Biology for Engineers BBOC407
MODULE-IV
NATURE-BIOINSPIRED MATERIALS AND MECHANISMS:
Echolocation
echolocation occurs when an animal emits a sound wave that bounces off an object, returning an echo
that provides information about the object’s distance and size.
Human echolocation is the ability of humans to detect objects in their environment by sensing echoes
from those objects, and by actively creating sounds.
• Found in various animals such as bats, dolphins, and some species of whales.
• Relies on the emission of sound waves, usually in the form of clicks or vocalizations.
Mechanics:
• Vision and hearing are akin in that each interprets detections of reflected waves of energy. Vision
processes light waves that travel from their source, bounce off surfaces throughout the environment
and enter the eyes. Similarly, the auditory system processes sound waves as they travel from their
source, bounce off surfaces, and enter the ears. Both neural systems can extract a great deal of
information about the environment by interpreting the complex patterns of reflected energy that
their sense organs receive. In the case of sound, these waves of reflected energy are referred to as
echoes.
Technological Echolocation
Ultrasonography
:
• Ultrasound refers to sound above the human audible limit of 20 kHz. Ultrasound of frequencies up
to 10 MHz and beyond is used in medical diagnosis, therapy, and surgery. In investigative
applications, an ultrasound source (transmitter) directs pulses into the body.
• When the pulse encounters a boundary between organs or between two tissue regions of different
densities, reflections of sound occur. By scanning the body with Ultrasound and detecting echoes
generated by various organs, a sonogram of the internal structure(s) can be generated. The method
is called diagnostic imaging by echolocation.
• Ultrasonography is a non-invasive, safe, and painless imaging method.
• Used to visualize a wide range of structures within the body, including the organs of the abdomen,
pelvis, and chest, as well as the uterus, fetus, and other soft tissues.
• It is commonly used in prenatal care to monitor the growth and development of the fetus and to
diagnose any potential problems.
• Sonar (sound navigation and ranging or sonic navigation and ranging) is a technique that uses
sound propagation (usually underwater, as in submarine navigation) to navigate, measure distances
(ranging), communicate with or detect objects on or under the surface of the water, such as other
vessels.
Applications - navigation, robotics, obstacle detection, and medical imaging.
• It is a human-engineered solution inspired by the natural abilities of animals.
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Photosynthesis
The Process:
During photosynthesis, plants take in carbon dioxide (CO2) and water (H2O) from the air and soil.
Within the plant cell, the water is oxidized, meaning it loses electrons, while the carbon dioxide is
reduced, meaning it gains electrons. This transforms the water into oxygen and the carbon dioxide into
glucose. The plant then releases the oxygen back into the air, and stores energy within the glucose
molecules.
Chlorophyll:
Inside the plant cell are small organelles called chloroplasts, which store the energy of sunlight. Within
the thylakoid membranes of the chloroplast is a light-absorbing pigment called chlorophyll, which is
responsible for giving the plant its green color. During photosynthesis, chlorophyll absorbs energy from
blue- and red-light waves and reflects green-light waves, making the plant appear green.
Photovoltaic Cells / solar cells
• The connection between photosynthesis and photovoltaics lies in the conversion of light energy into
usable forms of energy.
• In photosynthesis, light energy from the sun is converted into chemical energy stored in organic
molecules, such as sugars and starches.
• In photovoltaics, light energy is converted into electrical energy.
• Both photosynthesis and photovoltaics use the same basic principle of converting light energy into
usable forms of energy, but the end products are different.
• In photosynthesis, the end product is stored chemical energy, while in photovoltaics, the end
product is electrical energy.
• Both processes also involve the use of specialized components and materials, such as chlorophyll
in photosynthesis and silicon in photovoltaics, to absorb and convert light energy into usable
forms of energy.
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.
• The bionic leaf consists of a photovoltaic cell that captures sunlight and converts it into electrical
energy, and a catalyst, such as a bacteria, that uses the electrical energy to split water molecules into
hydrogen and oxygen.
• The hydrogen produced by the bionic leaf can then be stored and used as a source of energy for a
variety of applications, such as powering vehicles or generating electricity.
• The bionic leaf has the potential to be a highly sustainable and environmentally friendly energy
source, as it uses renewable resources, such as sunlight and water, to produce energy.
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Working principle The working principle of a bionic leaf is based on artificial photosynthesis, which
aims to mimic the process of photosynthesis in plants.
• The bionic leaf typically consists of a photovoltaic cell that captures sunlight and converts it into
electrical energy, and a catalyst, such as a bacterium, that uses the electrical energy to split water
molecules into hydrogen and oxygen.
