NATURE-BIOINSPIRED MATERIALS AND MECHANISMS

(QUALITATIVE)
• Echolocation (ultrasonography, sonars), Photosynthesis (photovoltaic cells, bionic leaf).
• Bird flying (GPS and aircrafts), Lotus leaf effect (Super hydrophobic and self-cleaning surfaces), Plant
burrs (Velcro), Shark skin (Friction reducing swim suits), Kingfisher beak (Bullet train).
• Human Blood substitutes - hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and perflourocarbons (PFCs).

Echolocation
• Echolocation is a biological or technological process that involves emitting sound waves and listening
to the echoes that bounce back off of objects in the environment to determine their location, distance,
and shape.
• In biology, the use of echolocation by animals has been well documented for centuries.
• The scientific study of echolocation in animals, however, only began in the early 20th century, Griffin's
research showed bats were using echolocation to navigate and hunt.
• In technology, the use of echolocation can be traced back to the early days of submarine warfare.
During World War I, the British navy developed a primitive form of sonar (known then as "ASDIC")
to detect submarines.

Ultrasonography
• Ultrasonography (ultrasound imaging or sonography) is a medical imaging technique that uses high-
frequency sound waves to produce images of the internal organs and tissues of body.
• The ultrasound machine emits high-frequency sound waves that travel through the body and bounce
back off of the internal organs and tissues.
• Returning echoes are captured by ultrasound machine & used to create images of the internal
structures.
Uses of Ultrasonography
• Obstetrics and gynecology: Commonly used to monitor the growth and development of a fetus during
pregnancy.
• Abdominal imaging: Used to image the organs of the abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder,
pancreas, spleen, and kidneys, to diagnose conditions such as liver disease, gallstones, pancreatitis,
and kidney stones.
• Musculoskeletal imaging: Used to image the muscles, tendons, and ligaments to diagnose conditions
such as muscle strains, tendonitis, and ligament sprains.
• Vascular imaging: Used to image blood vessels, such as the arteries and veins, to diagnose conditions
such as blood clots, blockages, and aneurysms.
• Eye and neck imaging: Used to image the eyes and neck to diagnose conditions such as cataracts,
glaucoma, and thyroid nodules.
• Emergency medicine: Used in emergency medicine to quickly and accurately diagnose conditions
such as appendicitis, pneumothorax, and fluid buildup in the abdomen or chest.
Working Principle
• It is based on the reflection of high-frequency sound waves.
1. Transducer: An ultrasonography machine consists of a transducer that is used to emit and receive high-
frequency sound waves. It is placed in direct contact with the skin through a gel.
2. Emission of sound waves: The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves (usually in the range of
2 to 18 MHz) into the body. These sound waves travel through the body and encounter different tissues
and organs, which have different acoustic properties.
3. Reflection of sound waves: The sound waves encounter boundaries between different tissues and
organs and bounce back, creating echoes. The strength of the echoes depends on the acoustic properties
of the tissues and organs, such as density and stiffness.
4. Reception of echoes: The transducer in the ultrasonography machine receives the echoes and sends the
information to a computer, which processes the data to create images.
5. Image formation: The computer uses the information from the echoes to create images of the internal
organs and tissues of the body.
6. The images are displayed on a screen, allowing the operator to see the structure and movement of the
internal organs and tissues.
Sonars
• Sonar, which stands for Sound Navigation and Ranging, is a technology that uses sound waves to
detect and locate underwater objects.
• Sonar technology works by emitting a series of sound pulses and listening for the echoes that bounce
back from underwater objects.
Working Principle
• The working principle of sonar technology is based on the reflection of sound waves.
1. Transmitter: It produces and emits a series of sound pulses into the water. These sound pulses are
typically in the form of high frequency, low-power acoustic signals, known as "ping”.
2. Propagation of sound waves: The sound pulses propagate through the water, traveling to the target
object and bouncing back as echoes. The speed of sound in water is slower than in air, and it depends
on the temperature, pressure, and salinity of the water.
3. Receiver: The sonar system also includes a receiver that listens for the returning echoes. The receiver
is typically placed far away from the transmitter to minimize interference from the transmitted signals.
4. Calculation of range: The time it takes for the echoes to return to the receiver is used to calculate the
range to the target object.
5. Determination of target properties: The frequency and pattern of the echoes are used to determine
the size, shape, and composition. For example, a large, solid object will produce a strong, low-
frequency echo, while a small, porous object will produce a weaker, high-frequency echo.
6. Display of results: The results of the sonar measurement are typically displayed on a screen or other
output device, allowing the operator to visualize the target object and its location.
Uses of Sonars
• Naval applications: Used by naval vessels to detect and locate other ships, submarines, and
underwater obstacles, allowing them to navigate safely and avoid potential collisions.
• Fishery: Used in the fishing industry to locate schools of fish and determine the depth of the water,
allowing fishermen to more efficiently target their catch.
• Oceanography: Used in oceanography to study physical & biological properties of ocean, including
structure of ocean floor, movement of currents, & distribution of marine life.
• Environmental monitoring: Used to monitor the health of marine ecosystems, track the migration
patterns of whales and other marine mammals, and assess the impact of human activities on the ocean
environment.

