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Echinoderm stereom gradient structures enable mechanoelectrical perception
Annan Chen1, Ziqin Wang2,3, Zhizi Guan4
1Department of Mechanical Engineering, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Nature
|February 25, 2026
Summary
Sea urchin spines possess remarkable mechanoelectrical perception, exceeding vision capabilities. This discovery inspires novel gradient cellular materials for advanced underwater sensing applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Mechanobiology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cellular solids are vital in nature, often optimized for mechanical strength.
- Alternative functions, like mechanoelectrical perception, are less explored.
- Echinoderm stereom, like sea urchin spines, presents unique cellular structures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the mechanoelectrical properties of echinoderm stereom.
- To understand the role of gradient cellular structures in perception.
- To develop biomimetic gradient cellular materials for sensing.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of echinoderm stereom's cellular structure and mechanoelectrical response.
- Fabrication of artificial gradient cellular structures using 3D printing.
- Comparative testing of gradient and gradient-free artificial structures.
Main Results:
- Echinoderm stereom exhibits significant mechanoelectrical perception, with response potential and time superior to vision.
- Gradient cellular solids along the spine axis generate differential charge density during liquid flow.
- 3D-printed artificial structures with gradient designs showed enhanced voltage output and amplitude differential.
Conclusions:
- Gradient cellular solids in echinoderms enable unique mechanoelectrical sensing capabilities.
- Biomimetic gradient materials can be engineered for superior performance.
- Findings pave the way for functional gradient cellular materials in underwater sensing and resource utilization.
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