APPLICATION OF THE SCANNING ELECTRON MICROSCOPE IN BIOMIMETICS
Text written by Assoc. prof. Ivana Jelovica Badovinac, Ph.D.
Biomimetics is a scientific discipline that studies natural forms, processes and functions to inspire the development of new materials, technologies and designs. The scanning electron microscope (SEM), an instrument that allows detailed examination of material surfaces at the micro and nano level, plays a key role in the research and development of biomimetic materials. With the SEM, we can better understand natural processes and apply them in innovative technologies and materials. Examples of biomimetic materials include materials with mechanical, optical, hydrophobic and adhesive properties.
In the Laboratory for Scanning Electron Microscopy, a joint laboratory of the Faculty of Physics and the Center for Micro- and Nanosciences and Technologies of the University of Rijeka, there is a JEOL JSM – 7800F field emission scanning electron microscope with a maximum resolution of 0.8 nm, an acceleration voltage between 0.01 and 30 kV and a magnification range of 25 to 1,000,000 times.
The picture shows various biological samples taken with our SEM. The authors of the SEM images are Assoc. prof. Ivana Jelovica Badovinac and Assist. prof. Ivna Kavre Piltaver. The structure of insect wings, for example, can serve as inspiration for the development of light and strong materials, aerodynamic shapes and autonomous airplanes. The microstructure of butterfly wings can inspire the development of surfaces that repel water and dirt. Pollen grains can also serve as inspiration for the design of new materials, structures or devices, as they are naturally optimized for the genetic material from plants. The image in the background was created by an artificial intelligence (Copilot).
Assoc. prof. Ivana Jelovica Badovinac, Ph.D. works at the Faculty of Physics and the Center for Micro- and Nanosciences and Technologies and deals with the characterization of materials. Recently, she has been mainly involved in SEM and EDS analysis of sample surfaces from various scientific fields.