ABSTRACT
Biomimetics applies principles and strategies abstracted from biological systems to engineering and technological design. With a huge potential for innovation, biomimetics could evolve into a key process in businesses. Yet challenges remain within the process of biomimetics, especially from the perspective of potential users. We work to clarify the understanding of the process of biomimetics. Therefore, we briefly summarize the terminology of biomimetics and bioinspiration. The implementation of biomimetics requires a stated process. Therefore, we present a model of the problem-driven process of biomimetics that can be used for problem-solving activity. The process of biomimetics can be facilitated by existing tools and creative methods. We mapped a set of tools to the biomimetic process model and set up assessment sheets to evaluate the theoretical and practical value of these tools. We analyzed the tools in interdisciplinary research workshops and present the characteristics of the tools. We also present the attempt of a utility tree which, once finalized, could be used to guide users through the process by choosing appropriate tools respective to their own expertize. The aim of this paper is to foster the dialogue and facilitate a closer collaboration within the field of biomimetics.
Subject(s)
Biomimetics/instrumentation , Biomimetics/methods , Humans , Interdisciplinary Communication , Problem Solving , Terminology as TopicABSTRACT
The objective of this research was to develop novel cellulose acetate (biopolymer) composite materials with an excellent antimicrobial activity by embedding molybdenum trioxide particles with unique high specific surface area. High surface area molybdenum trioxide particles were prepared from freshly precipitated molybdenum trioxide dihydrate (MoO3 ·2H2 O) and subsequent calcination at 340°C under H2 /N2 gas. Microbiological evaluation against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were performed applying a roll-on test and excellent antimicrobial activities were determined for composites with embedded anhydrous molybdenum trioxide with a high specific surface area. Cellulose acetate composites comprising MoO3 particles can eliminate three harmful bacteria as a result of the release of protons from the material and surface enlargement of the molybdenum trioxide particles. The findings support a proposed antimicrobial mechanism based on local acidity increase due to large specific surface areas. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: In this study, development of a novel thermoplastic bio-based composite with excellent antimicrobial surface properties is investigated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report to evaluate the antimicrobial properties of molybdenum trioxide embedded into a cellulose acetate as biopolymer matrix. The developed composites might step up to innovative applications used in modern medical and public environments.
Subject(s)
Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology , Cellulose/analogs & derivatives , Escherichia coli/drug effects , Molybdenum/pharmacology , Oxides/pharmacology , Pseudomonas aeruginosa/drug effects , Staphylococcus aureus/drug effects , Anti-Bacterial Agents/chemistry , Biopolymers/chemistry , Biopolymers/pharmacology , Cellulose/chemistry , Cellulose/pharmacology , Molybdenum/chemistry , Oxides/chemistry , Surface PropertiesABSTRACT
Multiple evanescent white dot syndrome (MEWDS), an entity belonging to the group of white dot syndromes, is characterized by pale spots at the posterior pole as a sign of inflammatory changes in the choroid and pigment epithelium. These spots are sometimes difficult to define by fundoscopy. Besides angiography fundus autofluorescence has been shown to be an excellent, noninvasive method to demonstrate these subretinal spots in MEWDS.