Photosynthesis
• Photosynthesis is the process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria convert light energy from the
sun into chemical energy stored in organic molecules.
• In plants, photosynthesis takes place in the chloroplasts of the cells located in the leaves.
• The process starts with the absorption of light energy by pigments such as chlorophyll, which then
excites electrons.
• These excited electrons are used to power the transfer of carbon dioxide into organic molecules, such
as sugars and starches, through a series of chemical reactions.
• The end product of photosynthesis in plants is stored chemical energy in the form of organic
compounds.
Photovoltaic Cells
The connection between photosynthesis and
photovoltaics lies in the conversion of light
energy into usable forms of energy.
• Both photosynthesis and photovoltaics use
same basic principle of converting light
energy into usable forms of energy, but the
end products in photosynthesis is stored
chemical energy, while in photovoltaics
electrical energy.
• Photosynthesis use chlorophyll and
photovoltaics use silicon to absorb and
convert light energy into usable forms of energy.
• The development of photovoltaics has been heavily influenced by the natural process of
photosynthesis, and many researchers have sought to mimic and improve upon the efficiency.

Bionic Leaf
• A bionic leaf is a system that uses artificial photosynthesis to convert sunlight into usable forms of
energy, such as hydrogen or other biofuels.
• The bionic leaf is designed to mimic the process of photosynthesis in plants, where light energy is used
to split water molecules into hydrogen and oxygen, and the hydrogen can then be used as a source of
energy.
Working
• The photovoltaic cell is used to convert sunlight into electrical energy, which is then passed to the
catalyst. The catalyst, in turn, uses the electrical energy to power the process of water splitting, where
water molecules are separated into H2 & O2.
• This process is facilitated by the presence of enzymes or other catalysts that act as a bridge between
the electrical energy and the water splitting reaction.
Applications
• Renewable Energy Production: primary applications of bionic leaf technology is in the production of
renewable energy.
• Carbon Dioxide Reduction: promising solution for mitigating the rising levels of carbon dioxide in the
atmosphere.
• Remote and Off-Grid Areas: off-grid energy solution for remote or underdeveloped areas.
 Bird Flying
• Birds fly by flapping their wings and using their body weight and the movement of the air to stay aloft.
They navigate using a combination of visual cues, the Earth's magnetic field, and celestial navigation.
• Aircraft, on the other hand, use engines to generate thrust and lift from the wings to stay in the air.
• They navigate using a combination of instruments and systems, including GPS (Global Positioning
System), which uses satellite signals to determine the aircraft's position and help it navigate.
• Although birds and aircraft both fly, their mechanisms and methods of navigation are quite different.

GPS Technology
• GPS (Global Positioning System) is a technology that uses a network of satellites to provide location
and time information to users. The technology works by measuring the time it takes for signals to
travel from satellites to a receiver on the ground or in a vehicle, and using this information to calculate
the user's position.
Here are some key components of GPS technology:
• Satellites: consists of 24-32 satellites orbiting the Earth.
• Receivers: integrated into devices such as smartphones,
• Control segment: consists of ground-based monitoring stations.
• User segment: consists of the GPS receivers used by individuals and organizations to obtain location
and time information.
Importance of GPS Technology in Aircrafts
• Positioning and Navigation: GPS helps aircraft accurately determine their position and follow precise
routes.
• Flight Planning: GPS assists pilots and planners in creating optimal flight plans, considering
waypoints, altitudes, and current information on navigation aids, weather, and airspace restrictions.
• Approach and Landing: provide precise guidance during approach and landing, even in low visibility.
• Air Traffic Management: air traffic management systems, and situational awareness for controllers.
• Collision Avoidance: collision avoidance systems like TCAS and ADS-B.
• Flight Data Recording: aiding post-flight analysis, accident investigation.

