ARZT Lab –
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Research focus
Research focus
Functional microstructures, novel gripping systems, biomedical adhesives, docking and gripping in space, bioinspiration and sustainability
Functional microstructures, novel gripping systems, biomedical adhesives, docking and gripping in space, bioinspiration and sustainability
Learning from nature is inventing the future. As we are decarbonizing industry, we look to the biological world for inspiration. Nature uses materials and creates structures in a resource-efficient, energy-saving and sustainable way. Like insects, spiders and geckos, we create bioinspired micropatterned materials, with architected micro-space between the material elements – and without complicated and potentially toxic chemistries. We design, simulate and microprint patterns with optimized geometry, for several high-tech functionalities.
(see also E. Arzt et al., Progress in Materials Science 2021, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pmatsci.2021.100823)
Energy-free and sustainable gripping in space and in vacuum
Energy-free and sustainable gripping in space and in vacuum
Gripping and handling objects is a crucial but energy-intense process. Bioinspired adhesives will replace many conventional grippers and enable successful gripping where other mechanisms reach their operational limits: in vacuum, in micro-assembly, and in outer space. Successful simulation of retrieval of space debris was carried out on board of the International Space Station. Systems to be designed will optimize docking, accommodate contact to complex objects and withstand extreme conditions. Cooperation with US and European space agencies. (see also M. K. Ben-Larbi et al., Progr. Aerospace Res. 2022, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.paerosci.2022.100850)
Microarchitectures for biomedical and wearable applications
Microarchitectures for biomedical and wearable applications
Biomedicine urgently needs glue-free adhesives for allergy-free joining, sealing and healing of body parts. Our medical-grade microstructures stick to skin by their mere surface pattern and have demonstrated easy handling by the surgeon. Based on this novel adhesive function, skin devices with enhanced wearing comfort will be realized and interfaced with microelectronic components integrated into the adhesive architecture. When linked with data analysis and provision for artificial intelligence, strategies for health monitoring or performance monitoring and enhancement can be taken to a new level.
(G. Moreira Lana et al. 2021, https://doi.org/10.1002/anbr.202170101)
Biodiscovery for sustainable extreme properties
Biodiscovery for sustainable extreme properties
Nature is the true master of sustainability and is still hiding countless secrets that can facilitate human life. From the Alpine meadow to the depth of the pelagic sea: all life has evolved efficient mechanisms for survival, defense and reproduction. We study the optimal shape for sharp objects, the strategies for impact absorption, or the behavior of extremely small living objects when deformed. In collaboration we investigate the material adaptations due to rapidly changing environmental conditions – to create new engineering solutions for tomorrow.
(H. Quan et al. 2024, PNAS, in press)
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