Biomimetics: process, tools and practice.

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.

[Proteo-polysaccharidic turbidity in depectinized raspberry juice]. / Le trouble protéo-polysaccharidique du jus de framboise dépectinisé.

A revertible turbidity happens in the depectinized red raspberry juice under refrigeration. Its analysis is carried out: --Chemically: Total sugar determination by anthrone methol, galacturonic acid determination by carbazol, total nitrogen determination according to Berthelot's coloured reaction (automated analysis) -- Physically: Calcium, potassium and magnesium determinations by atomic absorption. -- Chromatographically: Sugar separation and determination by HPLC. M. W. determination of the different entites by GPC (gel Sephadex G 100). Pectic substances separation on DEAE-cellulose column. The turbidity ensues from an enhanced by cold and acidic pH flocculation process which occurs between the large nitrogeneous molecules (inactive and enzymic proteins mainly). M. W. (superior to 150.000) of the depectinizing preparation and rich in glucose and mannose polysaccharidiques (M. W. between the range from 1.000 to 10.000) accompanied by aldobiuronic units. The origin of the manno-glucan entity remains to be determined. It could be issued either a limit-substrate produced by the degradation of the raspberry pectic substances or an by Aspergillus niger excreted compound.