bacteriophages, fibrillar structures contribute to the following functions: protection (e.g., thermal insulation and defense), locomotion and feeding, and sensing. This review will present how

• when they have a hooked morphology or even sting herbivores [55]. It has been observed that plants with higher densities of trichomes suffer less from insect herbivory. Also, there is a reduced incidence of internal egg laying by insects with ovipositors [55]. Locomotion and feeding While hairs can

Comparative analysis of the ultrastructure and adhesive secretion pathways of different smooth attachment pads of the stick insect Medauroidea extradentata (Phasmatodea)

• Julian Thomas,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Thies H. Büscher

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 612–630, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.52

• Julian Thomas Stanislav N. Gorb Thies H. Buscher Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany 10.3762/bjnano.15.52 Abstract The mechanism by which insects achieve attachment and locomotion across diverse substrates has

• long intrigued scientists, prompting extensive research on the functional morphology of attachment pads. In stick insects, attachment and locomotion are facilitated by two distinct types of smooth cuticular attachment pads: the primary adhesion force-generating arolium and the friction force-generating

• ; Introduction Throughout their evolutionary timeline, insects evolved various surfaces interacting with the environment. These include friction-based adhesive organs, which are essential for locomotion by generating frictional and adhesive forces [1][2][3][4]. Two morphologically different friction-based

Insect attachment on waxy plant surfaces: the effect of pad contamination by different waxes

• Elena V. Gorb and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2024, 15, 385–395, doi:10.3762/bjnano.15.35

• short-term temporary adhesion and locomotion on various microrough surfaces. Contamination of insect pads by plant wax material As well as in our previous study [34], we considered here only the discoidal setal tips allowing for (1) easier visualization of the contamination and (2) more precise

Frequency-dependent nanomechanical profiling for medical diagnosis

• Santiago D. Solares and
• Alexander X. Cartagena-Rivera

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1483–1489, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.122

• , tendons, ligaments, and bones have a direct impact on the patient’s locomotion or athletic performance. As the length scale of the probe increases, so do the probe–sample interaction forces observed during the measurement, and the characterization returns greater mechanical information about deeper and

• others, as well as within rehabilitation or athletic settings where the mechanical properties of tissues directly influence the subject’s locomotion or athletic ability. Furthermore, such integration would also enable the creation of large standardized databases, from which important disease trends could

Growing up in a rough world: scaling of frictional adhesion and morphology of the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko)

• Anthony J. Cobos and
• Timothy E. Higham

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 1292–1302, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.107

• size will have varying clinging and locomotor performance on rough surfaces. Allometry plays a significant role in natural systems by imparting physical constraints of supporting different body sizes, but also in the mechanical consequences in relation to locomotion [40][41][42][43]. Scaling becomes

• increasingly important when structures on the surface of the animal must support the body through adhesion on vertical or near-vertical surfaces [39][44]. In the case of dry adhesives, studies have focused on the scaling of toepad morphology because of the inherent signficance for adhesive locomotion (i.e

Bioselectivity of silk protein-based materials and their bio-inspired applications

• Hendrik Bargel,
• Vanessa T. Trossmann,
• Christoph Sommer and
• Thomas Scheibel

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2022, 13, 902–921, doi:10.3762/bjnano.13.81

• including reproduction, growth and settlement, dynamic attachment during locomotion, self-healing, protection against as well as attachment of microbes, and prey hunting [1][2][3][4][5][6]. A variety of different adhesion mechanisms exist to manage the different challenges of interfacial adhesion. In turn

Recent progress in actuation technologies of micro/nanorobots

• Ke Xu and
• Bing Liu

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 756–765, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.59

• µm. b) Time series of the rotating-field-controlled locomotion of an ISME with time instants marked and motion trajectories delineated. Scale bar: 4 mm. (e) Velocity–frequency profiles of ISMEs with different MNP concentrations (1%, 3%, and 5%) under a gradient magnetic field. Each dot represents the

