scholarly journals Macro-to-nano scale investigation of wall-plate joints in the acorn barnacle Semibalanus balanoides: correlative imaging, biological form and function, and bioinspiration

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
R.L Mitchell ◽  
M. Coleman ◽  
P. Davies ◽  
L. North ◽  
E.C. Pope ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ion Beam ◽  
Functionally Graded ◽  
Coupled Systems ◽  
Semibalanus Balanoides ◽  
Length Scales ◽  
Pore Networks ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Nano Scale ◽  
Correlative Imaging ◽  
And Function

1.AbstractCorrelative imaging combines information from multiple modalities (physical-chemical-mechanical properties) at various length-scales (cm to nm) to understand complex biological materials across dimensions (2D-3D). Here, we have used numerous coupled systems: X-ray microscopy (XRM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), optical light microscopy (LM), and focused-ion beam (FIB-SEM) microscopy to ascertain the microstructural and crystallographic properties of the wall-plate joints in the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides. The exoskeleton is composed of six interlocking wall-plates, and the interlocks between neighbouring plates (alae) allow barnacles to expand and grow whilst remaining sealed and structurally strong. Our results indicate that the ala contain functionally-graded orientations and microstructures in their crystallography, which has implications for naturally functioning microstructures, potential natural strengthening, and preferred oriented biomineralisation. Elongated grains at the outer edge of the ala are oriented perpendicularly to the contact surface, and the c-axis rotates with the radius of the ala. Additionally, we identify for the first time three-dimensional nano-scale ala pore networks revealing that the pores are only visible at the tip of the ala, and that pore thickening occurs on the inside (soft-bodied) edge of the plates. The pore networks appear to have the same orientation as the oriented crystallography, and we deduce that the pore networks are probably organic channels and pockets which are involved with the biomineralisation process. Understanding these multi-scale features contributes towards an understanding of the structural architecture in barnacles, but also their consideration for bioinspiration of human-made materials. The work demonstrates that correlative methods spanning different length-scales, dimensions and modes enable the extension of structure-property relationships in materials to form and function of organisms.

scholarly journals Macro-to-nanoscale investigation of wall-plate joints in the acorn barnacle Semibalanus balanoides : correlative imaging, biological form and function, and bioinspiration

2019 ◽  
Vol 16 (157) ◽  
pp. 20190218 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. L. Mitchell ◽  
M. Coleman ◽  
P. Davies ◽  
L. North ◽  
E. C. Pope ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Ion Beam ◽  
Functionally Graded ◽  
Coupled Systems ◽  
Structure Property ◽  
Semibalanus Balanoides ◽  
Length Scales ◽  
Pore Networks ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Correlative Imaging ◽  
And Function

Correlative imaging combines information from multiple modalities (physical–chemical–mechanical properties) at various length scales (centimetre to nanometre) to understand the complex biological materials across dimensions (2D–3D). Here, we have used numerous coupled systems: X-ray microscopy (XRM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), optical light microscopy (LM) and focused ion beam (FIB-SEM) microscopy to ascertain the microstructural and crystallographic properties of the wall-plate joints in the barnacle Semibalanus balanoides . The exoskeleton is composed of six interlocking wall plates, and the interlocks between neighbouring plates (alae) allow barnacles to expand and grow while remaining sealed and structurally strong. Our results indicate that the ala contain functionally graded orientations and microstructures in their crystallography, which has implications for naturally functioning microstructures, potential natural strengthening and preferred oriented biomineralization. Elongated grains at the outer edge of the ala are oriented perpendicularly to the contact surface, and the c -axis rotates with the radius of the ala. Additionally, we identify for the first time three-dimensional nanoscale ala pore networks revealing that the pores are only visible at the tip of the ala and that pore thickening occurs on the inside (soft bodied) edge of the plates. The pore networks appear to have the same orientation as the oriented crystallography, and we deduce that the pore networks are probably organic channels and pockets, which are involved with the biomineralization process. Understanding these multiscale features contributes towards an understanding of the structural architecture in barnacles, but also their consideration for bioinspiration of human-made materials. The work demonstrates that correlative methods spanning different length scales, dimensions and modes enable the extension of the structure–property relationships in materials to form and function of organisms.

scholarly journals The cardiac nanoenvironment: form and function at the nanoscale

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jashan P. Singh ◽  
Jennifer L. Young
Keyword(s):  
Large Scale ◽  
New Materials ◽  
Length Scales ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Physiological Homeostasis ◽  
Organ Level ◽  
And Function

AbstractMechanical forces in the cardiovascular system occur over a wide range of length scales. At the whole organ level, large scale forces drive the beating heart as a synergistic unit. On the microscale, individual cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) exhibit dynamic reciprocity, with mechanical feedback moving bidirectionally. Finally, in the nanometer regime, molecular features of cells and the ECM show remarkable sensitivity to mechanical cues. While small, these nanoscale properties are in many cases directly responsible for the mechanosensitive signaling processes that elicit cellular outcomes. Given the inherent challenges in observing, quantifying, and reconstituting this nanoscale environment, it is not surprising that this landscape has been understudied compared to larger length scales. Here, we aim to shine light upon the cardiac nanoenvironment, which plays a crucial role in maintaining physiological homeostasis while also underlying pathological processes. Thus, we will highlight strategies aimed at (1) elucidating the nanoscale components of the cardiac matrix, and (2) designing new materials and biosystems capable of mimicking these features in vitro.

