Journal Description
Biomimetics
Biomimetics
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on biomimicry and bionics, published monthly online by MDPI. The International Society of Bionic Engineering (ISBE) is affiliated with Biomimetics.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within Scopus, SCIE (Web of Science), PubMed, PMC, CAPlus / SciFinder, and other databases.
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Engineering, Multidisciplinary) / CiteScore - Q2 (Biomedical Engineering)
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 17.2 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.6 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal, in appreciation of the work done.
Impact Factor:
4.5 (2022);
5-Year Impact Factor:
4.1 (2022)
Latest Articles
Comparing Analogy-Based Methods—Bio-Inspiration and Engineering-Domain Inspiration for Domain Selection and Novelty
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 344; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060344 (registering DOI) - 6 Jun 2024
Abstract
This study aims to support designers in developing transformative solutions in the engineering discipline using the Design-by-Analogy ideation method. Design-by-Analogy involves drawing inspiration from the source domain and applying it to the target domain. Based on the conceptual distance between the two domains,
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This study aims to support designers in developing transformative solutions in the engineering discipline using the Design-by-Analogy ideation method. Design-by-Analogy involves drawing inspiration from the source domain and applying it to the target domain. Based on the conceptual distance between the two domains, analogies are classified as biological—(natural), cross—(distant-engineering), and within—(near-engineering) domain analogies. Real-world scenarios involve designers selecting analogies after seeking them across multiple domains. These selected analogies significantly influence the produced designs. However, the selection criteria of the analogy domain are unexplored in design research. We address this gap by investigating: (a) the influence of analogy domains on their selection frequency; and (b) the relationship between the frequency of selecting analogies from specific domains and the novelty of designs. The experiment involved twenty-six teams of novice product designers, who solved design problems aided by one analogical source from each domain. The results showed that biological analogies were frequently selected. While biological-domain analogies significantly increased the novelty of designs compared to the within-domain ones; no significant difference was found between the biological- and cross-domain analogies, suggesting that middle-domain analogies can be as effective as far-domain ones. The findings can support technological innovation by aiding the development of analogy search databases.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Design for Structural and Sustainable Applications)
Open AccessArticle
Investigating the Mechanical Performance of Bionic Wings Based on the Flapping Kinematics of Beetle Hindwings
by
Chao Liu, Tianyu Shen, Huan Shen, Mingxiang Ling, Guodong Chen, Bo Lu, Feng Chen and Zhenhua Wang
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 343; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060343 - 6 Jun 2024
Abstract
The beetle, of the order Coleoptera, possesses outstanding flight capabilities. After completing flight, they can fold their hindwings under the elytra and swiftly unfold them again when they take off. This sophisticated hindwing structure is a result of biological evolution, showcasing the strong
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The beetle, of the order Coleoptera, possesses outstanding flight capabilities. After completing flight, they can fold their hindwings under the elytra and swiftly unfold them again when they take off. This sophisticated hindwing structure is a result of biological evolution, showcasing the strong environmental adaptability of this species. The beetle’s hindwings can provide biomimetic inspiration for the design of flapping-wing micro air vehicles (FWMAVs). In this study, the Asian ladybird (Harmonia axyridis Pallas) was chosen as the bionic research object. Various kinematic parameters of its flapping flight were analyzed, including the flight characteristics of the hindwings, wing tip motion trajectories, and aerodynamic characteristics. Based on these results, a flapping kinematic model of the Asian ladybird was established. Then, three bionic deployable wing models were designed and their structural mechanical properties were analyzed. The results show that the structure of wing vein bars determined the mechanical properties of the bionic wing. This study can provide a theoretical basis and technical reference for further bionic wing design.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation)