Recent progress in magnetic applications for micro- and nanorobots

• Ke Xu,
• Shuang Xu and
• Fanan Wei

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 744–755, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.58

• device with embedded magnetic materials. The locomotion of MMRs is actuated and controlled through the principles of magnetism regarding energy transfer and the magnetoelectric effect. Magnetic materials have been widely used in the field of MNRs to control and drive the movement of robots, target the

• operating frequency range. Targeted treatment and controlled drug delivery with MNRs have been achieved [74][75]. For locomotion and drug delivery, the same external power sources should be chosen, if possible. Chen et al. [76] proposed a hybrid magnetoelectric nanowire for MNR applications, which could use

• magnetism to assist targeted drug delivery in vitro. They designed and manufactured wire-shaped magnetoelectric MNRs that could perform wireless locomotion and on-site triggered release of therapeutics under the action of a single external power source (i.e., a magnetic field). The designed hybrid

Physical constraints lead to parallel evolution of micro- and nanostructures of animal adhesive pads: a review

• Thies H. Büscher and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 725–743, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.57

• Attachment is of major importance in the biology of most living animals. Secure attachment to specific surfaces is essential for many animals, for example, to maintain access to nutrients and to support locomotion on any terrain that necessitates adhesion to the substrate. The properties of the specific

• terrestrial locomotion. The morphological and ultrastructural backgrounds on the ability of animals to attach to and walk on vertical surfaces and ceilings have been studied in detail in many animal taxa, including insects [1][2][3][4], arachnids [5][6][7][8][9], tree frogs [10][11], arboreal salamanders [12

• substrates: hairy (setose) pads and smooth pads. Next, we will focus on the attachment systems used for terrestrial locomotion. Hairy pads are covered with setae, acanthae and microtrichia [33], fine cuticular surface outgrowths which, due to their small size and flexibility, can maximise the extent of

A review on the biological effects of nanomaterials on silkworm (Bombyx mori)

• Sandra Senyo Fometu,
• Guohua Wu,
• Lin Ma and
• Joan Shine Davids

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2021, 12, 190–202, doi:10.3762/bjnano.12.15

• graphene quantum dots on its motor nervous system. The locomotion of the nematodes deteriorated following the exposure to these nanomaterials with damages in the dopaminergic and glutamatergic neurons [46]. Fast embryonic development outside the parent zebrafish is an attractive feature that allows for the

An investigation on the drag reduction performance of bioinspired pipeline surfaces with transverse microgrooves

• Weili Liu,
• Hongjian Ni,
• Peng Wang and
• Yi Zhou

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2020, 11, 24–40, doi:10.3762/bjnano.11.3

• locomotion [13][22]. Thus, the triangular grooves seen in the nonsmooth structure of animal surfaces have become an effective means to reduce the viscous drag associated with fluid flow. Given the urgent demand to decrease pressure loss in fluid transport and the practicability of bionic theory, the grooved

A comparison of tarsal morphology and traction force in the two burying beetles Nicrophorus nepalensis and Nicrophorus vespilloides (Coleoptera, Silphidae)

• Liesa Schnee,
• Benjamin Sampalla,
• Josef K. Müller and
• Oliver Betz

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2019, 10, 47–61, doi:10.3762/bjnano.10.5

• . Our results suggest that even subtle differences in the adhesion-mediating secretion in closely related species might result in qualitative performance shifts. Keywords: adhesion; friction; Insecta; locomotion; tarsus; Introduction Although mostly ground dwelling [1], burying beetles (Silphidae) of

• prominent spines (Figure 1a). Such spines and claws are not only important for climbing cylindrical rods, but also for locomotion in soil [21][22]. These findings correspond to the ground digging behaviour of burying beetles, and their observed behaviour of climbing blades of grass to achieve a better

