| Two researchers from the University of New Hampshire are turning to a source of inspiration for new 3D printed materials: The common octopus. As members of the cephalopod family, octopuses, squid, and squid have a common important survival mechanism: they have extraordinary Camouflage ability to instantaneously transform colors to suit the surrounding environment. This is an incredible disguise that allows these deep-sea creatures to avoid predators and to prey more easily.  Now Professors Jiang Yunyao and Yaning Li, professors from the Department of Mechanical Engineering at the University of New Hampshire, spend a lot of time studying the aquatic animals and looking at artificially recreating them. Their research results were published in the latest issue of the Advanced Engineering Materials, a scientific journal. It's amazing. First, we should carefully study the operation of this camouflage mechanism because it exists in nature. The underwater masters known as camouflage, cephalopods have amazing camouflage capabilities due to their highly sensitive pigmentary organs in their skin. The mechanism of the pigmented cell organ surrounds a single pigmented cell containing pigments that binds with 4 to 24 radially arranged muscle fibers. When the octopus muscle contracts, whether it is escape from danger or catch prey, the pigment cells of the organism will change rapidly, thereby effectively transferring skin pigments. In addition to basic color changes, cephalopods can also Expanding and contracting different groups of pigment cells in order and sequentially, it has strategic significance in terms of camouflaging ability to achieve a wide range of color conversion. In layman's terms, octopus not only can quickly change color, it can also be methodically Match the surrounding environment. Inspired by this natural wonder, Jiang Yunyao and Yaning Li began to develop their own artificial colors through a variety of materials in 3D printing. Although octopuses use their pigmenting power primarily for pigment transport, professors at the University of New Hampshire tried to pass their Work brings dramatic changes and unique sequential opening mechanisms. The scientific concept of the Laplacian effect (also known as negative Poisson's ratio effect) is the key to achieving successful results. It allows the material to expand in one direction as it is stretched in different directions. By adjusting them in two different directions With chiral geometry, they can design a mechanism that can be used to sequentially open cells of different sizes when loaded in only one direction. This means that artificially designed cells can be opened in different sorting modes, and through geometry and The combination of materials is adjusted. As a valuable new design concept, the innovations of Jiang Yunyao and Yaning Li may have a serious impact on the smart metamaterials we use to promote drug delivery and color change. At least to say, there are many potential applications. By using these 3D printing The pigments, biomedical stents, bandages, drug reservoirs and stents can be designed to be more effective to fit the wearer's body. In addition to smart response composites, actuators and sensors, and stretchable electronics, etc., can be folded or Expandable areas of expandable devices can also benefit from innovation. Source: China 3D Printing Network |
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