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Open AccessArticle
Kinetic Model of Fluorescein Release through Bioprinted Polylactic Acid Membrane
by
Antonio de Nigris, Antonio Minó, Giuseppe Cinelli, Matilde Colella, Francesco Lopez and Luigi Ambrosone
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 342; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060342 - 5 Jun 2024
Abstract
Polylactic acid (PLA)-based cylindrical membranes for the controlled release of fluorescein sodium salt (FS) were prepared by bioprinting on systems with an initial FS concentration of 0.003763 gdm−3 and 37.63 gdm−3, and the drug release process was monitored in a
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Polylactic acid (PLA)-based cylindrical membranes for the controlled release of fluorescein sodium salt (FS) were prepared by bioprinting on systems with an initial FS concentration of 0.003763 gdm−3 and 37.63 gdm−3, and the drug release process was monitored in a bath at 37 °C. Photographs, acquired at regular intervals during the process, revealed marked osmotic swelling of the polymer. Osmotic swelling consists in the enlargement of the polymer structure and due to the influx of water molecules across the membrane. The cylindrical PLA membrane starts to significantly swell once a certain threshold range is crossed. Important amounts of FS can dissolve under these radically changed circumstances, and the dissolved FS molecules are mobile enough to diffuse out of the cylinder, thus allowing drug release. As a matter of fact, in this investigation, we ascertained that polymer swelling promotes the mass transport phenomenon by altering the conditions for drug dissolution and diffusion, hence facilitating FS release after a specific lag time. Furthermore, in order to compare the release kinetics, the half-release time, , was taken into consideration. The data of this study evidence that, while increasing the initial concentration of FS by three orders of magnitude, the time parameter, , is only reduced by 5/6. In addition, the yield of the release process is drastically reduced due to the strong aggregation ability of the dye. Finally, it is demonstrated that a compressed exponential kinetic model fits the experimental data well despite the varying physical conditions.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomimicry and Functional Materials: 3rd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Implementation of an Enhanced Crayfish Optimization Algorithm
by
Yi Zhang, Pengtao Liu and Yanhong Li
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 341; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060341 - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
This paper presents an enhanced crayfish optimization algorithm (ECOA). The ECOA includes four improvement strategies. Firstly, the Halton sequence was used to improve the population initialization of the crayfish optimization algorithm. Furthermore, the quasi opposition-based learning strategy is introduced to generate the opposite
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This paper presents an enhanced crayfish optimization algorithm (ECOA). The ECOA includes four improvement strategies. Firstly, the Halton sequence was used to improve the population initialization of the crayfish optimization algorithm. Furthermore, the quasi opposition-based learning strategy is introduced to generate the opposite solution of the population, increasing the algorithm’s searching ability. Thirdly, the elite factor guides the predation stage to avoid blindness in this stage. Finally, the fish aggregation device effect is introduced to increase the ability of the algorithm to jump out of the local optimal. This paper performed tests on the widely used IEEE CEC2019 test function set to verify the validity of the proposed ECOA method. The experimental results show that the proposed ECOA has a faster convergence speed, greater performance stability, and a stronger ability to jump out of local optimal compared with other popular algorithms. Finally, the ECOA was applied to two real-world engineering optimization problems, verifying its ability to solve practical optimization problems and its superiority compared to other algorithms.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bioinspired Algorithms)
Open AccessArticle
Octopus-Inspired Soft Robot for Slow Drug Release
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Dingwen Tong, Yiqun Zhao, Zhengnan Wu, Yutan Chen, Xinmiao Xu, Qinkai Chen, Xinjian Fan and Zhan Yang
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 340; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060340 - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
Octopus tentacles are equipped with numerous suckers, wherein the muscles contract and expel air, creating a pressure difference. Subsequently, when the muscular tension is released, objects can be securely adhered to. This mechanism has been widely employed in the development of adhesive systems.
