Bioinspired 3D printed artificial cilia flow sensors

Sensor designs found in nature, such as tiny hair-like 'neuromasts' on fish skin, are optimal due to their evolution over millions of years, making them well-suited for sensing applications. However, realizing these complex, three-dimensional (3D), biomimetic designs in artificial and flexible sensors using conventional techniques such as lithography is challenging and expensive. Dr Ajay Kottapalli and co-workers in ENTEG introduced a new processing paradigm for the simplified fabrication of flexible sensors featuring complex and bioinspired structures using 3D printing and polymer molding.

The work is part of a broader thrust in Dr. Kottapalli's research to use flow sensing principles inspired by nature (e.g. fishes, seals and sea lions, crocodiles, human inner ear etc.) to fabricate artificial sensors using state-of-the-art 3D printing technology. Such bioinspired sensors can be used in diverse applications such as biomedical devices (IV flow sensing, urine flow monitoring, breathalyzers etc.), pipeline leakage monitoring, underwater vehicle maneuvering, oil sloshing in cargo tanks, and so on.  

This link leads to the full paper A. M. Kamat et al Bioinspired Cilia Sensors with Graphene Sensing Elements Fabricated Using 3D Printing and Casting , published in MDPI Nanomaterials