Aircraft Technology
Some key components of modern aircraft technology:
• Aerodynamics: Modern aircraft are designed to be more aerodynamic, with wing shapes optimized for
lift and efficiency.
• Jet engines: use the principles of Newton's third law of motion to produce thrust, have replaced
propeller engines in most modern aircraft.
 • Avionics or aviation electronics: Flight instruments, navigation systems, and communication systems
have become more precise, reliable, and sophisticated.
• Safety systems: These include systems for collision avoidance, weather detection, and emergency
response.
• Automation: advanced autopilot systems and computerized flight control systems.

Mimicking Birds Fly for Aircraft Technology

1. Wing design: Shape of bird wings inspired the design of aircraft wings, which have evolved to be more
aerodynamic and fuel-efficient as a result.
2. Flapping-wing drones: Researchers have developed drones that use flapping wings to fly, mimicking
the way birds and insects fly. These drones can be used for various applications, such as monitoring
crops and wildlife, inspecting buildings and infrastructure, and search and rescue operations.
3. Soaring algorithms: flight technique used by birds and certain aircraft to stay aloft and travel long
distances with minimal energy expenditure. Involves utilizing rising air currents, such as thermals,
ridge lift, wind shear, to gain altitude and maintain flight.
4. Landing gear: The legs and feet of birds have inspired the design of landing gear for aircraft, with
shock-absorbing and retractable structures that help absorb impact upon landing.

Lotus Leaf Effect

 The lotus leaf effect, also known as the "lotus effect," refers to the ability of lotus leaves to repel water
and self-clean through their unique surface structure.
 This effect has inspired the development of super hydrophobic and self-cleaning surfaces, which have
a wide range of applications in various industries.

Super Hydrophobic Effect

• The super hydrophobic effect refers to the ability of certain surfaces to repel water and resist wetting.
• Super hydrophobic surfaces are characterized by a high contact angle between water droplets and the
surface, typically over 150 degrees, and a low contact angle hysteresis, meaning that the droplets roll
off the surface with ease.
Materials and Examples
Here are some commonly used materials and examples:
• Fluoropolymers: Fluoropolymer-based coatings are widely used. Ex: PTFE.
• Silica-based Nanoparticles: These nanoparticles create a rough surface structure that traps air pockets,
preventing water from wetting the surface.
• Carbon-based Materials: Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), graphene, and nanofibers.
• Metal-based Materials: Various metals and metal oxides can be used to create super hydrophobic
surfaces.
• Polymer-based Materials: polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)
• Natural Materials: Mimicking the hierarchical structures and utilizing hydrophobic coatings can create
super hydrophobic surfaces.
• Hybrid Materials: hybrid coatings can be formed by combining nanoparticles, polymers, and other
materials to achieve synergistic effects
Engineering Applications of Super Hydrophobic Surfaces
• Electronics Industry:
• Waterproofing Electronics: Super hydrophobic coatings can protect electronic components
from water damage.
• Moisture Resistance: Electronic devices exposed to humid environments or moistureprone
conditions can benefit from super hydrophobic coatings.
• Self-Cleaning Displays: applied to displays and touch screens repel water, oils, and
fingerprints.
• Automobile Industry:
• Anti-Fogging Windows and Mirrors: used on automobile windows and mirrors to prevent
fogging or condensation formation.
• Self-Cleaning Surfaces: can facilitate self-cleaning by repelling water, dirt, and
contaminants from automobile exterior.
• Fuel Efficiency: can reduce drag and frictional resistance on vehicle surfaces, leading to
improved aerodynamics and fuel efficiency.
• Aerospace Industry:
• Anti-Icing and Deicing: prevent ice formation or facilitate ice removal. This is particularly
important for critical areas such as wings, engine components, and sensors.
• Drag Reduction: minimize frictional drag during flight, leading to improved fuel efficiency
and reduced emissions.
• Corrosion Resistance: protect aerospace components from corrosion caused by exposure to
moisture, rain, or harsh environments.
Self-Cleaning Surfaces
• Self-cleaning surfaces are surfaces that are able to clean themselves without the need for manual
cleaning.
• These surfaces are typically super hydrophobic and have a high contact angle with water, which
causes water droplets to bead up and roll off the surface, carrying away any dirt or debris.
• The principle of self-cleaning surfaces is based on two main mechanisms: the reduction of surface
energy and the modification of surface texture. These mechanisms work together to minimize the
adhesion of dirt, water, and other contaminants, enabling the self-cleaning effect.
• Low Surface Energy: Self-cleaning surfaces often have low surface energy, which means they have
a reduced affinity for liquid and solid particles.
• Lotus Effect: observed on the leaves of lotus plants, they form near-perfect spheres and roll off,
collecting dirt and contaminants along the way.
• Micro/Nanostructured Surfaces: Surface texture plays a crucial role in self-cleaning surfaces.
These structures can trap air pockets, causing liquids to form droplets with reduced contact area,
minimizing adhesion.
• External Factors: external factors like water, wind, or light often play a role in activating the self-
cleaning process. For example, Sunlight or UV radiation can activate photocatalytic reactions on
certain surfaces, breaking down organic matter and enhancing self-cleaning capabilities.
Applications of self-cleaning surfaces and coatings
• Architecture and Building Materials: self-cleaning glass for windows and facades.
• Solar Panels: prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt on the surface, ensuring optimal energy
efficiency.
• Automotive Industry: vehicle exteriors, including car windows an windshields.
• Electronics: used on electronic displays, touchscreens, and optical lenses, resist fingerprints, oils,
and smudges, ensuring clear visibility.
• Textiles: applied to fabrics used in outdoor clothing and carpets.
• Medical Equipment: in medical equipment, such as hospital furniture, beds.
• Kitchen and Bathroom Surfaces: employed in kitchen countertops, sinks, and bathroom fixtures to
repel water, oils, and stains.