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Octopus tentacles are equipped with numerous suckers, wherein the muscles contract and expel air, creating a pressure difference. Subsequently, when the muscular tension is released, objects can be securely adhered to. This mechanism has been widely employed in the development of adhesive systems. However, most existing octopus-inspired structures are passive and static, lacking dynamic and controllable adhesive switching capabilities and excellent locomotion performance. Here, we present an octopus-inspired soft robot (OISR). Attracted by the magnetic gradient field, the suction cup structure inside the OISR can generate a strong adsorption force, producing dynamically controllable adsorption and separation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. The experimental results show that the OISR has a variety of controllable locomotion behaviors, including quick scrolling and rolling motions, generating fast locomotion responses, rolling over gastric folds, and tumbling and swimming inside liquids. By carrying drugs that are absorbable by GI epithelial cells to target areas, the OISR enables continuous drug delivery at lesions or inflamed regions of the GI tract. This research may be a potential approach for achieving localized slow drug release within the GI tract.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Micro and Nanorobots for Biomedical Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
A UDF-Based Approach for the Dynamic Stall Evaluation of Airfoils for Micro-Air Vehicles
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Diana-Andreea Sterpu, Daniel Măriuța and Lucian-Teodor Grigorie
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 339; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060339 - 4 Jun 2024
Abstract
A numerical method for generating dynamic stall using ANSYS Fluent and a user-defined function (UDF), with the complete script shared for reference, is introduced and tested. The study draws inspiration from bird flight, exploring dynamic stall as a method for achieving enhanced aerodynamic
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A numerical method for generating dynamic stall using ANSYS Fluent and a user-defined function (UDF), with the complete script shared for reference, is introduced and tested. The study draws inspiration from bird flight, exploring dynamic stall as a method for achieving enhanced aerodynamic performance. The numerical method was tested on NACA 0012 airfoils with corresponding chord lengths of , , and at Reynolds numbers ranging from up to . Airfoil oscillations were settled for all cases at . Detached eddy simulation (DES) is employed as the turbulence model for the simulations presented, ensuring the accurate representation of the flow characteristics and dynamic stall phenomena. The study provides a detailed methodology, encouraging further exploration by researchers, especially young academics and students.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Compliant vs Kinematic Morphing Architectures: Complementary or Alternatives?)
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Open AccessArticle
Osteogenic Differentiation Potential of iMSCs on GelMA-BG-MWCNT Nanocomposite Hydrogels
by
Rebeca Arambula-Maldonado and Kibret Mequanint
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 338; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060338 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
The ability of bone biomaterials to promote osteogenic differentiation is crucial for the repair and regeneration of osseous tissue. The development of a temporary bone substitute is of major importance in enhancing the growth and differentiation of human-derived stem cells into an osteogenic
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The ability of bone biomaterials to promote osteogenic differentiation is crucial for the repair and regeneration of osseous tissue. The development of a temporary bone substitute is of major importance in enhancing the growth and differentiation of human-derived stem cells into an osteogenic lineage. In this study, nanocomposite hydrogels composed of gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), bioactive glass (BG), and multiwall carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) were developed to create a bone biomaterial that mimics the structural and electrically conductive nature of bone that can promote the differentiation of human-derived stem cells. GelMA-BG-MWCNT nanocomposite hydrogels supported mesenchymal stem cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, hereinafter named iMSCs. Cell adhesion was improved upon coating nanocomposite hydrogels with fibronectin and was further enhanced when seeding pre-differentiated iMSCs. Osteogenic differentiation and mature mineralization were promoted in GelMA-BG-MWCNT nanocomposite hydrogels and were most evidently observed in the 70-30-2 hydrogels, which could be due to the stiff topography characteristic from the addition of MWCNT. Overall, the results of this study showed that GelMA-BG-MWCNT nanocomposite hydrogels coated with fibronectin possessed a favorable environment in which pre-differentiated iMSCs could better attach, proliferate, and further mature into an osteogenic lineage, which was crucial for the repair and regeneration of bone.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Functional Biomimetic Materials and Devices for Biomedical Applications: 3rd Edition)
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Open AccessReview
A Review Delving into the Factors Influencing Mycelium-Based Green Composites (MBCs) Production and Their Properties for Long-Term Sustainability Targets
