The biomechanics of miniature active venom delivery systems
Abstract
The stinger, located in the abdomen of some insects is an effective physiological structure evolved into avenom delivery system to deter predators and subdue prey. Upon insertion of the sting into the targetssurface, activation of muscles by the on-board neural system orchestrates the coordinated movement ofhypodermic barbs resulting in both venom delivery and deeper penetration of the stinger. Recent researchon static specimens of honeybee and wasp stingers has mapped their anatomy and mechanical properties ofthe sting, however our understanding of the stingers operation and relationship between its form andfunction are limited. In this project we will use the honeybee stinger as a model and seek to uncoverbiomechanical underpinnings that mediate its functional properties during and after penetration into thetarget. This will be accomplished by, for the first time, combining static micro CT-scans with time-resolvedstereo-imaging of the dynamic stinger using x-ray synchrotron. This will reveal an unprecedented level ofdetail on the internal kinematics and flow profile of venom during active motion of the barbs.Complementary experiments will be performed where forces produced by the barbs and the injectionperformance of stinger will be evaluated through lab-based tests as the fluid within the venom sac and thesubstrate properties are artificially modified. Computational and scale-models will then be used tosystematically probe the significant morphological and kinematic features that affect the stingersperformance. The parametric analysis of the stinger will be used as basis to design and buildphenomenologically inspired miniature artificial injectors. The artificial stingers will be equipped withvarious sting profiles and driven using, among others, piezoelectric and electroactive polymers to producebarb motions - the efficacy of the design and actuation strategy will be analysed. The proposed project isimportant to gain a fundamental understanding of the venom delivery system in insects and provideframeworks for the development of effective miniature injection systems for surgical and roboticapplications.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Oct 19, 2020
- Source ID
- N629092012088
Entities
People
- Sridhar Ravi
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of New South Wales