Metamaterial architecture from a self-shaping carnivorous plant

Area of Science:

• Plant Biology
• Biophysics
• Materials Science

Background:

• Darwin observed carnivorous plants like Drosera capensis trap insects with slowly folding leaves.
• The biochemical signals for leaf closure are known, but the mechanical actuation remains unclear.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanical forces and cellular mechanisms behind Drosera capensis leaf closure.
• To develop bio-inspired mechanical metamaterials.

Main Methods:

• Experimental tests of leaf mechanics.
• Quantitative measurements of leaf microstructure and biochemistry.
• Design and testing of a mechanical metamaterial.

Main Results:

• The leaf closure mechanism is programmed into the cellular architecture of Drosera capensis.
• The plant converts a homogeneous biochemical signal into an asymmetric mechanical response.
• A novel mechanical metamaterial was created that curls under homogeneous mechanical stimuli.

Conclusions:

• The cellular architecture of Drosera capensis dictates its insect-trapping mechanism.
• Bio-inspired mechanical metamaterials have potential applications in soft robotics.