scholarly journals Rapid Prototyping of Patterned Multifunctional Nanostructures

2000 ◽  
Vol 625 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyou Fan ◽  
Gabriel P. Laópez ◽  
C. Jeffrey Brinker
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Sol Gel ◽  
Dip Coating ◽  
Length Scales ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Micro Systems ◽  
And Function

AbstractThe ability to engineer ordered arrays of objects on multiple length scales has potential for applications such as microelectronics, sensors, wave guides, and photonic lattices with tunable band gaps. Since the invention of surfactant templated mesoporous sieves in 1992, great progress has been made in controlling different mesophases in the form of powders, particles, fibers, and films. To date, although there have been several reports of patterned mesostructures, materials prepared have been limited to metal oxides with no specific functionality. For many of the envisioned applications of hierarchical materials in micro-systems, sensors, waveguides, photonics, and electronics, it is necessary to define both form and function on several length scales. In addition, the patterning strategies utilized so far require hours or even days for completion. Such slow processes are inherently difficult to implement in commercial environments. We present a series of new methods of producing patterns within seconds. Combining sol-gel chemistry, Evaporation-Induced Self-Assembly (EISA), and rapid prototyping techniques like pen lithography, ink-jet printing, and dip-coating on micro-contact printed substrates, we form hierarchically organized silica structures that exhibit order and function on multiple scales: on the molecular scale, functional organic moieties are positioned on pore surfaces, on the mesoscale, mono-sized pores are organized into 1-, 2-, or 3-dimensional networks, providing size-selective accessibility from the gas or liquid phase, and on the macroscale, 2-dimensional arrays and fluidic or photonic systems may be defined. These rapid patterning techniques establish for the first time a link between computer-aided design and rapid processing of self-assembled nanostructures.

scholarly journals Rapid Prototyping of Patterned Multifunctional Nanostructures

2000 ◽  
Vol 624 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hongyou Fan ◽  
Gabriel P. López ◽  
C. Jeffrey Brinker
Keyword(s):  
Rapid Prototyping ◽  
Self Assembly ◽  
Computer Aided Design ◽  
Multiple Scales ◽  
Sol Gel ◽  
Dip Coating ◽  
Length Scales ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Micro Systems ◽  
And Function

ABSTRACTThe ability to engineer ordered arrays of objects on multiple length scales has potential for applications such as microelectronics, sensors, wave guides, and photonic lattices with tunable band gaps. Since the invention of surfactant templated mesoporous sieves in 1992, great progress has been made in controlling different mesophases in the form of powders, particles, fibers, and films. To date, although there have been several reports of patterned mesostructures, materials prepared have been limited to metal oxides with no specific functionality. For many of the envisioned applications of hierarchical materials in micro-systems, sensors, waveguides, photonics, and electronics, it is necessary to define both form and function on several length scales. In addition, the patterning strategies utilized so far require hours or even days for completion. Such slowprocesses are inherently difficult to implement in commercial environments. We present a series of new methods of producing patterns within seconds. Combining sol-gel chemistry, Evaporation-Induced Self-Assembly (EISA), and rapid prototyping techniques like pen lithography, ink-jet printing, and dip-coating on micro-contact printed substrates, we form hierarchically organized silica structures that exhibit order and function on multiple scales: on the molecular scale, functional organic moieties are positioned on pore surfaces, on the mesoscale, mono-sized pores are organized into 1-, 2-, or 3-dimensional networks, providing size-selective accessibility from the gas or liquid phase, and on the macroscale, 2-dimensional arrays and fluidic or photonic systems may be defined. These rapid patterning techniques establish for the first time a link between computer-aided design and rapid processing of self-assembled nanostructures

Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) of DNA and RNA

1989 ◽  
Vol 47 ◽  
pp. 34-35
Author(s):  
Patricia G. Arscott ◽  
Gil Lee ◽  
Victor A. Bloomfield ◽  
D. Fennell Evans
Keyword(s):  
Molecular Structures ◽  
Inorganic Materials ◽  
Resolving Power ◽  
Scanning Tunneling ◽  
Tunneling Microscopy ◽  
Form And Function ◽  
Dna And Rna ◽  
Calf Thymus ◽  
And Function ◽  
The Relationship

STM is one of the most promising techniques available for visualizing the fine details of biomolecular structure. It has been used to map the surface topography of inorganic materials in atomic dimensions, and thus has the resolving power not only to determine the conformation of small molecules but to distinguish site-specific features within a molecule. That level of detail is of critical importance in understanding the relationship between form and function in biological systems. The size, shape, and accessibility of molecular structures can be determined much more accurately by STM than by electron microscopy since no staining, shadowing or labeling with heavy metals is required, and there is no exposure to damaging radiation by electrons. Crystallography and most other physical techniques do not give information about individual molecules.We have obtained striking images of DNA and RNA, using calf thymus DNA and two synthetic polynucleotides, poly(dG-me5dC)·poly(dG-me5dC) and poly(rA)·poly(rU).

Re-examining the form and function of superstition

2011 ◽  
Author(s):  
Scott Fluke ◽  
Russell J. Webster ◽  
Donald A. Saucier
Keyword(s):  
Form And Function ◽  
And Function

A New Form and Function for Personality

2013 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joshua Wilt ◽  
William Revelle
Keyword(s):  
Form And Function ◽  
New Form ◽  
And Function
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