Module 4

Nature-bioinspired Materials And Mechanisms (Qualitative):

Echolocation (ultrasonography, sonars), Photosynthesis (photovoltaic cells, bionic leaf). Bird flying
(GPS and aircrafts), Lotus leaf effect (Super hydrophobic and self-cleaning surfaces), Plant burrs
(Velcro), Shark skin (Friction reducing swim suits), Kingfisher beak (Bullet train). Human Blood
substitutes - hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and perfluorocarbons (PFCs).
Echolocation: (ultrasonography, sonars)
Echolocation is a biological or technological process that involves
emitting sound waves and listening to the echoes that bounce
back off of objects in the environment to determine their location,
distance, and shape.

Principle of Echolocation
Both biological and technological echolocation rely on the same
basic principles and have the same underlying purpose: to
determine the location, distance, and shape of objects in the
environment using sound waves and their echoes. The principle
of echolocation is based on the emission of sound waves and
the interpretation of the echoes that bounce back from
objects in the environment.

E.g.:
Bats using echolocation to navigate and find food in the dark

In technology, the use of echolocation can be traced back to the

early days of submarine warfare. During World War I, the British
navy developed a primitive form of sonar (known then as
"ASDIC") to detect submarines.
 Biological Technological Bats, dolphins, and Sonar systems,
Aspect
Echolocation Echolocation Examples / Users some species of ultrasonic sensors,
Natural ability whales robotics systems
found in animals Human-engineere Produced naturally Generated artificially
to detect d system that Source of Sound (clicks or using electronic
Definition
surroundings mimics biological vocalizations) devices
using sound echolocation
waves Animals emit sound Devices emit sound
Working Principle waves and listen to waves and analyze
returning echoes reflected signals
Location, distance, Distance, position,
Information
shape, and and object
Obtained
movement of objects recognition
Processed
Processed
electronically using
Processing Method biologically by the
algorithms and signal
animal’s brain
processing
Navigation, robotics,
Navigation, hunting,
Applications obstacle detection,
communication
medical imaging
Natural adaptation Artificial system
Nature evolved over millions inspired by biological
of years mechanisms
 Ultrasonography
❖ Ultrasonography is a medical imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves to produce images of
the internal organs and tissues of the body. It is also known as ultrasound imaging or sonography.
❖ The ultrasound machine emits high-frequency sound waves (usually in the range of 2 to 18 MHz) that travel
through the body and bounce back off of the internal organs and tissues.
❖ The returning echoes are captured by the ultrasound machine and used to create images of the internal
structures.
Transducer: Uses of Ultrasonography
An ultrasonography machine consists of a transducer that is Abdominal imaging:
used to emit and receive high-frequency sound waves. Ultrasonography is used to image the organs of the
The transducer is placed in direct contact with the skin or abdomen, such as the liver, gallbladder, pancreas,
inserted into the body through a gel. spleen, and kidneys, to diagnose conditions such as
Emission of sound waves: liver disease, gallstones, pancreatitis, and kidney
The transducer emits high-frequency sound waves (usually stones.
in the range of 2 to 18 MHz) into the body. These sound Musculoskeletal imaging:
waves travel through the body and encounter different Ultrasonography is used to image the muscles,
tissues and organs, which have different acoustic properties. tendons, and ligaments to diagnose conditions such
Reflection of sound waves: as muscle strains, tendonitis, and ligament sprains.
The sound waves encounter boundaries between different Vascular imaging:
tissues and organs and bounce back, creating echoes. The Ultrasonography is used to image blood vessels, such
strength of the echoes depends on the acoustic properties of as the arteries and veins, to diagnose conditions such
the tissues and organs, such as density and stiffness as blood clots, blockages, and aneurysms.
Reception of echoes: Eye and neck imaging:
The transducer in the ultrasonography machine receives the Ultrasonography is used to image the eyes and neck
echoes and sends the information to a computer, which to diagnose conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma,
processes the data to create images. and thyroid nodules.
Image formation: Emergency medicine: Ultrasonography is often used
The computer uses the information from the echoes to in emergency medicine to quickly and accurately
create images of the internal organs and tissues of the diagnose conditions such as appendicitis,
body. The images are displayed on a screen, allowing the pneumothorax, and fluid buildup in the abdomen or
operator to see the structure and movement of the internal chest.
organs and tissues.
Photosynthesis

Photosynthesis is the process by

which plants, algae, and some bacteria
convert light energy from the sun into
chemical energy stored in organic
molecules. This process is critical for life
on Earth, as it provides the primary
source of energy for all living organisms.

❖ The process of photosynthesis in

plants and some animals differs in
terms of the type of organisms
involved and the specific details of
the process.