• 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 hydrogen and oxygen.
• 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.
• The hydrogen produced by the bionic leaf can then be stored and used as a source of energy for a
variety of applications, such as powering vehicles or generating electricity.
• Additionally, the oxygen produced by the bionic leaf can be released into the atmosphere, where it
can help to mitigate the effects of climate change by reducing the levels of atmospheric carbon
dioxide.
Applications of Bionic Leaf Technology
[Link] Energy Production 2. Carbon Dioxide Reduction:
3. Sustainable Chemical Production 4. Environmental Remediation
Bird Flying and aircraft
Bird flight is the primary mode of locomotion used by most bird species in which birds take off and fly.
Flight assists birds with feeding, breeding, avoiding predators, and migrating.
Bird flight is one of the most complex forms of locomotion in the animal kingdom. Each facet of this
type of motion, including hovering, taking off, and landing, involves many complex movements. As
different bird species adapted over millions of years through evolution for specific environments, prey,
predators, and other needs, they developed specializations in their wings and acquired different forms of
flight.
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.
Key components of GPS technology:
• Satellites: consists of 24-32 satellites orbiting the Earth. These satellites continuously broadcast
signals containing information about their location, time, and status.
• Receivers: which are typically integrated into devices such as smartphones, navigation systems, and
aircraft, receive signals from GPS satellites and use the information to calculate the user's position.
• Control segment: The control segment consists of ground-based monitoring stations that track the
GPS satellites, check the accuracy of their signals, and make adjustments as needed.
• User segment: The user segment consists of the GPS receivers used by individuals and
organizations to obtain location and time information.
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Bird Flight in Aircraft Design
Aircraft design integrates numerous elements to achieve efficient and safe flight, drawing inspiration
from both natural phenomena and advanced engineering principles. Key components include
aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion systems, and navigation capabilities, each crucial for
optimizing performance and ensuring passenger safety.
Key Bio-design inspirations are as follows:
1. Aerodynamic Efficiency:
Natural Inspiration: Birds utilize streamlined shapes and wing morphologies for efficient
flight.
Bioinspired Application: Design aircraft wings and fuselages that mimic avian aerodynamics
to improve fuel efficiency and performance.
2. Manoeuvrability and Stability:
Natural Inspiration: Birds demonstrate agile maneuvering and stable flight control.
Bioinspired Application: Develop aircraft control systems and autopilots inspired by avian
flight dynamics for enhanced maneuverability and stability.
3. Structural Materials:
Natural Inspiration: Birds have lightweight yet strong bones and feathers.
Bioinspired Application: Explore lightweight and durable materials for aircraft construction
inspired by bird skeletal and feather structures.
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Lotus Leaf Effect
• 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
• Principle 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.
• The super hydrophobic effect is achieved through the use of various techniques. These techniques
create a surface structure that traps air between the surface and the water droplets, reducing the
contact area between them and making it more difficult for the droplets to wet the surface.
• Super hydrophobic surfaces are created by modifying the surface chemistry and structure of
materials to achieve extremely high water repellency.
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Engineering Applications of Super Hydrophobic Surfaces
• Self-Cleaning Displays: Super hydrophobic coatings applied to displays and touch screens repel
water, oils, and fingerprints, making them easier to clean and maintain. This improves the visibilit y
and functionality of electronic displays, especially in outdoor or high-touch applications.
• Anti-Fogging Windows and Mirrors: Super hydrophobic coatings can be used on automobile
windows and mirrors to prevent fogging or condensation formation.
• The water-repellent property helps maintain clear visibility, enhancing driver safety and comfort in
humid or cold weather conditions.
Applications of self cleaning surfaces and coatings
1. Architecture and Building Materials: Self-cleaning surfaces find applications in architectural
structures and building materials, such as self-cleaning glass for windows and facades. These
surfaces repel dirt, dust, and pollutants, reducing the need for frequent cleaning and maintenance.
2. Solar Panels: Self-cleaning coatings on solar panels prevent the accumulation of dust and dirt on
the surface, ensuring optimal energy efficiency. Automotive Industry: Self-cleaning surfaces can be
applied to vehicle exteriors, including car windows and windshields. These surfaces repel water, oil,
and dirt, improving visibility and reducing the need for frequent cleaning.
3. Textiles: Self-cleaning coatings can be applied to fabrics used in outdoor clothing, upholstery, and
carpets. These coatings repel liquids, stains, and dirt, making the textiles easier to clean and
maintain.
