Honeycomb Biosilica in Sponges: From Understanding Principles of Unique Hierarchical Organization to Assessing Biomimetic Potential

Abstract

Structural bioinspiration in modern material science and biomimetics represents an actual trend that was originally based on the bioarchitectural diversity of invertebrate skeletons, specifically, honeycomb constructs of natural origin, which have been in humanities focus since ancient times. We conducted a study on the principles of bioarchitecture regarding the unique biosilica-based honeycomb-like skeleton of the deep-sea glass sponge Aphrocallistes beatrix. Experimental data show, with compelling evidence, the location of actin filaments within honeycomb-formed hierarchical siliceous walls. Principles of the unique hierarchical organization of such formations are discussed. Inspired by poriferan honeycomb biosilica, we designed diverse models, including 3D printing, using PLA-, resin-, and synthetic-glass-prepared corresponding microtomography-based 3D reconstruction.

Spongin as a Unique 3D Template for the Development of Functional Iron-Based Composites Using Biomimetic Approach In Vitro

“…The exported measurement datasets (containing information about the location coordinates x and y and the signal count values) were then further processed using in-house software (applied in references [ 122 , 123 ]), providing tools like the normalization of the xy mappings to a global signal maximum, generating RGB color-coded images and signal noise correction. The final stacking of the two-dimensional distribution datasets was carried out with the Python application Mayavi, achieving three-dimensional distribution images.…”

Creation of a 3D Goethite–Spongin Composite Using an Extreme Biomimetics Approach

“…The exported measurement datasets (containing information about the location coordinates x and y and the signal count values) were then further processed using in-house software as used in [13,23], providing tools such as normalization of the xy mappings to a global signal maximum, generation of RGB color-coded images, signal noise correction and stacking of the two-dimensional distribution datasets. The final volume rendering was carried out with the Python application Mayavi [24], leading to three-dimensional distribution images.…”

Transforming Object Design and Creation: Biomaterials and Contemporary Manufacturing Leading the Way

“…In example, the pioneering work of Voronkina et.al. [28] discusses the intricate structure of the Aphrocallistes beatrix spong while looking into the fundamental principles of bioarchitecture, aligning with the biomimetic framework advocated in the broader discourse. The study's findings, showcasing the positioning of actin filaments within a biosilica-based honeycomb structure, underscore the potential for biomimetic material design [28].…”

“…[28] discusses the intricate structure of the Aphrocallistes beatrix spong while looking into the fundamental principles of bioarchitecture, aligning with the biomimetic framework advocated in the broader discourse. The study's findings, showcasing the positioning of actin filaments within a biosilica-based honeycomb structure, underscore the potential for biomimetic material design [28]. This empirical evidence not only supports the synthesis of biomimetic models through advanced manufacturing techniques like 3D printing but also hints at specialized genetic mechanisms guiding silicate biosynthesis in unique marine environments.…”