Oscillations for active sensing in olfaction: bioinspiration from insect antennal movements.

Crustacean and insect antennal scanning movements have been postulated to increase odorant capture but the exact mechanisms as well as measures of efficiency are wanting. The aim of this work is to test the hypothesis that an increase in oscillation frequency of a simplified insect antenna model translates to an increase of odorant capture, and to quantify by how much and through which mechanism. We approximate the antennal movements of bumblebees, quantified in a previous study, by a vertical oscillatory movement of a cylinder in a homogeneous horizontal flow with odorants.

Insect pectinate antennae maximize odor capture efficiency at intermediate flight speeds.

Flying insects are known to orient themselves over large distances using minute amounts of odors. Some bear pectinate antennae of remarkable architecture thought to improve olfactory performance. The semiporous, multiscale nature of these antennae influences how odor molecules reach their surface.

Challenges in Modeling Pheromone Capture by Pectinate Antennae.

Insect pectinate antennae are very complex objects and studying how they capture pheromone is a challenging mass transfer problem. A few works have already been dedicated to this issue and we review their strengths and weaknesses. In all cases, a common approach is used: the antenna is split between its macro- and microstructure.

Additive manufacturing: state of the art and potential for insect science.

Additive Manufacturing has become an efficient tool to study insect-inspired biomimetic solutions. Indeed, it can build objects with intricate 3D-shapes and use materials with specific properties, such as soft materials. From biomaterials to biostructures or biosensors, Additive Manufacturing allows more possibilities in terms of design and functions.