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Home > News > Venus flytrap inspires nanotechnology

January 29th, 2007

Venus flytrap inspires nanotechnology

Abstract:
A keen sensitivity to their environment allows venus flytraps to ensnare their insect meals. Gently graze their trigger hairs, and the carnivorous plants will clamp together their jawlike leaves. Such responsive behavior, which is intrinsic to natural systems, is becoming a key requirement for advanced artificial materials and devices, presenting a substantial scientific and engineering challenge. Materials scientists have now managed to replicate this acute environmental sensitivity on the nanometer scale ("Reversible Switching of Hydrogel-Actuated Nanostructures into Complex Micropatterns"). Dynamic control over the movement and orientation of surface nanofeatures at the micron and submicron scales may have exciting applications in actuators, microfluidics, or responsive materials.

Source:
nanowerk.com

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