Applications of Biologically Inspired Membranes

Nastic materials are a novel high energy density engineered membrane based on processes found in the plant kingdom. These membranes are engineered using biomimetic principles using protein transporters extracted from beet cells. These embedded transporters are capable of producing work through pumping fluid across the membrane (dependent on concentrations and fuel availability). Through this process, they may also produce controllable bulk deformation through the establishment of an osmotic gradient.Current experimental testing has been focused largely on a cylindrical setup, where the membrane is stretched across one side of a barrel apparatus. To determine the total potential of the nastic material, a spherical set up must be examined, which is costly to create in a laboratory environment. To determine the worth of the spherical model, a computational model was created using transport principles examined by Endresen et al.This model will be examined and modified to simulate a wide variety of conditions. Through careful evaluation of the results, data for actuation properties and model performance based on inputs and conditions will be obtained. This data will assist in determining the overall capabilities of the nastic material, and will aid future research. Finally, alternate uses for the nastic materials will be explored and discussed.