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Bacilli, green algae, diatoms and red blood cells – how biology inspires novel materials in nanoarchitectural applications

Ille C. Gebeshuber 

Institut fuer Allgemeine Physik, Vienna University of Technology (IAP), Wiedner Hauptstrasse 8-10/134, Wien 1040, Austria
Austrian Center of Competence for Tribology (ACCT), Viktor Kaplan-Strasse 2, Wiener Neustadt 2700, Austria

Abstract

Biogenic material with functional units in the micro- and nanometer regime has already inspired novel micro- and nanotechnological applications [1].

Examples presented comprise

  • scanning force spectroscopy investigations on UV-resistant bacterial spores, showing distinct differences in indentation depth to UV-sensitive spores [2],
  • highly efficient biogenic single photon detectors [3],
  • natural micromechanical systems made of nanostructured silica [4],
  • a novel method for rapid screening of diabetes in lab-on-a-chip applications, based on nanodiagnostics on red blood cells performed with atomic force spectroscopic methods [5], and
  • the application of bioinspired nanotechnology in architecture and building industry.

The outlook and discussion will deal with the possible activation of architectural elements by integration of sensing and actuation devices and nanotechnology in building technology (filters etc) and bioinspired nanotechnology still in the research stage.

References:

[1] Gebeshuber I.C. (2007) “Biotribology inspires new technologies”, invited article, Nano Today 2(5), 30-37, doi:10.1016/S1748-0132(07)70141-X

[2] Hekele O., Goesselsberger C.G., Brandstetter M., Aumayr M., Sommer R. and Gebeshuber I.C. “Atomic force microscopy and spectroscopy study of the sporulation of Bacillus subtilis”, under review

[3] Gruenberger C., Ritter R., Aumayr F., Stachelberger H. and Gebeshuber I.C. (2007) “Algal biophysics: Euglena gracilis investigated by atomic force microscopy”, Mat. Sci. Forum 555, 411-416

[4] Gebeshuber I.C. and Crawford R.M. (2006) “Micromechanics in biogenic hydrated silica: hinges and interlocking devices in diatoms”, Proc. IMechE Part J: J. Eng. Tribol. 220(J8), 787-796

[5] Hekele O., Goesselsberger C.G. and Gebeshuber I.C. “Nanodiagnostics performed on human red blood cells with the atomic force microscope”, under review

 

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Presentation: Invited oral at E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008, Symposium H, by Ille C. Gebeshuber
See On-line Journal of E-MRS Fall Meeting 2008

Submitted: 2008-02-11 15:05
Revised:   2009-06-07 00:48