Tapping-into-Nature-2015p

ProductDescriptionVELCRO ® FastenersENERGY CONVERSION & STORAGEEar Protein-InspiredPowerRed Panda BiofuelEnzymesThis ubiquitous fastener, invented by George de Mestral, was inspired by the miniaturehooks on seed burrs that allow them to cling to looped fabric.The prestin protein in animal ears converts vibrations into electrical signals. IntAct Labs,now Cambrian Innovation, embedded prestin proteins into “skins” that generate electricityfrom movement and wind.Terrapin helped secure early funding for research by Dr. Stipanovic at SUNY-ESF. He aimsto isolate the digestive enzymes of Red Pandas – which efficiently convert biomass tofermentable sugars – for use in biofuel production.Electric Eel BattCellbioSTREAM PowerμMist ® PlatformbioWAVE PowerPilus CellVoltaic PileAdvanced Biomimetic Sensors claims that their patented BattCell prototype, inspired by theelectric eel, uses a biomimetic membrane to enhance its power density beyond other fuelcell technologies.BioPower Systems in Australia is developing fishtail-inspired modules that generate powerfrom tidal currents. The fin of each module pivots relative to the direction of the current,creating a swimming motion that generates an electric current.Licensed to Swedish Biomimetics 3000, μMist ® Platform Technology mimics the highvelocity spray valve of the Bombardier Beetle to vaporize liquids using lower pressure thanconventional systems. μMist could lead to more efficient combustion engines.bioWAVE, a wave energy generator developed by BioPower Systems, mimics the motionof ocean vegetation. The swaying motion generates power through a unique hydraulicsystem undergoing testing in a 250 kW demonstration project.Ohio-based Pilus Energy, a subsidiary of Tauriga Sciences, is currently pilot testing itsmicrobial fuel cell technology. As modified bacteria break down organics in wastewater, theyproduce electricity, treated water, and useful chemical compounds.Studies of the electric Torpedo ray and frog leg nerve responses led Alessandro Volta tobuild the first battery, the Voltaic pile, by stacking metal and salt-soaked discs in a similararrangement to the discs within the fish’s electric organ.OPTICS & PHOTONICSSea Sponge GlassFibersHighly fracture-resistant sea sponge spinacles could inspire tougher optical glass fibersmanufactured at room temperature.Spider Web-BasedOptoelectronicsMoth Eye-InspiredX-Ray ImagingMetallized spider webs perform better than standard optoelectronic arrays and can bestretched without losing performance. This finding by several academic teams paves theway to next-generation flexible touch screens.Researchers found that a radial microstructure inspired by moth eyes increases lightextraction of X-ray machine scintillators. This finding may enable lower dose radiation forimaging patients.Beetle Shell-InspiredHumidity SensorScientists at Sogang University have developed a microporous material inspired by the shellof the Hercules beetle that changes color in response to humidity levels. This material couldbe used in a low-power humidity sensor.40Tapping into Nature