Biological matrix composites from cultured plant cells.

We present an approach to fabricate biological matrix composites made entirely from cultured plant cells. We utilize the cell’s innate ability to synthesize nanofibrillar cell walls, which serve as the composite’s fundamental building blocks. Following a controlled compression/dehydration process, the cells arrange into lamellar structures with hierarchical features.

Biomimetic temperature-sensing layer for artificial skins.

Artificial membranes that are sensitive to temperature are needed in robotics to augment interactions with humans and the environment and in bioengineering to improve prosthetic limbs. Existing flexible sensors achieved sensitivities of <100 millikelvin and large responsivity, albeit within narrow (<5 kelvin) temperature ranges. Other flexible devices, working in wider temperature ranges, exhibit orders of magnitude poorer responses.

Wave propagation in granular chains with local resonances.

We study wave propagation in a chain of spherical particles containing a local resonator. The resonant particles are made of an aluminum outer spherical shell and a steel inner mass connected by a polymeric plastic structure acting as a spring. We characterize the dynamic response of individual particles and the transmitted linear spectra of a chain of particles in contact.