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Worawoot Aiduang, Kritsana Jatuwong, Thatsanee Luangharn, Praween Jinanukul, Wandee Thamjaree, Thana Teeraphantuvat, Tanut Waroonkun and Saisamorn Lumyong
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 337; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060337 - 3 Jun 2024
Abstract
Mycelium-based green composites (MBCs) represent an eco-friendly material innovation with vast potential across diverse applications. This paper provides a thorough review of the factors influencing the production and properties of MBCs, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term sustainability goals. It
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Mycelium-based green composites (MBCs) represent an eco-friendly material innovation with vast potential across diverse applications. This paper provides a thorough review of the factors influencing the production and properties of MBCs, with a particular focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and long-term sustainability goals. It delves into critical aspects such as fungal species selection, substrate type selection, substrate preparation, optimal conditions, dehydrating methods, post-processing techniques, mold design, sterilization processes, cost comparison, key recommendations, and other necessary factors. Regarding fungal species selection, the paper highlights the significance of considering factors like mycelium species, decay type, hyphal network systems, growth rate, and bonding properties in ensuring the safety and suitability of MBCs fabrication. Substrate type selection is discussed, emphasizing the importance of chemical characteristics such as cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin content, pH, organic carbon, total nitrogen, and the C: N ratio in determining mycelium growth and MBC properties. Substrate preparation methods, optimal growth conditions, and post-processing techniques are thoroughly examined, along with their impacts on MBCs quality and performance. Moreover, the paper discusses the importance of designing molds and implementing effective sterilization processes to ensure clean environments for mycelium growth. It also evaluates the costs associated with MBCs production compared to traditional materials, highlighting potential cost savings and economic advantages. Additionally, the paper provides key recommendations and precautions for improving MBC properties, including addressing fungal strain degeneration, encouraging research collaboration, establishing biosecurity protocols, ensuring regulatory compliance, optimizing storage conditions, implementing waste management practices, conducting life cycle assessments, and suggesting parameters for desirable MBC properties. Overall, this review offers valuable insights into the complex interplay of factors influencing MBCs production and provides guidance for optimizing processes to achieve sustainable, high-quality composites for diverse applications.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Design for Structural and Sustainable Applications)
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Open AccessArticle
Experimental Study on Aerodynamic Characteristics of Downwind Bionic Tower Wind Turbine
by
Junwei Yang, Xin Sun, Hua Yang and Xiangjun Wang
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 336; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060336 - 2 Jun 2024
Abstract
The vibrissae of harbor seals exhibit a distinct three-dimensional structure compared to circular cylinders, resulting in a wave-shaped configuration that effectively reduces drag and suppresses vortex shedding in the wake. However, this unique cylinder design has not yet been applied to wind power
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The vibrissae of harbor seals exhibit a distinct three-dimensional structure compared to circular cylinders, resulting in a wave-shaped configuration that effectively reduces drag and suppresses vortex shedding in the wake. However, this unique cylinder design has not yet been applied to wind power technologies. Therefore, this study applies this concept to the design of downwind wind turbines and employs wind tunnel testing to compare the wake flow characteristics of a single-cylinder model while also investigating the output power and wake performance of the model wind turbine. Herein, we demonstrate that in the single-cylinder test, the bionic case shows reduced turbulence intensity in its wake compared to that observed with the circular cylinder case. The difference in the energy distribution in the frequency domain behind the cylinder was mainly manifested in the near-wake region. Moreover, our findings indicate that differences in power coefficient are predominantly noticeable with high tip speed ratios. Furthermore, as output power increases, this bionic cylindrical structure induces greater velocity deficit and higher turbulence intensity behind the rotor. These results provide valuable insights for optimizing aerodynamic designs of wind turbines towards achieving enhanced efficiency for converting wind energy.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Flapping Wing Aerodynamics for Propulsion and Power Generation)
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Open AccessArticle
Neuron Circuit Based on a Split-gate Transistor with Nonvolatile Memory for Homeostatic Functions of Biological Neurons
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Hansol Kim, Sung Yun Woo and Hyungjin Kim
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 335; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060335 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
