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Biomimetics
Special Issues
Biomechanics and Biomimetics in Engineering Design
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Biomechanics and Biomimetics in Engineering Design

A special issue of Biomimetics (ISSN 2313-7673). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomimetic Design, Constructions and Devices".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2024) | Viewed by 8513

Special Issue Editors

Dr. Med Amine Laribi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Institut PPRIME, CNRS, Université de Poitiers, ISAE-ENSMA, UPR 3346 Poitiers, France
Interests: robotics; biomechanical engineering; rehabilitation; biomimicry; mechanical design; service robotics; human–robot collaboration; compliant joint
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals
Dr. Laura Gastaldi

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Politecnico di Torino, Torino, Italy
Interests: biomechanical engineering; paralympic sports; human–robot collaboration; rehabilitation; motion analysis
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The inspiration for the designs, analysis, and implementation of new technologies for engineers comes from various sources. An important characteristic of a skilled engineer is the capacity to think creatively and tackle problems using a broad knowledge base. Engineers have traditionally looked to nature for inspiration, leading to the development of terms such as bioinspiration, biomimicry, and biomimetics, referring to the practice of imitating natural systems for use in engineering. Within the field of mechanical engineering, there is currently a broad spectrum of interest in bioinspired technologies across various areas such as materials science and technology, robotics, sensing, surface science, tribology, fluid mechanics, and numerous others. This Special Issue of the Journal Biomimetics comes at a particularly appropriate time of increasing activity on the topic “Biomechanics and biomimetics in Engineering Design” and offers the opportunity to spotlight the latest advances in biometric research and applications. We invite submission of high-quality papers related to recent developments of biomechanics and biomimetics in mechanical design.

Dr. Med Amine Laribi
Dr. Laura Gastaldi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Biomimetics is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2200 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • design of biomimetic robots
  • intelligent sensors for perception and exploration
  • advanced multimodal sensing information fusion
  • computational neuroscience of perception and action
  • intelligent learning methods from a biomimetic view
  • bio-inspired robotic learning and control
  • applications of biomimetic robotics in industry, e.g., manipulation, robot assisted surgery
  • biomimetics of structures and materials
  • bio-inspired architectures
  • biomimetic energetic solutions
  • other related topics

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Further information on MDPI's Special Issue policies can be found here.

Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 8657 KiB  
Article
Study on the Effect of Flexible Passive Deformation of Tuna Caudal Fin on Swimming Performance
by Shi-Yun Zhong, Tian-Yu Gao, Wei-Pei Huang, Peng-Nan Sun, Chao Yu, Wang Zhao and Zhi-Qun Guo
Biomimetics 2024, 9(11), 669; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9110669 - 1 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1237
Abstract
The high-speed and efficient swimming characteristics of tuna are valuable for designing bio-inspired underwater vehicles. Tuna use their highly deformable caudal fins as propulsors during swimming. Caudal fin deformation is categorized into skeletal-controlled active deformation and fluid-induced flexible passive deformation. To investigate how [...] Read more.
The high-speed and efficient swimming characteristics of tuna are valuable for designing bio-inspired underwater vehicles. Tuna use their highly deformable caudal fins as propulsors during swimming. Caudal fin deformation is categorized into skeletal-controlled active deformation and fluid-induced flexible passive deformation. To investigate how flexible passive deformation affects propulsion performance, simulations of four caudal fins with varying flexibilities under two St numbers in a uniform flow are conducted using the finite volume method. This study finds that the medium-flexibility caudal fin achieves a higher time-averaged thrust coefficient without sacrificing efficiency under both high and low St numbers. At a high St number, the medium-flexibility caudal fin enhances thrust by reducing detrimental secondary flows. At a low St number, the medium-flexibility caudal fin increases thrust by strengthening vortex rings, which induces a stronger backward jet. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Biomimetics in Engineering Design)
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24 pages, 9980 KiB  
Article
Biofeedback-Based Closed-Loop Phytoactuation in Vertical Farming and Controlled-Environment Agriculture
by Serge Kernbach
Biomimetics 2024, 9(10), 640; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9100640 - 18 Oct 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1726
Abstract
This work focuses on biohybrid systems—plants with biosensors and actuating mechanisms that enhance the ability of biological organisms to control environmental parameters, to optimize growth conditions or to cope with stress factors. Biofeedback-based phytoactuation represents the next step of development in hydroponics, vertical [...] Read more.
This work focuses on biohybrid systems—plants with biosensors and actuating mechanisms that enhance the ability of biological organisms to control environmental parameters, to optimize growth conditions or to cope with stress factors. Biofeedback-based phytoactuation represents the next step of development in hydroponics, vertical farming and controlled-environment agriculture. The sensing part of the discussed approach uses (electro)physiological sensors. The hydrodynamics of fluid transport systems, estimated electrochemically, is compared with sap flow data provided by heat-based methods. In vivo impedance spectroscopy enables the discrimination of water, nutrient and photosynthates in the plant stem. Additionally to plant physiology, the system measures several air/soil and environmental parameters. The actuating part includes a multi-channel power module to control phytolight, irrigation, fertilization and air/water preparation. We demonstrate several tested in situ applications of a closed-loop control based on real-time biofeedback. In vertical farming, this is used to optimize energy and water consumption, reduce growth time and detect stress. Biofeedback was able to reduce the microgreen production cycle from 7 days to 4–5 days and the production of wheatgrass from 10 days to 7–8 days, and, in combination with biofeedback-based irrigation, a 30% increase in pea biomass was achieved. Its energy optimization can reach 25–30%. In environmental monitoring, the system performs the biological monitoring of environmental pollution (a low concentration of O3) with tomato and tobacco plants. In AI research, a complex exploration of biological organisms, and in particular the adaptation mechanisms of circadian clocks to changing environments, has been shown. This paper introduces a phytosensor system, describes its electrochemical measurements and discusses its tested applications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Biomimetics in Engineering Design)
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14 pages, 3681 KiB  
Article
A Microactuator Array Based on Ionic Electroactive Artificial Muscles for Cell Mechanical Stimulation
by Jing Gu, Zixing Zhou, Yang Xie, Xiaobin Zhu, Guoyou Huang and Zuoqi Zhang
Biomimetics 2024, 9(5), 281; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9050281 - 8 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1823
Abstract
Mechanical stimulation is prevalent within organisms, and appropriate regulation of such stimulation can significantly enhance cellular functions. Consequently, the in vitro construction and simulation of mechanical stimulation have emerged as a research hotspot in biomechanics. In recent years, a class of artificial muscles [...] Read more.
Mechanical stimulation is prevalent within organisms, and appropriate regulation of such stimulation can significantly enhance cellular functions. Consequently, the in vitro construction and simulation of mechanical stimulation have emerged as a research hotspot in biomechanics. In recent years, a class of artificial muscles named electroactive polymers (EAPs), especially ionic EAPs, have shown promising applications in biomechanics. While several techniques utilizing ionic EAPs for cell mechanical stimulation have been reported, further research is needed to advance and enhance their practical applications. Here, we prepared a microactuator array based on ionic EAP artificial muscles for cell mechanical stimulation. As a preliminary effort, we created a 5 × 5 microactuator array on a supporting membrane by employing laser cutting. We evaluated the electro-actuation performance of the microactuators through experimental testing and numerical simulations, affirming the potential use of the microactuator array for cell mechanical stimulation. The devised approach could inspire innovative design concepts in the development of miniaturized intelligent electronic devices, not only in biomechanics and biomimetics but also in other related fields. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Biomimetics in Engineering Design)
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Review

