Understanding hydrotropism: A chemical engineering perspective

Abstract

The mechanism of root hydrotropism has been a mystery for many years, due to the complexity of the interactions between the external environment and plants themselves. To gain an engineering perspective, the time-dependent hydrotropism of a single root has been modeled, initially using a two-dimensional model. Based on the water and nutrient distribution in rhizosphere as computed with the conservation equations, together with a basic reaction-kinetics-type growth model and an intuitive root bending model, it has been found that the root already possesses the property of hydrotropism. For the first time, hydrotropism could be tracked by a process engineering model, which is a new idea based on chemical engineering concept, suggesting an alternative mechanism of hydrotropism. The effects of different initial root widths, lengths, and other growth/transport coefficients on root hydrotropism have then been explored.

How eyelashes can protect the eye through inhibiting ocular water evaporation: a chemical engineering perspective

“…In the second half of the twentieth century, the development of bionics had stimulated great interests on the study of biological functions. Nowadays, bionics are widely used to bridge biology and technology for the innovative design of industrial facilities [1][2][3][4][5][6] (table 1).…”

Uncovering eco-friendly design in the ancient bronze goose-and-fish lamp: an unnoticeable gap boosts ventilation

“…The above-listed successful examples demonstrate the power of interdisciplinary collaboration for making breakthrough in this promising area. We, as chemical engineers with expertise in multiphysics modeling and simulation ( 17 , 18 ), decided to decode the riddle in this ancient lamp by resorting to in silico experiments and theories of transport phenomena.…”