To mimic the homeostatic functionality of biological neurons, a split-gate field-effect transistor (S-G FET) with a charge trap layer is proposed within a neuron circuit. By adjusting the number of charges trapped in the Si3N4 layer, the threshold voltage (V
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To mimic the homeostatic functionality of biological neurons, a split-gate field-effect transistor (S-G FET) with a charge trap layer is proposed within a neuron circuit. By adjusting the number of charges trapped in the Si3N4 layer, the threshold voltage (Vth) of the S-G FET changes. To prevent degradation of the gate dielectric due to program/erase pulses, the gates for read operation and Vth control were separated through the fin structure. A circuit that modulates the width and amplitude of the pulse was constructed to generate a Program/Erase pulse for the S-G FET as the output pulse of the neuron circuit. By adjusting the Vth of the neuron circuit, the firing rate can be lowered by increasing the Vth of the neuron circuit with a high firing rate. To verify the performance of the neural network based on S-G FET, a simulation of online unsupervised learning and classification in a 2-layer SNN is performed. The results show that the recognition rate was improved by 8% by increasing the threshold of the neuron circuit fired.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue New Insights into Bio-Inspired Neural Networks)
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An Enhanced Tree-Seed Algorithm for Function Optimization and Production Optimization
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Qingan Zhou, Rong Dai, Guoxiao Zhou, Shenghui Ma and Shunshe Luo
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 334; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060334 - 31 May 2024
Abstract
As the fields of engineering, energy, and geology become increasingly complex, decision makers face escalating challenges that require skilled solutions to meet practical production needs. Evolutionary algorithms, inspired by biological evolution, have emerged as powerful methods for tackling intricate optimization problems without relying
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As the fields of engineering, energy, and geology become increasingly complex, decision makers face escalating challenges that require skilled solutions to meet practical production needs. Evolutionary algorithms, inspired by biological evolution, have emerged as powerful methods for tackling intricate optimization problems without relying on gradient data. Among these, the tree-seed algorithm (TSA) distinguishes itself due to its unique mechanism and efficient searching capabilities. However, an imbalance between its exploitation and exploration phases can lead it to be stuck in local optima, impeding the discovery of globally optimal solutions. This study introduces an improved TSA that incorporates water-cycling and quantum rotation-gate mechanisms. These enhancements assist the algorithm in escaping local peaks and achieving a more harmonious balance between its exploitation and exploration phases. Comparative experimental evaluations, using the CEC 2017 benchmarks and a well-known metaheuristic algorithm, demonstrate the upgraded algorithm’s faster convergence rate and enhanced ability to locate global optima. Additionally, its application in optimizing reservoir production models underscores its superior performance compared to competing methods, further validating its real-world optimization capabilities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Computer-Aided Biomimetics: 2nd Edition)
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Mycelium-Based Composites: Surveying Their Acceptance by Professional Architects
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Anna Lewandowska, Agata Bonenberg and Maciej Sydor
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 333; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060333 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are biomaterials with scientifically proven potential to improve sustainability in construction. Although mycelium-based products are not entirely new, their use in engineering presents challenges due to the inherent properties of this fungal material. This study investigated professional architects’ and interior
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Mycelium-based composites (MBCs) are biomaterials with scientifically proven potential to improve sustainability in construction. Although mycelium-based products are not entirely new, their use in engineering presents challenges due to the inherent properties of this fungal material. This study investigated professional architects’ and interior designers’ perceptions of MBCs, focusing on familiarity, aesthetic appeal, and willingness to use. The first phase of the survey explored respondents’ views on material-related ecological design principles. In the second phase, respondents evaluated ten small architectural objects crafted from MBCs, focusing on form, detail, and visual appeal. The last phase of the survey measured their interest in using mycelium in their design work. The results revealed that MBCs were relatively unknown among the surveyed professionals; only every second respondent knew this material. Despite this, 90% found MBCs visually appealing after seeing the examples. Interestingly, the natural, unprocessed appearance of the material was assessed as less aesthetically pleasing, with thermal treatment improving its perceived value. Architects were more receptive to using MBCs in their professional projects for customers than for personal use. This observation points to a ‘double standard’: professional architects are more open to using MBCs in projects not intended for their own use.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biological and Bioinspired Materials and Structures)