Plant Burrs and Velcro

• Plant burrs, such as those found on burdock, inspired the invention of Velcro, a popular hook-and-
loop fastening system.
• The burrs have small hooks that can latch onto clothing, fur, or feathers, allowing them to disperse
their seeds over a wider area
Materials Used in Velcro Technology
• Velcro technology uses two main materials: nylon and
polyester.
• The nylon is extruded to create tiny hooks that are then
cut and shaped into the familiar hook shape. These
hooks are designed to latch onto the loop side of the
Velcro.
• The loop side of Velcro is made of polyester. When the
loops are pressed against the hook side of the Velcro, the
hooks latch onto the loops, creating a secure attachment. In addition to nylon and polyester, the
adhesive used to attach the Velcro to surfaces can also vary.
Engineering Applications of Velcro Technology
• Clothing and footwear: commonly used in clothing and footwear for closures and adjustable straps.
• Medical devices: medical devices such as braces, splints, and compression garments for its
adjustable and secure fastening capabilities.
• Aerospace equipment: aerospace equipment, such as satellites and spacecraft, to secure components
in place and prevent them from vibrating or shifting during launch or flight.
• Automotive industry: automotive industry, for securing carpets and headliners, and attaching door
panels and seat cushions.
• Packaging industry: packaging industry for resealable closures on bags, pouches, and other types of
packaging.
• Sports equipment: helmets and gloves, for its ability to provide a secure and adjustable fit.

Shark Skin and Friction Reducing Swim Suits

• Denticles on shark skin are like tiny bumps or ridges, have evolved over millions of years to reduce
drag and increase swimming efficiency.
 • These structures disrupt the flow of water around the shark's body, reducing turbulence and minimizing
the formation of vortices. As a result, sharks can swim faster and with less effort compared to other
fish.
• This allows shark to move faster and with less effort.
• Scientists have been able to replicate the dermal denticles in swimsuits and also the bottom of ships or
boats.
• When cargo ships can squeeze out even a single percent in efficiency, they burn less bunker oil and
don’t require cleaning chemicals for their hulls.
• Besides that, this sharkskin mechanism is also applied to create surfaces in hospitals that resist bacteria
growth since the bacteria can’t catch hold of the rough surface.
• Sharkskin-inspired swimsuits received a lot of media attention during the 2008 Summer Olympics
when the spotlight was shining on Michael Phelps.
• However, they are now banned in most of the major competitions.
Materials Used
• Polyurethane: A type of polymer that is commonly used in the production of swim suits, as it is durable
and can be molded into a variety of shapes.
• Lycra/Spandex: Lycra and spandex are made from the same synthetic fiber, which is technically called
elastane. Elastane fibers are typically composed of a polymer called polyurethane which is then
blended with other fibers like nylon, polyester, or cotton that is known for its stretch and flexibility.
• High-tech fabrics: A range of high-tech fabrics have been developed specifically for use in swim suits.
These fabrics are designed to be lightweight, water-repellent, and hydrodynamic, and often incorporate
materials such as silicone or Teflon to reduce drag.

