Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026
Combination of Microstereolithography and Electrospinning to Produce Membranes Equipped with Niches for Corneal Regeneration
Published on: September 12, 2014
Modular design of biomimetic electrospun keratin composites for tunable gaseous sorption inspired by reptile
Yana Maudens1, Gerben Debruyn2, Eva Loccufier1
1Ghent University, Department of Materials Textiles and Chemical Engineering, Center for Textile Science and Engineering, Tech Lane Science Park 70A, Ghent, 9052, Belgium.
Abstract:
Biomimicry, the replication of natural structures, is an emerging strategy in materials engineering for developing advanced functional materials. Reptile eggshells serve as compelling models for tunable bioinspired material design due to their diversity in forms and functions. This study presents a modular approach to designing keratin-based composites with customizable vapor sorption behavior. Inspired by reptile eggshells, four key biomimetic components were reconstructed: (1) electrospun keratin membranes resembling the fibrous shell membrane, (2) an egg protein matrix replicating the proteinaceous eggshell matrix, (3) calcium carbonate (CaCO3) particles introducing mineralization, and (4) a paraffin coating representing the lipid-rich cuticle layer. The modular accuracy of these biomimetic models was validated by comparison with representative reptile eggshells through Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis and Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy. Dynamic Vapor Sorption (DVS) analysis confirmed that varying the CaCO3 content allows precise control over the absorption profiles, ranging from low to high sorption values. Additionally, integrating the organic matrix and lipid coating enabled fine-tuning of the sorption properties. The resulting biomimetic composites exhibited sorption characteristics comparable to those of natural eggshells, including Caiman crocodilus (low absorption) and Pantherophis guttatus (high absorption), demonstrating the effectiveness of the modular design strategy. These findings establish a foundation for engineering advanced biocompatible materials with adaptable sorption behavior, offering potential applications in moisture-regulating wound dressings, tissue engineering scaffolds, sustainable packaging, and filtration systems.
Related Concept Videos
01:12Carbon Skeletons
01:15Mechanisms of Membrane-bending
Membrane bending can happen due to intrinsic changes in lipid composition or extrinsic association with different proteins. The proteins involved...
01:30Mechanism of Breathing I: Inspiration
The respiratory system, an essential network for breathing, comprises the conducting and respiratory zones, each playing a crucial role in the overall process of respiration. Let us explore the detailed mechanism of inspiration, or inhalation, which is the first phase of the respiratory cycle.
Pathway of Air during Inspiration
During inspiration, air enters our body through the nose or mouth and moves through the conducting zone,...
01:23Mechanism of Breathing II: Expiration
Expiration, or exhaling, is a complex physiological process that begins as the inspiratory muscles begin to relax. This relaxation triggers a series of events that epitomize the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Mechanism of Expiration:
01:21Mechanism of Breathing III: The Accessory Muscles
The respiratory system is a complex network that relies on primary respiratory muscles like the diaphragm, but also involves accessory muscles to enhance lung expansion and airflow during both inhalation and exhalation.
Enhancing Inhalation with Accessory Muscles:
Accessory muscles such as the sternocleidomastoid, scalene, intercostal, and abdominal muscles are crucial when additional respiratory effort is required, such as during deep...
00:55Composite Bodies
Composite bodies have widespread applications in mechanical engineering, from automobiles to aircraft to rockets. For example, an automobile wheel comprises...