Open AccessArticle
Coordinated Transport by Dual Humanoid Robots Using Distributed Model Predictive Control
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Shengjun Wen, Zhaoyuan Shi and Hongjun Li
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 332; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060332 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Dual humanoid robot collaborative control systems possess better flexibility and adaptability in complex environments due to their similar structures to humans. This paper adopts a distributed model predictive controller based on the leader–follower approach to address the collaborative transportation control issue of dual
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Dual humanoid robot collaborative control systems possess better flexibility and adaptability in complex environments due to their similar structures to humans. This paper adopts a distributed model predictive controller based on the leader–follower approach to address the collaborative transportation control issue of dual humanoid robots. In the dual-robot collaborative control system, network latency issues may arise due to unstable network conditions, affecting the consistency of dual-robot collaboration. To solve this issue, a communication protocol was constructed through socket communication for dual-robot collaborative consistency, thereby resolving the problem of consistency in dual humanoid robot collaboration. Additionally, due to the complex structure of humanoid robots, there are deficiencies in position tracking accuracy during movement. To address the poor accuracy in position tracking, this paper proposes a distributed model predictive control that considers historical cumulative error, thus enhancing the position tracking accuracy of dual-robot collaborative control.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Approaches—a Leverage for Robotics)
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A Grey Wolf Optimizer Algorithm for Multi-Objective Cumulative Capacitated Vehicle Routing Problem Considering Operation Time
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Gewen Huang, Yuanhang Qi, Yanguang Cai, Yuhui Luo and Helie Huang
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 331; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060331 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
In humanitarian aid scenarios, the model of cumulative capacitated vehicle routing problem can be used in vehicle scheduling, aiming at delivering materials to recipients as quickly as possible, thus minimizing their wait time. Traditional approaches focus on this metric, but practical implementations must
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In humanitarian aid scenarios, the model of cumulative capacitated vehicle routing problem can be used in vehicle scheduling, aiming at delivering materials to recipients as quickly as possible, thus minimizing their wait time. Traditional approaches focus on this metric, but practical implementations must also consider factors such as driver labor intensity and the capacity for on-site decision-making. To evaluate driver workload, the operation times of relief vehicles are typically used, and multi-objective modeling is employed to facilitate on-site decision-making. This paper introduces a multi-objective cumulative capacitated vehicle routing problem considering operation time (MO-CCVRP-OT). Our model is bi-objective, aiming to minimize both the cumulative wait time of disaster-affected areas and the extra expenditures incurred by the excess operation time of rescue vehicles. Based on the traditional grey wolf optimizer algorithm, this paper proposes a dynamic grey wolf optimizer algorithm with floating 2-opt (DGWO-F2OPT), which combines real number encoding with an equal-division random key and ROV rules for decoding; in addition, a dynamic non-dominated solution set update strategy is introduced. To solve MO-CCVRP-OT efficiently and increase the algorithm’s convergence speed, a multi-objective improved floating 2-opt (F2OPT) local search strategy is proposed. The utopia optimum solution of DGWO-F2OPT has an average value of two fitness values that is 6.22% lower than that of DGWO-2OPT. DGWO-F2OPT’s average fitness value in the algorithm comparison trials is 16.49% less than that of NS-2OPT. In the model comparison studies, MO-CCVRP-OT is 18.72% closer to the utopian point in Euclidean distance than CVRP-OT.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Inspired Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms 2024)
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Open AccessArticle
Evolutionary Approach to Optimal Oil Skimmer Assignment for Oil Spill Response: A Case Study
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Yong-Hyuk Kim, Hye-Jin Kim, Dong-Hee Cho and Yourim Yoon
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060330 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
We propose a genetic algorithm for optimizing oil skimmer assignments, introducing a tailored repair operation for constrained assignments. Methods essentially involve simulation-based evaluation to ensure adherence to South Korea’s regulations. Results show that the optimized assignments, compared to current ones, reduced work time