• locomotion, mating or capture of prey. Although burying beetles usually exhibit a lifestyle of ground digging, Nicrophorus nepalensis beetles are able to efficiently climb upon smooth surfaces such as glass, in contrast to other congeneric species such as N. vespilloides. Although this finding was the

Characterization of the microscopic tribological properties of sandfish (Scincus scincus) scales by atomic force microscopy

• Weibin Wu,
• Christian Lutz,
• Simon Mersch,
• Richard Thelen,
• Christian Greiner,
• Guillaume Gomard and
• Hendrik Hölscher

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 2618–2627, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.243

• analysing the locomotion of sandfish in granular media via nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) imaging [2] or high-speed X-ray imaging [4] indeed show that the movement of a sandfish resembles that of swimming fishes. It is surprising that sandfishes manage to bury and swim in sand without visible wear on

• , he assumed that these are the origin of the favourable frictional properties of reptiles living in a sandy environment. Klein et al. [14] speculated that a material gradient in the snake integument minimizes damage during locomotion. However, as pointed out by Baumgartner et al. [6][10] the comb-like

• sand swimming. Reviewing literature and our recent results it now seems likely that the dynamics of the sandfish locomotion as well as the elastic properties of the epidermis are important factors and not exceptional low friction and wear of the scales alone. Consequently, it will be important to

Review on nanoparticles and nanostructured materials: history, sources, toxicity and regulations

• Jaison Jeevanandam,
• Ahmed Barhoum,
• Yen S. Chan,
• Alain Dufresne and
• Michael K. Danquah

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 1050–1074, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.98

• in rats [62]. Dust particles on Mars can damage the solar panels of the exploration robots via accumulation and affects the power source for sensing, communication, and locomotion [63]. Astronauts who are frequently on longer space missions have prolonged exposure to cosmic dust with an increased

Bioinspired self-healing materials: lessons from nature

• Joseph C. Cremaldi and
• Bharat Bhushan

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2018, 9, 907–935, doi:10.3762/bjnano.9.85

• function such as digestion, locomotion, or flight. Unlike vertebrates, however, all insect muscle is striated and under voluntary control [17]. Despite the variation in characteristics and usage, all muscle is dependent on the interaction between the proteins actin and myosin at the most basic level. A

Biological and biomimetic materials and surfaces

• Stanislav Gorb and
• Thomas Speck

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2017, 8, 403–407, doi:10.3762/bjnano.8.42

• with the prey spectra between the taxa studied. This study opens an interesting possibility of combining surface microstructures with adhesive fluids to enhance dynamical performance of the next generation of adhesives. The majority of insects bear adhesive foot pads, which are used in locomotion on

Structural and tribometric characterization of biomimetically inspired synthetic "insect adhesives"

• Matthias W. Speidel,
• Malte Kleemeier,
• Andreas Hartwig,
• Klaus Rischka,
• Angelika Ellermann,
• Rolf Daniels and
• Oliver Betz

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2017, 8, 45–63, doi:10.3762/bjnano.8.6

• by the adhesive secretion [7][8][9][10][11][12]. Recently, the suggestion has been made, that during friction regimes, insect adhesives induce rate-dependent viscosity changes caused by non-Newtonian shear strains [5][13][14]. Chemical analyses of adhesive insect secretions employed during locomotion

• (grease-like) consistency of the adhesive emulsion with increased viscosity, in accordance with the properties of a Bingham fluid. Such a property would consolidate several functional principles and properties that are essential for effective locomotion: (1) improving slip resistance, (2) facilitating

• up to 60 s−1. For this analysis, we examined the emulsions consisting of squalane and the proteins gelatin and albumin, respectively. We propose that a yield point is required for a locomotion adhesive to prevent the sliding of a non-moving insect from a vertical smooth surface. Therefore, the

Surface roughness rather than surface chemistry essentially affects insect adhesion

