POLYMERS　Vol.60　No.5
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COVER STORY
Neo-Biomimetic Materials
COVER STORY: Highlight Reviews
New Trend in Next Generation Biomimetics: Toward Paradigm Shift for Innovation Masatsugu SHIMOMURA
<Abstract> The next generation biomimetic materials have been developed by the interdisciplinary collaboration of biology and material nanotechnology. Hierarchic surface structures from nano- to micro-meter scale formed in biological organisms, insects and plants, possess unique functions, e.g. hydrophobic, anti-reflection, adhesion, and controlled tribology. Learning from the biological surfaces has provided novel functional materials whose mechanisms of the functional expression are completely different from those of the manmade products. In order to build new system of biomimetic engineering, it is strongly required to construct the biomimetic database as the platform of open innovation, which is indispensable for the development of novel materials design and ecological production processes based on biological diversity. Paradigm shift for innovation is potentially inherent in the new trend of biomimetics.
Keywords: Biomimetics / Biological Diversity / Hierarchic Structure / Insect / Plant / Nanotechnology / Biology / Biomimetic Engineering
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Development of Light Interference Fiber and Super Multilayered Film Mimicking A Morpho Butterfly Haruko HIROSE
<Abstract> As an example to produce biomimetic materials reflecting biodiversity of natural wild life, new materials have been developed to mimick the structurally induced color in the wing of the Morpho Butterfly.
The blue color in the wing of the Morpho Butterfly is created with certain structural features by a reflection and interference of the sun light. This structurally induced natural color has been mimicked technologically to produce eco-friendly materials as fine fibers and super multilayered films for fabrics, cosmetics, coating of car bodies and variety of other applications.
Keywords: Morpho Butterfly / Structural Color / Light Interference Fiber / Multilayered Film / Refractive Index / PET / Nylon
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Mechanobio-Materials: Design of a Mechanical Extracellular Milieu to Manipulate Cell Mechanobiology Satoru KIDOAKI
<Abstract> Recently, mechanobiology-based cell manipulation technology has drawn much attention in the bioengineering field. As one of the advanced trends emerging in the biomaterial research that intend to control the cellular mechanobiology, we are focusing on mechanical cell manipulation based on the design of a micro-elasticity conditions of cell culture substrates in this paper. Control of cell motility on the well-designed elasticity gradient materials, i.e., control of mechanotaxis, and determination of stem cell lineage specification on the elasticity-tunable gels are briefly introduced. Micromechanical conditions of materials for such cell manipulation are reviewed. Concepts and perspectives of the biomaterials that manipulate cell mechanobiology, i.e., mechanobio-materials, are discussed in relation to recent development in neo-biomimetics studies.
Keywords: Mechanotaxis / Durotaxis / Cell Migration / Styrenated Gelatin / Microelasticity Patterning
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Biomimetic Bonding Naoe HOSODA
<Abstract> Research on biomimetic bonding is a very actual topic, with examples such as in water bonding that was an idea inspired by a marine organism and self-detachment, an idea prompted by the mechanism of a leaf falling off, and an idea about hairy-structured dry adhesives stimulated by a gecko clinging to an overhead ceiling. This review paper is reporting about hairy-structured dry adhesives as one of the hot topics.
Keywords: Adhesion / Gecko / Hairy Structure / Biomimetics
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COVER STORY:Topics and Products
Liquid Marbles Stabilized with Polymer Particles Syuji FUJII
<Abstract> Polymer particles can be used to prepare ‘liquid marbles’, which are liquid-in-gas dispersed systems stabilized by particles adsorbed at the liquid-gas interface. Wettability of the particle surface at the interface plays a crucial role to
determine the stability of the liquid marbles.
Keywords: Liquid Marble / Polymer Particles / Air-Water Interface / Stimuli-Responsive
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Moth Eye Antireflection Surface Using Anodic Porous Alumina Yoshihiro UOZU
<Abstract> Moth eye surfaces can prevent reflection with minute unevenness structure of nanometer-order. The anodic porous alumina provided by self-organization can be formed even on the curved surface. We have been researching a continuous manufacturing process of a moth eye surface on a polymer film with the roll mold.
Keywords: Moth Eye / Reflection / Unevenness Surface / Anodic Porous Alumina / Polymer Film / Roll Mold
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Production Technology and Application of Honeycomb Film Hidekazu YAMAZAKI and Masahiro ASAMI
<Abstract> FUJIFILM has developed a production technology of a “Honeycomb film” that is a Biomimetic soft material, and has started to test the market. The “Honeycomb film” has a honeycomb-like array of micro-pores that generates unique functions. The film production technology, unique character of “Honeycomb film”, and expected examples for it’s applications are introduced in this article.
Keywords: Self-Organized Process / Honeycomb Film / Production Technology
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Structural Color Material and Photonic Crystal of Block Copolymer Shigeo HARA
<Abstract> A block copolymer photonic crystal film with very highly ordered lamellar structure was prepared by a new method using an UV monomer. This polymer photonic crystal film has bright structural colors and very useful optical properties. We report applications of this film to new color materials and optical devices.
Keywords: Block Copolymer / Structural Color / Photonic Crystal
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Emulating Nature : Self-Cleaning Effects for Textiles Norihiko TAKENAKA
<Abstract> The lotus plant's extraordinary ability is to keep itself clean by means of the ultrafine surface structures on its leaves. Water droplets just roll off the surface of their leaves, taking particles of dirt along with them. BASF has made it possible to provide textiles with a genuine self-cleaning effect based on nanostructured surfaces like its model in nature.
Keywords: Lotus Effect / Self-Cleaning / Nanotechnology
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Growing Polymers: A Personal Account
To Make me Stand Out in Research Shinsuke INAGI
<Abstract> This personal account describes my research life at Kyoto University and what made me start the original research, namely electrochemical polymer reaction at Tokyo Institute of Technology.
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Seeing the Invisible Motion of Polymers Rintaro INOUE
<Abstract> “Seeing the Invisible Motion of Polymers” is a seemingly contradictory word, however this word is suitable for an expression of the essence of my research. I would like to explain the phrase of “Seeing the invisible” to my collaborators and my students through my works.
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Front-Line Polymer Science
Recent Developments in Reorganizable Dynamic Covalent Polymers Yoshifumi AMAMOTO and Hideyuki OTSUKA
<Abstract> Recent developments in dynamic covalent polymers consisting of reversible covalent bonds are introduced. The reversibility of the covalent units in the polymers have made it possible to develop several kinds of functionalities, including formations of objective polymers repeatedly, structure controls of polymers by environmental changes, and recyclable polymers. Particularly polymers including linear polymers, polymers with designed architectures, and cross-linked polymers, which cannot be obtained by general polymerization techniques, are introduced in this review. In addition, self-healing polymers based on reversible covalent bonds are mentioned.
Keywords: Polymer Reactions / Dynamic Covalent Chemistry / Reversible Covalent Bonds / Dynamic Covalent Polymers / Reorganizable Polymers / Self-healing Polymers / Recyclable Polymers
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