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We propose a genetic algorithm for optimizing oil skimmer assignments, introducing a tailored repair operation for constrained assignments. Methods essentially involve simulation-based evaluation to ensure adherence to South Korea’s regulations. Results show that the optimized assignments, compared to current ones, reduced work time on average and led to a significant reduction in total skimmer capacity. Additionally, we present a deep neural network-based surrogate model, greatly enhancing efficiency compared to simulation-based optimization. Addressing inefficiencies in mobilizing locations that store oil skimmers, further optimization aimed to minimize mobilized locations and was validated through scenario-based simulations resembling actual situations. Based on major oil spills in South Korea, this strategy significantly reduced work time and required locations. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed genetic algorithm and mobilized location minimization strategy in enhancing oil spill response operations.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nature-Inspired Metaheuristic Optimization Algorithms 2024)
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Open AccessArticle
Bioinspired Control Architecture for Adaptive and Resilient Navigation of Unmanned Underwater Vehicle in Monitoring Missions of Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Meadows
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Francisco García-Córdova, Antonio Guerrero-González and Fernando Hidalgo-Castelo
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 329; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060329 - 30 May 2024
Abstract
Submerged aquatic vegetation plays a fundamental role as a habitat for the biodiversity of marine species. To carry out the research and monitoring of submerged aquatic vegetation more efficiently and accurately, it is important to use advanced technologies such as underwater robots. However,
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Submerged aquatic vegetation plays a fundamental role as a habitat for the biodiversity of marine species. To carry out the research and monitoring of submerged aquatic vegetation more efficiently and accurately, it is important to use advanced technologies such as underwater robots. However, when conducting underwater missions to capture photographs and videos near submerged aquatic vegetation meadows, algae can become entangled in the propellers and cause vehicle failure. In this context, a neurobiologically inspired control architecture is proposed for the control of unmanned underwater vehicles with redundant thrusters. The proposed control architecture learns to control the underwater robot in a non-stationary environment and combines the associative learning method and vector associative map learning to generate transformations between the spatial and velocity coordinates in the robot actuator. The experimental results obtained show that the proposed control architecture exhibits notable resilience capabilities while maintaining its operation in the face of thruster failures. In the discussion of the results obtained, the importance of the proposed control architecture is highlighted in the context of the monitoring and conservation of underwater vegetation meadows. Its resilience, robustness, and adaptability capabilities make it an effective tool to face challenges and meet mission objectives in such critical environments.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bio-Inspired Underwater Robots: 2nd Edition)
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Open AccessArticle
Autocatalysis, Autopoiesis, and the Opportunity Cost of Individuality
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Nemanja Kliska and Chrystopher L. Nehaniv
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 328; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060328 - 30 May 2024
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Ever since Varela and Maturana proposed the concept of autopoiesis as the minimal requirement for life, there has been a focus on cellular systems that erect topological boundaries to separate themselves from their surrounding environment. Here, we reconsider whether the existence of such
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Ever since Varela and Maturana proposed the concept of autopoiesis as the minimal requirement for life, there has been a focus on cellular systems that erect topological boundaries to separate themselves from their surrounding environment. Here, we reconsider whether the existence of such a spatial boundary is strictly necessary for self-producing entities. This work presents a novel computational model of a minimal autopoietic system inspired by dendrites and molecular dynamic simulations in three-dimensional space. A series of simulation experiments where the metabolic pathways of a particular autocatalytic set are successively inhibited until autocatalytic entities that could be considered autopoietic are produced. These entities maintain their distinctness in an environment containing multiple identical instances of the entities without the existence of a topological boundary. This gives rise to the concept of a metabolic boundary which manifests as emergent self-selection criteria for the processes of self-production without any need for unique identifiers. However, the adoption of such a boundary comes at a cost, as these autopoietic entities are less suited to their simulated environment than their autocatalytic counterparts. Finally, this work showcases a generalized metabolism-centered approach to the study of autopoiesis that can be applied to both physical and abstract systems alike.