❖ However, the basic principle of

converting light energy into usable
forms of energy is the same in both.
This diagram shows the process of photosynthesis inside a plant cell, specifically within the chloroplast. It
occurs in two main stages: light-dependent reactions and the Calvin cycle (light-independent reactions).

🌿 1. Light-Dependent Reactions (Left Side – 🌿 2. Calvin Cycle (Right Side – Stroma)

Thylakoid/Grana) ∙ Occurs in the stroma (fluid surrounding thylakoids)
•These reactions take place in the thylakoid Inputs:
membranes (stacked as grana). ∙ Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
•Inputs: ∙ ATP and NADPH (from light reactions)
• Sunlight (light energy) ⚙ What happens:
• Water (H₂O) ∙ CO₂ is fixed and converted into organic molecules
⚙ What happens: ∙ Through a series of enzyme-driven steps, glucose
•Light energy is absorbed by chlorophyll. (sugar) is produced
•Water is split (photolysis) into: 👉 Output:
• Oxygen (O₂) → released as a byproduct ∙ Glucose (CH₂O) → used for plant energy and
• Electrons & protons growth
•Energy is converted into: ∙ ADP and NADP⁺ are recycled back to light reactions
• ATP (energy molecule)
• NADPH (electron carrier) 🔁 Overall Flow
👉 Output of this stage: 1. Sunlight + Water → Oxygen + Energy (ATP,
•Oxygen (O₂) released NADPH)
•ATP and NADPH sent to next stage 2. CO₂ + ATP + NADPH → Glucose (Sugar)
Photovoltaic Cells Inside a Photovoltaic Cells
☀ 1. Structure of a Photovoltaic Cell (Left Inside the PV Cell (Right Image)
Image) The cell is made of a p–n junction:
A solar cell consists of: ∙ n-type layer → excess electrons
❖ Antireflection coating → reduces loss of ∙ p-type layer → excess holes
sunlight ∙ Junction → creates an internal electric field
❖ Front contact (emitter) → collects electrons ⚙ What happens:
∙ The electric field separates charges:
❖ Base layer → bulk semiconductor material
o Electrons move toward n-side
❖ Rear contact → completes the circuit
o Holes move toward p-side
❖ External load → device where electricity is
🔌 Current Flow
used ∙ Electrons flow through the external circuit
👉 When sunlight falls on the cell, it penetrates ∙ This movement produces electric current
into the semiconductor material. ∙ The current powers a load (e.g., bulb)
👉 Inside the cell:
⚡ Generation of Charge Carriers ∙ Electrons recombine with holes after completing the
Photons (light energy) strike the semiconductor circuit
This creates electron–hole pairs: 🔄 Overall Working
❖ Electron (−) → free to move 1. Sunlight hits the cell
❖ Hole (+) → positive charge carrier 2. Electron–hole pairs are generated
3. Internal electric field separates charges
4. Electrons flow through external circuit
5. Electrical energy is produced
Lotus leaf effect - Super Hydrophobic Effect & Self-cleaning surfaces
Lotus leaf effect - Super Hydrophobic Effect & Self-cleaning surfaces

What is Super hydrophobicity? Self-Cleaning Mechanism

A surface is called superhydrophobic when it strongly 1. Water droplet forms on surface
repels water. Water forms nearly spherical droplets 2. Droplet picks up dust and contaminants
instead of spreading. 3. Droplet rolls off due to low adhesion
Contact angle > 150° 4. Surface remains clean without external cleaning

How It Works Key Properties

Surface has: Micro/nano-scale roughness and Low ❖ High water repellency
surface energy coating. Air gets trapped between ❖ Low adhesion (water doesn’t stick)
surface and water (Cassie–Baxter state). Water droplets ❖ Anti-wetting behavior
roll off easily, carrying dirt particles ❖ Reduced friction with liquids

Lotus Effect (Natural Example) Applications

Inspired by the lotus leaf ❖ Solar panels → dust removal improves
Features: Tiny surface structures & Wax coating efficiency
❖ Textiles → stain-resistant clothes
Result: ❖ Glass coatings → self-cleaning windows
Water droplets roll off & Dirt is removed automatically ❖ Medical devices → anti-bacterial surfaces
❖ Electronics → water-resistant coatings
Bird flying (GPS and aircrafts)

Flight Control Method of a Bird-like Flapping-Wing Air

Vehicle
Quiz on the below topics: Class Activity

1. Plant burrs (Velcro), Shark skin (Friction reducing

swim suits), Kingfisher beak (Bullet train)

2. Human Blood Substitutes

Previous Years QP for Module 4
End of Module 4