Applications of Self-Cleaning Surfaces
Industry/Application Description Examples
Architecture Self-cleaning coatings for buildings, StoCoat Lotusan, Pilkington
facades, and Activ Glass
windows
Consumer Water-repellent and smudge-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass with
Electronics coatings for hydrophobic coating
smartphones, tablets, and wearable devices
Automotive Hydrophobic coatings for windshields, Rain-X, Aquapel, ClearPlex
windows,
and car bodies to improve visibility and
reducecleaning efforts
Textiles Stain-proof and water-resistant clothing and Gore-Tex, Nano-Care,
fabrics NeverWet
Solar Panels Dust and water-repellent coatings to Self-cleaning solar panel
maintain coatings
efficiency and reduce maintenance
Medical Devices Biocompatible and self-cleaning surfaces Self-cleaning catheters,
to antimicrobial coatings
prevent bacterial growth and reduce infection
risks
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Plant Burrs and Velcro
• A bur (also spelled burr) is a seed or dry fruit or infructescence that has hooks or teeth. The main
function of the bur is to spread the seeds of the bur plant, often through epizoochory. The hooks of
the bur are used to catch on to for example fur or fabric, so that the bur, which contains seeds, then
can be transported along with the thing it attached itself to. Another use for the spines and hooks is
physical protection against herbivores. Their ability to stick to animals and fabrics has shaped their
reputation as bothersome.
• Some other forms of diaspores, such as the stems of certain species of cactus also are covered with
thorns and may function as burs. Bur-bearing plants such as Xanthium species are often single-
stemmed when growing in dense groups, but branch and spread when growing singly. The number
of burs per fruit along with the size and shape can vary largely between different bur plants.
• Burs are best known as sources of irritation, injury to livestock, damage to clothing, punctures to
tires, and clogging equipment such as agricultural harvesting machinery. Furthermore, because of
their ability to compete with crops over moisture and nutrition, bur plants can be labeled as weeds
and therefore also be subject to removal. Some have however been used for such purposes as fabric
fulling, for which the fuller's teasel is a traditional resource. The bur of burdock was the inspiration
for the hook and loop fastener, also known as Velcro.
Engineering Applications of Velcro Technology
1. Clothing and footwear: for closures and adjustable straps. It can be easily opened and closed,
making it convenient for users with limited dexterity or mobility.
2. Medical devices: such as braces, splints, and compression garments for its adjustable and secure
fastening capabilities.
3. Aerospace equipment: such as satellites and spacecraft, to secure components in place and prevent
them from vibrating or shifting during launch or flight.
4. Automotive industry: for a range of applications, such as securing carpets and headliners, and
attaching door panels and seat cushions.
5. Packaging industry: for resealable closures on bags, pouches, and other types of packaging.
6. Sports equipment: such as helmets and gloves, for its ability to provide a secure and adjustable fit.
SHARK SKIN:
Shark skin has a unique structure that significantly reduces drag and enhances swimming efficiency.
The skin is covered with tiny, tooth-like scales called dermal denticles, which are aligned in a way
that reduces turbulence and allows water to flow smoothly over the shark's body. This natural design
minimizes friction and prevents the growth of algae and barnacles, keeping the shark streamlined.
These swimsuits are designed with textured surfaces that replicate the denticles' properties, helping
swimmers reduce drag in the water. The material used in these swimsuits often features tiny ridges
and grooves, strategically placed to disrupt water flow in a manner similar to shark skin. This
biomimetic approach has led to significant advancements in competitive swimwear, enhancing
performance by allowing swimmers to move more efficiently through the water.
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Advantages of Shark Skin-Inspired Swimsuits
Advantage Description
Reduced Drag The textured surface of the swimsuit minimizes friction between the swimmer and
the water, allowing for faster movement and improved swim times.
Enhanced By reducing drag, swimmers can achieve greater speeds with less effort, providing a
Performance competitive edge in races.
Energy Efficiency Swimmers expend less energy to maintain speed, which can lead to improved
endurance and reduced fatigue during long-distance events.
Streamlined Design The swimsuit's structure helps maintain a streamlined body position, reducing water
resistance and improving overall hydrodynamics.
Durability and The materials used in these swimsuits are often highly durable, providing long-
Longevity lasting performance and resistance to wear and tear from frequent use and chlorine
exposure.
KINGFISHER BEAK (BULLET TRAIN)
The bio-design of the kingfisher's beak has significantly influenced the design of bullet trains,
particularly in reducing noise and improving aerodynamic efficiency. The kingfisher is known for its
ability to dive into water with minimal splash to catch fish. This ability is attributed to itslong,
slender, and streamlined beak, which allows it to transition smoothly between different mediums (air
and water) with minimal resistance.
