In response to the problems of poor mechanical ductility and high hydrophilicity of natural polysaccharide films, we propose to introduce rubber material (carboxystyrene styrene-butadiene latex, XSBR) into natural polysaccharides (sodium alginate, SA) to enhance the mechanical properties of SA and reduce its hydrophilicity. In addition, dispersing ZnO in SA through the mediating effect of XSBR can further reduce its hydrophilicity and endow the composite film with antibacterial activity. The tensile strength and strain of the composite film reached 16.1 MPa and 267.3 %, respectively (strain increased by 74 times compared to SA films). The biomimetic design of the ZnO uniformly distributed on the film's surface mimics the tiny synapses on the surface of a lotus leaf, further improving the film's hydrophobic and waterproof properties, with its water contact angle increasing from 68.7 degrees to 97.6 degrees. Besides, the composite film exhibits good light transmission, barrier, antimicrobial, and antioxidant activity. The composite film was effective in extending strawberry freshness up to 9 days. More importantly, indoor-outdoor soil degradation studies proved that the composite film is degradable. This work provides a possible solution for developing durable, hydrophobic, and biodegradable biomass films to replace petroleum-based plastic films.

Traditional robotic grippers encounter significant challenges when handling small objects in confined spaces, underscoring the need for innovative instruments with enhanced space efficiency and adaptability. Erodium cicutarium awns have evolved hygroresponsive helical deformation, efficiently driving seeds into soil crevices with limited space utilization. Drawing inspiration from this natural mechanism, we developed a biomimetic thin-walled actuator with water-responsive helical capabilities. It features a composite material structure comprising common engineering materials with low toxicity. Leveraging fused deposition modeling 3D printing technology and the composite impregnation process, the actuator's manufacturing process is streamlined and cost-effective, suitable for real-world applications. Then, a mathematical model is built to delineate the relationship between the biomimetic actuator's key structural parameters and deformation characteristics. The experimental results emphasize the actuator's compact dimension (0.26 mm thickness) and its capability to form a helical tube under 5 mm diameter within 60 s, demonstrating outstanding space efficiency. Moreover, helical characteristics and stiffness of the biomimetic actuators are configurable through precise modifications to the composite material structure. Consequently, it is capable of effectively grasping an object smaller than 3 mm. The innovative mechanism and design principles hold promise for advancing robotic technology, particularly in fields requiring high space efficiency and adaptability, such as fine tubing decongestion, underwater sampling, and medical endoscopic surgery.

Biomimetic mineralized mortar (BMM) represents a novel green cementitious material, increasingly recognized for its environmental sustainability. In this study, four typical amino acids including acidic amino acids (aspartic acid, glutamic acid), neutral amino acid (threonine), and basic amino acid (arginine), are employed as crystal modifiers to develop the high-strength BMM (HBMM) based on the biomimetic chemically induced calcium carbonate precipitation (BCICP) method. The mechanical properties and failure morphology of HBMM were evaluated through unconfined compressive strength (UCS) test. The microstructure characteristics of HBMM were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and contact angle test. The results show that amino acid-modified calcium carbonate precipitation can effectively cement loose sand particles and significantly improve the strength of the HBMM. The failure modes of HBMM observed include local failure, vertical splitting failure, shear failure, and splitting- shear mixed failure. Notably, aspartic acid and glutamic acid can induce the formation of vaterite-phase calcium carbonate crystals, while threonine and arginine facilitate the formation of aragonite-phase calcium carbonate crystals. The hydrogen bonding between modified calcium carbonate crystals and silanol groups on the silica surface ensures a tight adhesion of the precipitate to sand surfaces, filling gaps and cementing particles. This study elucidates that using amino acids as modifiers in the BCICP method can significantly enhance the strength of HBMM and influence its microstructure, offering valuable insights for its potential practical applications.

With the growing emphasis on environmental protection, there has been extensive research on new green cementitious materials suitable for different conditions. This study focuses on the influence of key environmental factors on proposed biomimetic mineralized composites (BMC) using polyacrylic acid (PAA) as a modifier, based on the biomimetic chemistry induced carbonate precipitation (BCICP) method. The environmental factors examined include the cementing matrices type, the magnesium ions concentration, and the cementing solution pH. The samples treated under various conditions were evaluated for their unconfined compressive strength (UCS) and calcium carbonate content, and their microstructure was characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results demonstrate that the BMC treatment could achieve highstrength cementation for both Toyoura sand and Fujian quartz sand, with a more pronounced enhancement observed for Toyoura sand. Magnesium ions reduce the cementation effect, and they cannot fully replace calcium ions in participating in the cementation process. Moreover, the cementing solution pH significantly influences the cementation effect, with the best acid-base condition for PAA to modify BMC sand samples found at a pH of 11.5. Overall, the BMC exhibits high performance under various environmental conditions. These findings could provide valuable insights into the influence of environmental factors and the potential applications of BMC in diverse environments.