• Matt W. England,
• Tomoya Sato,
• Makoto Yagihashi,
• Atsushi Hozumi,
• Stanislav N. Gorb and
• Elena V. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2016, 7, 1471–1479, doi:10.3762/bjnano.7.139

• 26°) and hydrophobic (CA of 109°) surfaces caused a reduction of their adhesive ability. A strong dependence of adhesive ability on the chemistry of the substrates during locomotion underwater was recently found for the beetle Gastrophysa viridula [34]. Using air bubbles trapped between their

Influence of ambient humidity on the attachment ability of ladybird beetles (Coccinella septempunctata)

• Lars Heepe,
• Jonas O. Wolff and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2016, 7, 1322–1329, doi:10.3762/bjnano.7.123

• not only dry adhesive setae are affected by ambient humidity, but also setae that stick due to the capillarity of an oily secretion. Keywords: adhesion; beetle; biomechanics; force measurement; friction; insect; locomotion; surface; Introduction Substrate attachment plays an important role in the

• niche occupation of plant-dwelling insects, since it is substantial for resting and locomotion in a complex environment. Consequently, a high diversity of friction and adhesion enhancing structures has evolved among insects [1][2]. Several studies showed that not only the intrinsic structure of an

• were recorded with the AcqKnowledge 3.7.0 software (Biopac Systems Inc.). A half Plexiglas tube was installed inside the chamber, in order to guide beetle locomotion perpendicular to the force sensor and prevent it from climbing onto the lateral walls. Prior to experiments the beetles were anesthetized

Functional diversity of resilin in Arthropoda

• Jan Michels,
• Esther Appel and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2016, 7, 1241–1259, doi:10.3762/bjnano.7.115

• -bearing microfibrils is clearly visible (Figure 3F,G). Legged locomotion Mechanisms of fast leg movements with an acceleration that can surpass the limitations of muscle contraction have been found in different insect groups including fleas [15][70], locusts [71], beetles [72][73] and true bugs [16][17

Aquatic versus terrestrial attachment: Water makes a difference

• Petra Ditsche and
• Adam P. Summers

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2014, 5, 2424–2439, doi:10.3762/bjnano.5.252

• . Review Forces that act to dislodge Attachment to the substrate is aimed at either locomotion or staying in place [3]. For either purpose, the animal has to overcome forces acting to dislodge it, and it is in the nature of these forces that terrestrial and aquatic systems vary widely. The forces are not

• the static gravitational forces and 60 times higher than the net gravitational/buoyancy force for an aquatic organism. This brings home the importance of considering the movement of the attached organism. Accelerations due to locomotion or due to movement of the substrate may be a dominant force

• aquatic arthropods or sea stars, use alternating attachment for locomotion or for short-time fixation (temporary attachment) and are called motile or mobile. An intermediate form between temporary and permanent attachment can be found, for example, in many marine larvae, allowing them to explore possible

Dry friction of microstructured polymer surfaces inspired by snake skin

• Martina J. Baum,
• Lars Heepe,
• Elena Fadeeva and
• Stanislav N. Gorb

Beilstein J. Nanotechnol. 2014, 5, 1091–1103, doi:10.3762/bjnano.5.122

• successful animal groups in occupying niches on all continents, except for Antarctica [1][2][3]. From a tribology point of view, their ventral skin surface has to fulfil two opposite functions: (1) to support body propulsion during locomotion by generating high friction in contact with the substrate and (2

• ][31][32][33][34]. Some of the previous authors suggested that the microstructure of the ventral surface could be of high relevance for the snake locomotion [6][8][10][11][34]. Lampropeltis getula californiae, the California King Snake (Figure 1a) was recently chosen as biotribological model, because

• this snake lives in habitats with a relatively wide variety of substrates and therefore the skin modifications are presumably adapted for locomotion not just for one type of substrate. The microstructures on ventral scales are regular tooth-like shaped caudally-oriented (parallel to the body axis of