Universität zu Köln

Mail, Matthias, Klein, Adrian, Bleckmann, Horst, Schmitz, Anke, Scherer, Torsten, Ruehr, Peter T., Lovric, Goran ORCID: 0000-0002-0833-4043, Froehlingsdorf, Robin, Gorb, Stanislav N. and Barthlott, Wilhelm (2018). A new bioinspired method for pressure and flow sensing based on the underwater air-retaining surface of the backswimmer Notonecta. Beilstein J. Nanotechnol., 9. S. 3039 - 3048. FRANKFURT AM MAIN: BEILSTEIN-INSTITUT. ISSN 2190-4286

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Abstract

In technical systems, static pressure and pressure changes are usually measured with piezoelectric materials or solid membranes. In this paper, we suggest a new biomimetic principle based on thin air layers that can be used to measure underwater pressure changes. Submerged backswimmers (Notonecta sp.) are well known for their ability to retain air layers on the surface of their forewings (hemelytra). While analyzing the hemelytra of Notonecta, we found that the air layer on the hemelytra, in combination with various types of mechanosensitive hairs (clubs and pins), most likely serve a sensory function. We suggest that this predatory aquatic insect can detect pressure changes and water movements by sensing volume changes of the air layer under water. In the present study, we used a variety of microscopy techniques to investigate the fine structure of the hemelytra. Furthermore, we provide a biomimetic proof of principle to validate our hypothesis. The suggested sensory principle has never been documented before and is not only of interest for sensory biologists but can also be used for the development of highly sensitive underwater acoustic or seismographic sensory systems.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Creators:	Creators Email ORCID ORCID Put Code Mail, Matthias UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Klein, Adrian UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Bleckmann, Horst UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Schmitz, Anke UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Scherer, Torsten UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Ruehr, Peter T. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Lovric, Goran UNSPECIFIED orcid.org/0000-0002-0833-4043 UNSPECIFIED Froehlingsdorf, Robin UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Gorb, Stanislav N. UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED Barthlott, Wilhelm UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED UNSPECIFIED
URN:	urn:nbn:de:hbz:38-162059
DOI:	10.3762/bjnano.9.282
Journal or Publication Title:	Beilstein J. Nanotechnol.
Volume:	9
Page Range:	S. 3039 - 3048
Date:	2018
Publisher:	BEILSTEIN-INSTITUT
Place of Publication:	FRANKFURT AM MAIN
ISSN:	2190-4286
Language:	English
Faculty:	Unspecified
Divisions:	Unspecified
Subjects:	no entry
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Keywords Language SUPERHYDROPHOBIC SURFACES Multiple languages Nanoscience & Nanotechnology; Materials Science, Multidisciplinary; Physics, Applied Multiple languages
Refereed:	Yes
URI:	http://kups.ub.uni-koeln.de/id/eprint/16205