12.2 Bio-inspired and biomimetic MEMS/NEMS

Bio-inspired MEMS/NEMS take cues from nature to create tiny machines. These systems mimic the incredible abilities of living things, like gecko feet that stick to walls or lotus leaves that clean themselves.

Scientists are making artificial muscles, sensors that work like noses, and surfaces that repel water. These innovations could revolutionize robotics, medicine, and more by copying nature's best tricks at the micro and nano scale.

Bioinspired Materials and Surfaces

Gecko-inspired Adhesives and Lotus Effect

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• Gecko-inspired adhesives mimic the hierarchical structure of gecko feet, which consist of microscopic setae and nanoscale spatulae that allow them to adhere to surfaces through van der Waals forces
• These adhesives can be reused multiple times without leaving residues and have potential applications in robotics, space exploration, and medical devices (bandages, surgical tape)
• The lotus effect refers to the superhydrophobicity and self-cleaning properties of lotus leaves, which are covered in microscopic bumps coated with hydrophobic wax
• Water droplets roll off the surface of lotus leaves, picking up dirt and debris along the way, effectively cleaning the surface

Self-cleaning Surfaces and Nanoscale Biomimetics

• Self-cleaning surfaces inspired by the lotus effect have been developed using micro- and nanostructured materials that minimize contact area between water droplets and the surface
• These surfaces can be used in applications such as solar panels, building materials, and textiles to reduce maintenance and improve efficiency
• Nanoscale biomimetics involves studying and replicating biological structures and processes at the nanoscale level
• Examples of nanoscale biomimetics include the development of artificial photosynthesis systems, molecular motors, and nanoscale drug delivery systems

Bioinspired Actuators and Sensors

Artificial Muscles

• Artificial muscles are materials or devices that can change shape or size in response to external stimuli, similar to biological muscles
• Examples of artificial muscles include shape memory alloys (SMAs), dielectric elastomers, and ionic polymer-metal composites (IPMCs)
• SMAs, such as Nitinol, can return to a pre-programmed shape when heated, making them useful in applications such as robotics and medical devices (stents, orthodontic wires)
• Dielectric elastomers consist of a flexible polymer sandwiched between two electrodes and can undergo large strains when an electric field is applied, making them suitable for use in soft robotics and haptic devices

Bioinspired Sensors

• Bioinspired sensors are designed to mimic the sensitivity and selectivity of biological sensory systems
• Examples of bioinspired sensors include artificial noses, which use arrays of chemical sensors to detect and identify odors, and artificial tactile sensors that mimic the mechanoreceptors in human skin
• Bioinspired sensors can be used in applications such as environmental monitoring, food quality control, and prosthetics

Biomimicry Principles

Biomimicry: Learning from Nature

• Biomimicry is the practice of learning from and emulating nature's designs and processes to create sustainable solutions to human challenges
• The three main principles of biomimicry are:
  1. Nature as model: studying nature's forms, processes, and systems to inspire design
  2. Nature as measure: using ecological standards to judge the sustainability of innovations
  3. Nature as mentor: viewing and valuing nature based on what we can learn from it
• Examples of biomimicry in action include the design of energy-efficient buildings inspired by termite mounds, the development of wind turbine blades modeled after whale fins, and the creation of resilient materials based on the structure of seashells