Japanese engineer Eiji Nakatsu, inspired by the kingfisher's beak, applied this principle to the design
of the Shinkansen bullet trains. The previous train models faced a problem known as the "tunnel
boom," a loud noise produced when trains entered tunnels at high speeds. This noise resulted from
the sudden compression of air, causing a shockwave.
By redesigning the front of the train to mimic the shape of the kingfisher's beak, engineers were able
to significantly reduce this aerodynamic issue. The streamlined nose of the train allows it to cut
through the air more efficiently and transition smoothly into tunnels, reducing the air pressure
changes and thus minimizing noise.
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Advantages of Kingfisher Beak-Inspired Bullet Train Design
Advantage Description
Noise Reduction The streamlined shape of the train's nose reduces the air pressure changes when
entering tunnels, significantly minimizing the "tunnel boom" noise.
Improved The beak-like design reduces air resistance, allowing the train to travel at higher
Aerodynamics speeds with greater efficiency and less energy consumption.
Energy Efficiency Reduced air resistance leads to lower energy requirements for maintaining high
speeds, resulting in more energy-efficient operation.
Passenger Comfort The reduction in noise and vibration enhances the overall comfort and experience for
passengers traveling at high speeds.
Environmental Improved aerodynamic efficiency and reduced energy consumption contribute to
Impact lower greenhouse gas emissions, making the train more environmentally friendly.
Innovative Design The bio-inspired approach demonstrates the potential of biomimicry in solving
engineering challenges and advancing technology through natural principles.
The application of the kingfisher's beak design in bullet trains exemplifies how biomimicry can lead
to innovative solutions that enhance performance, efficiency, and sustainability in modern
engineering.
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HUMAN BLOOD SUBSTITUTES
Human blood substitutes, also known as artificial blood or blood surrogates, are developed to
replicate and fulfill some of the functions of natural blood, particularly oxygen transport. These
substitutes are designed to be used in situations where blood transfusions are not available, feasible,
or when there is a risk of blood-borne infections. There are two primary types of human blood
substitutes: hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and perfluorocarbon emulsions (PFCs).
Hemoglobin-Based Oxygen Carriers (HBOCs)
HBOCs are derived from hemoglobin, the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. These
substitutes can be made from human, bovine, or recombinant hemoglobin. The hemoglobin is
modified and stabilized to function outside of red blood cells, providing the following benefits:
Oxygen Delivery: HBOCs can efficiently transport oxygen to tissues and organs.
Universal Compatibility: They can be used regardless of the recipient's blood type, reducing the
need for blood type matching.
Long Shelf Life: HBOCs are often more stable and have a longer shelf life compared to donated
blood.
Perfluorocarbon Emulsions (PFCs)
PFCs are synthetic compounds capable of dissolving large amounts of gases, including oxygen and
carbon dioxide. These emulsions can carry and release oxygen effectively, and they offer several
advantages:
High Oxygen Solubility: PFCs can carry significantly more oxygen than plasma.
Reduced Risk of Disease Transmission: Being entirely synthetic, PFCs eliminate the risk of
transmitting blood-borne infections.
Versatile Applications: PFCs can be used in various medical situations, including trauma, surgery,
and conditions requiring enhanced oxygen delivery.
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Applications of Human Blood Substitutes
Application Description
Trauma Care Used in emergency situations where rapid blood loss occurs, providing a
temporary
solution until a proper blood transfusion can be administered.
Surgery Employed during surgeries to maintain adequate oxygen delivery when there is
a significant risk of blood loss or when stored blood supplies are limited.
Military Use Provides a portable and easily storable option for treating soldiers injured in
combat
zones where access to blood supplies may be limited.
Cancer Used to support patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, where
Treatment blood
counts can be critically low.
Organ Helps maintain oxygenation in transplanted organs during transport and in
Transplants recipients
during the transplant procedure.
Chronic Anemia Offers a temporary solution for patients with chronic anemia who may not
tolerate
frequent blood transfusions.
Developing Provides an alternative in regions where safe blood supplies are scarce or where
Countries blood
storage and transportation infrastructure is inadequate.
Medical Serves as a research tool for studying various medical conditions and the effects
Research of oxygen delivery without the variables introduced by human blood components.
Human blood substitutes offer promising solutions for a range of medical challenges,
enhancing the capacity to manage blood loss and improve patient outcomes in diverse
clinical scenarios. While they are not yet a complete replacement for natural blood,
ongoing research and development continue to improve their efficacy and safety, bringing
them closer to widespread clinical use.
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