Module 1.

Steps Involved in Blood Clotting (Coagulation)

Blood clotting is a protective mechanism that prevents excessive bleeding when a blood vessel
is injured. The process involves the following steps:
1. Vascular Spasm (Vasoconstriction) – The blood vessel narrows to reduce blood flow to
the injured area.
2. Platelet Plug Formation – Platelets stick to the damaged site and release chemicals to
attract more platelets, forming a temporary plug.
3. Coagulation (Clot Formation) – A series of chemical reactions activate clotting factors,
leading to the conversion of fibrinogen (soluble protein) into fibrin (insoluble threads).
Fibrin forms a mesh that strengthens the platelet plug.
4. Clot Retraction – The clot contracts to bring the wound edges closer for healing.
5. Clot Dissolution (Fibrinolysis) – Once healing occurs, the enzyme plasmin dissolves the
clot to restore normal blood flow.

Biomimetic Examples
1. Lotus Leaf Effect
Definition:
The Lotus Leaf Effect refers to the self-cleaning and water-repellent property of certain plant
surfaces. Water droplets roll off the leaf, carrying away dirt and dust, keeping the surface clean
without external effort.
Discovery:
• Observed by scientists and botanists for centuries, but systematically studied by
Wilhelm Barthlott, a German botanist, in the 1970s.
• He noticed that lotus leaves never appeared dirty despite growing in muddy
environments.
• Microscopic studies revealed that the surface has tiny bumps covered with hydrophobic
wax, preventing water and dirt from sticking.
Biomimicry Principle:
1. Super hydrophobicity (Water-repelling surface with a contact angle above 150°)
o The surface of lotus leaves has microscopic bumps (papillae) covered with a
wax layer that traps air and reduces water adhesion.
o The contact angle of water droplets on the lotus leaf surface is greater than 150°,
meaning water beads up into nearly perfect spheres instead of spreading.
o This reduces the adhesion of both water and dirt particles to the surface.
 2. Self-Cleaning Mechanism
o Dirt particles rest on top of water droplets due to the ultra-hydrophobic surface.
o When water rolls off, it picks up dirt and carries it away, keeping the surface
clean (this is called the "self-cleaning effect").
Applications of the Lotus Leaf Effect:
1. Self-Cleaning Paints and Coatings
o Example: Lotusan paint – a commercial paint that repels dirt and rainwater,
keeping walls clean.
o Used in buildings, bridges, and vehicles.
2. Waterproof and Dirt-Repellent Fabrics
o Outdoor clothing, umbrellas, and tents use this technology to stay dry.
3. Self-Cleaning Glass and Windows
o Example: Pilkington Activ™ – a self-cleaning glass used in skyscrapers and
greenhouses.
4. Medical and Hygiene Applications
o Anti-bacterial coatings on hospital surfaces, surgical instruments, and food
packaging to prevent contamination.
5. Anti-icing surface for aeroplane as plaints.

2. Plant Burr and Velcro

Definition:
Plant burrs are hook-like structures found in certain plants that help seeds attach to animals
and human clothing for dispersal.
Velcro is a fastening system inspired by the natural hook-and-loop mechanism of burrs.
Discovery:
• In 1941, Swiss engineer George de Mestral noticed that burrs from burdock plants
stuck to his dog’s fur and his clothes after a walk in the forest.
• Curious, he examined them under a microscope and discovered that they had tiny
hooks that latched onto loops in fabric or fur.
• This led to the invention of Velcro, patented in 1955, and commercialized in 1959.
Biomimicry Principle:
• Burrs act as natural fasteners using a hook-and-loop system.
• Velcro mimics this by designing one strip with hooks and one strip with loops, which
interlock when pressed together and detach when pulled apart.

Applications of Velcro:
1. Clothing and Footwear
o Used in shoes, bags, and jackets for easy fastening.
2. Medical Industry
o Adjustable straps in prosthetic limbs, orthopedic braces, and surgical dressings.
3. Space Exploration (NASA Usage)
 o Astronauts use Velcro to secure objects in zero gravity inside spacecraft.
4. Automobiles and Military Equipment
o Used in seat belts, military gear, and vehicle interiors for secure attachment.
Examples of Velcro in Use:
• NASA Astronaut Suits – Keeps tools and equipment secure in microgravity.
• Children’s Shoes – Easy-to-use Velcro fasteners for kids.
• Medical Braces and Bandages – Adjustable straps for better fit and support.

3. Bio-Concrete (Self-Healing Concrete)

Definition:
Bio-concrete (or self-healing concrete) is a special type of concrete that repairs its own cracks
using bacteria that produce calcium carbonate (limestone) when exposed to water.
Discovery:
• Developed in 2006 by Dr. Henk Jonkers, a microbiologist at Delft University of
Technology, Netherlands.
• Inspired by natural limestone deposits formed by bacteria in marine environments.

Biomimicry Principle:
1. Self-Healing Mechanism
o The concrete mix contains dormant bacteria and calcium-based nutrients
(calcium lactate).
o When cracks form and water enters, the bacteria become active.
o The bacteria consume calcium lactate and produce calcium carbonate
(limestone), which fills the cracks and seals them.
2. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly
 o Traditional concrete repairs require high energy and materials, while bio-
concrete reduces repair costs and carbon footprint.