Kingfisher Beak and Bullet Train

• The kingfisher beak is an excellent example of nature's design for efficient diving and fishing.
• Its unique shape and structure enable the kingfisher to minimize the impact of water resistance and
achieve a successful dive.
The Beak That Inspired a Bullet Train
• A long and narrow cone, the kingfisher’s beak parts and enters the water without creating a
compression wave below the surface or a noisy splash above.
• The fine point of the conical beak presents little surface area or resistance to the water upon entry, and
the evenly and gradually enlarging cross-section of the beak keeps fluid flowing smoothly around it as
it penetrates further into the water column.
• This buys the bird crucial milliseconds to reach the fish before the fish knows to flee.
• The length of the beak is critical here: the longer it is, the more gradually the angle of the wedge
expands.
• A shorter, fatter, or rounder beak would increase the wedge angle, resulting in a splash, a compression
wave, and a fleeing fish.
 Human Blood Substitutes
• Human blood substitutes are synthetic products that are designed to act as a replacement for blood in
the human body.
Basic Requirement for Human Blood Substitutes;
• Effective Oxygen Transport: Human blood substitutes must be capable of efficiently carrying and
delivering oxygen to the body's tissues.
• Safety and Compatibility: Blood substitutes should be safe for use in the human body and well-
tolerated by the recipient. They should not cause significant adverse reactions, toxicity, or immune
• Storage and Transport: Human blood substitutes should be stable and capable of being stored and
transported easily.
• Cost-Effectiveness and Scalability: Blood substitutes should be cost-effective and scalable for
widespread use in medical settings.
• There are two types of human blood substitutes - hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and
perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers (HBOCs)
• Hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) are a type of human blood substitute that is designed to
carry and deliver oxygen to the body's tissues.
• They are made by isolating hemoglobin, the protein responsible for carrying oxygen in red blood
cells, and formulating it into a solution or suspension that can be infused into a patient's bloodstream.
Advantages of hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers
• Increased oxygen-carrying capacity: HBOCs can potentially carry more oxygen per unit volume than
whole blood.
• Universal compatibility: HBOCs can potentially be universally compatible with any blood type.
• Longer shelf life: HBOCs have the potential for longer storage and shelf life compared to donated
blood.
• Reduced risk of infections: HBOCs are synthetic and do not rely on human donors, the risk of
infections associated with transfusion can be significantly reduced.
• Availability in remote or challenging settings: It can be particularly beneficial in military settings,
disaster relief efforts, or transport of patients.
Limitations/Risks of using HBOCs
• Limited oxygen release: challenges with HBOCs is ensuring efficient oxygen release to the tissues.
The oxygen dissociation curve of HBOCs may differ from that of natural red blood cells,
• Short half-life: HBOCs tend to have a shorter half-life in the body compared to natural red blood
cells. This means that the HBOCs may be rapidly cleared from circulation, reducing their
effectiveness and requiring more frequent doses or infusions.
• Nitric oxide scavenging: HBOCs have a tendency to scavenge nitric oxide, a molecule important for
regulating blood vessel dilation and maintaining normal blood flow.
 • Renal toxicity: Some HBOCs have shown a potential for renal toxicity, causing damage to the
kidneys.

Perflourocarbons (PFCs)
• Perfluorocarbons (PFCs) are a type of human blood substitute that are designed to deliver oxygen to
the body's tissues.
• Unlike hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs), which are based on natural proteins, PFCs are
synthetic chemicals that are similar in structure to some types of industrial solvents.
• They are first-generation blood substitutes. Unlike the red-colored HBOCs, PFCs are usually white.
However, since they do not mix with blood they must be emulsified before they can be given to
patients.
Advantages of PFCs
• High oxygen-carrying capacity: PFCs have the ability to dissolve a significant amount of oxygen,
much higher than that of blood.
• Improved oxygen solubility: PFCs exhibit a high solubility for oxygen, meaning that oxygen molecules
can readily dissolve in PFC solutions.
• Stability and long shelf life: PFCs are chemically stable and have a long shelf life, making them
suitable for storage and use in emergency situations where the availability of fresh blood or other
oxygen carriers may be limited.
• No blood typing or cross-matching required: Unlike blood transfusions, which require compatibility
testing and matching of blood types.
• Reduced risk of infection transmission: PFCs are synthetic substances, eliminating the risk of
transmitting infectious diseases associated with blood transfusions.
Limitations of PFCs
• Limited oxygen offloading: While PFCs have a high capacity to carry and dissolve oxygen, they tend
to have a reduced ability to release oxygen to tissues compared to red blood cells.
• Need for specialized administer: PFCs typically require specialized administration techniques, such
as emulsification or encapsulation, to enhance their stability and improve their oxygen-carrying
capacity.
• Short half-life: PFCs have a relatively short half-life in the body, leading to the need for frequent
administration to maintain adequate oxygen-carrying capacity.
• Clearance and elimination: PFCs are primarily eliminated from the body through the lungs, and their
elimination kinetics can vary among individuals.
• Side effects and toxicity: PFCs have the potential for side effects and toxicity, particularly if used in
excessive amounts or for prolonged periods.