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15 pages, 2210 KiB  
Review
Biomimetic Proteoglycans for Intervertebral Disc (IVD) Regeneration
by Neha Chopra, James Melrose, Zi Gu and Ashish D. Diwan
Biomimetics 2024, 9(12), 722; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9120722 - 22 Nov 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1358
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration, which leads to low back pain, is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition worldwide, significantly impairing quality of life and imposing substantial socioeconomic burdens on affected individuals. A major impediment to the development of any prospective cell-driven recovery of functional properties [...] Read more.
Intervertebral disc degeneration, which leads to low back pain, is the most prevalent musculoskeletal condition worldwide, significantly impairing quality of life and imposing substantial socioeconomic burdens on affected individuals. A major impediment to the development of any prospective cell-driven recovery of functional properties in degenerate IVDs is the diminishing IVD cell numbers and viability with ageing which cannot sustain such a recovery process. However, if IVD proteoglycan levels, a major functional component, can be replenished through an orthobiological process which does not rely on cellular or nutritional input, then this may be an effective strategy for the re-attainment of IVD mechanical properties. Furthermore, biomimetic proteoglycans (PGs) represent an established polymer that strengthens osteoarthritis cartilage and improves its biomechanical properties, actively promoting biological repair processes. Biomimetic PGs have superior water imbibing properties compared to native aggrecan and are more resistant to proteolytic degradation, increasing their biological half-life in cartilaginous tissues. Methods have also now been developed to chemically edit the structure of biomimetic proteoglycans, allowing for the incorporation of bioactive peptide modules and equipping biomimetic proteoglycans as delivery vehicles for drugs and growth factors, further improving their biotherapeutic credentials. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of prospective orthobiological strategies that leverage engineered proteoglycans, paving the way for novel therapeutic interventions in IVD degeneration and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Biomimetics in Engineering Design)
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29 pages, 13992 KiB  
Review
External Scaffold for Strengthening the Pulmonary Autograft in the Ross Procedure
by Francesco Nappi, Aubin Nassif and Thibaut Schoell
Biomimetics 2024, 9(11), 674; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics9110674 - 5 Nov 2024
Viewed by 1051
Abstract
Despite offering several potential benefits over standard prosthetic aortic valve replacement, the use of the pulmonary autograft has been limited to date due to concerns over the risk of pulmonary autograft expansion and the need for reintervention. Several techniques using materials with biomimetic [...] Read more.
Despite offering several potential benefits over standard prosthetic aortic valve replacement, the use of the pulmonary autograft has been limited to date due to concerns over the risk of pulmonary autograft expansion and the need for reintervention. Several techniques using materials with biomimetic potential have been developed to reduce this complication. The incidence, risk factors, and pathophysiology of pulmonary autograft dilatation are discussed in this article. This seminar will provide an overview of the techniques of external pulmonary autograft support and their advantages and limitations. It also considers future directions for further investigation and future clinical applications of external pulmonary autograft support. Dilatation of the autograft is more likely to occur in patients with aortic regurgitation and a dilated aortic annulus. External scaffolding may prevent autograft stretching and expansion in these specific cases. However, from a biomimetic point of view, any permanent scaffold potentially restricts the movement of the autograft root. This reduces some of the benefits associated with the use of autologous tissue, which is the priority of the Ross procedure. To address this issue, several bioresorbable matrices could be used to support the root during its initial adaptive phase. Control of blood pressure with aggressive therapy is the first line to avoid this problem in the first year after pulmonary autograft implantation, together with support of the annular and sinotubular junction in some selected cases. This is the best way to maintain stable autograft root dimensions while preserving root dynamics. However, to determine the efficacy of this combined external support and best medical management, it is important to perform regular imaging and clinical follow-up. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics and Biomimetics in Engineering Design)
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