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Open AccessReview
A Contemporary Review of Trachea, Nose, and Ear Cartilage Bioengineering and Additive Manufacturing
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Max Feng, Khwaja Hamzah Ahmed, Nihal Punjabi and Jared C. Inman
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 327; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060327 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
The complex structure, chemical composition, and biomechanical properties of craniofacial cartilaginous structures make them challenging to reconstruct. Autologous grafts have limited tissue availability and can cause significant donor-site morbidity, homologous grafts often require immunosuppression, and alloplastic grafts may have high rates of infection
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The complex structure, chemical composition, and biomechanical properties of craniofacial cartilaginous structures make them challenging to reconstruct. Autologous grafts have limited tissue availability and can cause significant donor-site morbidity, homologous grafts often require immunosuppression, and alloplastic grafts may have high rates of infection or displacement. Furthermore, all these grafting techniques require a high level of surgical skill to ensure that the reconstruction matches the original structure. Current research indicates that additive manufacturing shows promise in overcoming these limitations. Autologous stem cells have been developed into cartilage when exposed to the appropriate growth factors and culture conditions, such as mechanical stress and oxygen deprivation. Additive manufacturing allows for increased precision when engineering scaffolds for stem cell cultures. Fine control over the porosity and structure of a material ensures adequate cell adhesion and fit between the graft and the defect. Several recent tissue engineering studies have focused on the trachea, nose, and ear, as these structures are often damaged by congenital conditions, trauma, and malignancy. This article reviews the limitations of current reconstructive techniques and the new developments in additive manufacturing for tracheal, nasal, and auricular cartilages.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Additive Manufacturing of Biomaterials for Craniofacial Tissue Engineering and Implantology)
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Open AccessArticle
Neuromorphic Sensor Based on Force-Sensing Resistors
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Alexandru Barleanu and Mircea Hulea
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 326; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060326 - 29 May 2024
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This work introduces a neuromorphic sensor (NS) based on force-sensing resistors (FSR) and spiking neurons for robotic systems. The proposed sensor integrates the FSR in the schematic of the spiking neuron in order to make the sensor generate spikes with a frequency that
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This work introduces a neuromorphic sensor (NS) based on force-sensing resistors (FSR) and spiking neurons for robotic systems. The proposed sensor integrates the FSR in the schematic of the spiking neuron in order to make the sensor generate spikes with a frequency that depends on the applied force. The performance of the proposed sensor is evaluated in the control of a SMA-actuated robotic finger by monitoring the force during a steady state when the finger pushes on a tweezer. For comparison purposes, we performed a similar evaluation when the SNN received input from a widely used compression load cell (CLC). The results show that the proposed FSR-based neuromorphic sensor has very good sensitivity to low forces and the function between the spiking rate and the applied force is continuous, with good variation range. However, when compared to the CLC, the response of the NS follows a logarithmic-like function with improved sensitivity for small forces. In addition, the power consumption of NS is 128 µW that is 270 times lower than that of the CLC which needs 3.5 mW to operate. These characteristics make the neuromorphic sensor with FSR suitable for bioinspired control of humanoid robotics, representing a low-power and low-cost alternative to the widely used sensors.
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Open AccessArticle
The Effect of Iron Oxide Insertion on the In Vitro Bioactivity, and Antibacterial Properties of the 45S5 Bioactive Glass
by
Imen Hammami, Suresh Kumar Jakka, Isabel Sá-Nogueira, João Paulo Borges and Manuel Pedro Fernandes Graça
Biomimetics 2024, 9(6), 325; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9060325 - 29 May 2024
Abstract
The aging population and increasing incidence of trauma among younger age groups have heightened the increasing demand for reliable implant materials. Effective implant materials must demonstrate rapid osseointegration and strong antibacterial properties to ensure optimal patient outcomes and decrease the chance of implant
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The aging population and increasing incidence of trauma among younger age groups have heightened the increasing demand for reliable implant materials. Effective implant materials must demonstrate rapid osseointegration and strong antibacterial properties to ensure optimal patient outcomes and decrease the chance of implant rejection. This study aims to enhance the bone–implant interface by utilizing 45S5 bioglass modified with various concentrations of Fe3O4 as a coating material. The effect of the insertion of Fe3O4 into the bioglass structure was studied using Raman spectroscopy which shows that with the increase in Fe3O4 concentration, new vibration bands associated with Fe-related structural units appeared within the sample. The bioactivity of the prepared glasses was evaluated using immersion tests in simulated body fluid, revealing the formation of a calcium phosphate-rich layer within 24 h on the samples, indicating their potential for enhanced tissue integration. However, the sample modified with 8 mol% of Fe3O4 showed low reactivity, developing a calcium phosphate-rich layer within 96 h. All the bioglasses showed antibacterial activity against the Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. The modified bioglass did not present significant antibacterial properties compared to the bioglass base.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Bioceramics for Bone Regeneration)
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