Applications of Bio-Concrete:
1. Infrastructure and Bridges
o Used in highways, tunnels, and bridges to extend their lifespan.
2. Buildings and Skyscrapers
o Prevents cracks in commercial buildings, airports, and residential complexes.
3. Water-Resistant Structures
o Used in dams, canal walls, and water storage tanks to prevent leakage.
Examples of Bio-Concrete in Use:
• Dutch Highways – Some European highways use bio-concrete for self-repairing roads.
• Canal Walls in the Netherlands – Prevents structural weakening due to water erosion.
• Eco-friendly Homes – Some sustainable architecture projects integrate bio-concrete.

Conclusion: Importance of Biomimicry in Innovation

• The Lotus Leaf Effect, Velcro, and Bio-Concrete demonstrate how nature-inspired
technologies can improve efficiency, reduce costs, and create sustainable solutions.
• These innovations have revolutionized industries like construction, clothing,
transportation, and healthcare.
• Biomimicry continues to inspire cutting-edge technologies in various fields, reducing
environmental impact while improving functionality.
4. Echolocation
Definition:
Echolocation is a biological sonar system used by certain animals like bats, dolphins, and
whales to detect objects, navigate, and hunt in their environment. These animals emit high-
frequency sound waves that bounce off objects, and by analyzing the returning echoes, they
determine the object's size, shape, distance, and movement.
Discovery:
• 1794: Italian scientist Lazzaro Spallanzani discovered that bats could navigate in
complete darkness, even when blindfolded, but became disoriented when their ears
were covered.
• 1938: Donald Griffin, an American zoologist, confirmed that bats use high-frequency
ultrasonic sound waves for navigation and coined the term "echolocation."
Biomimicry Principle:
• Animals like bats and dolphins use sound waves instead of light for perception in
environments where vision is limited (e.g., deep water or nighttime).
• The principle behind echolocation is now applied in human-made sonar and
ultrasound systems for navigation, medical imaging, and object detection.
Examples of Animals That Use Echolocation:
1. Bats – Emit ultrasonic waves (20 kHz–200 kHz) to hunt insects at night.
2. Dolphins and Whales – Use echolocation to navigate underwater and detect prey.
2. Ultrasound (Inspired by Echolocation)
Definition:
Ultrasound refers to high-frequency sound waves (above 20 kHz) that are used in medical
imaging, industrial testing, and non-invasive diagnostics.
Discovery:
• 1880: Pierre and Jacques Curie discovered the piezoelectric effect, where certain
materials generate electricity under mechanical stress, which later helped develop
ultrasound technology.
• 1917: Paul Langevin, a French physicist, used ultrasound to detect submarines in
World War I, leading to the development of SONAR.
• 1950s: Ultrasound became widely used in medical diagnostics (e.g., fetal imaging and
organ scans).
Biomimicry Principle:
• Inspired by bat echolocation, ultrasound imaging works by sending high-frequency
sound waves into the body.
• These waves bounce off tissues and return as echoes, which are used to create an image
of internal organs.

Applications of Ultrasound:
1. Medical Imaging (Sonography)
o Used for pregnancy scans, detecting tumors, and diagnosing organ diseases.
o Example: Fetal ultrasound is used to monitor baby growth in the womb.
2. Underwater Communication and Navigation
o Used in marine biology to study underwater ecosystems.
 o Example: Dolphins communicate using ultrasound-like signals underwater.
3. Cleaning and Sterilization
o Used in dental cleaning, jewelry cleaning, and industrial cleaning to remove dirt
using ultrasonic waves.
4. Ultrasound Therapy
o Used in physiotherapy to relieve muscle pain and improve blood flow.

3. SONAR (Sound Navigation and Ranging) – Inspired by Echolocation

Definition:
SONAR is a technology that uses sound waves to detect objects underwater, navigate, and
measure distances. It is mainly used in submarines, underwater exploration, and naval
operations.
Discovery:
• 1917: Paul Langevin developed the first SONAR system during World War I to detect
submarines.
• 1930s: The technology was improved for fishing, naval warfare, and ocean mapping.
Biomimicry Principle:
• Like dolphins and bats, SONAR sends out sound waves, which bounce back after
hitting an object. The time taken for the echo to return determines distance, location,
and size.

Applications of SONAR:
1. Submarine and Naval Defense
o Detects enemy submarines and underwater mines.
o Example: The U.S. Navy uses SONAR for underwater surveillance.
2. Ocean Exploration and Mapping
 o Used to study the ocean floor, shipwrecks, and marine life.
o Example: SONAR helped discover the Titanic wreck in 1985.
3. Fisheries and Marine Biology
o SONAR detects fish schools for commercial fishing.
o Example: Fishermen use fish-finding SONAR to locate fish underwater.
4. Medical Applications (Ultrasound Sonography)
o Works similarly to ultrasound but adapted for medical imaging.
o Example: Kidney stone detection and blood flow analysis use SONAR-like
technology.
5. Seismic and Earthquake Monitoring
o SONAR helps study seismic activity underwater.
o Example: Used to detect underwater earthquakes and tsunamis.