Squid-Inspired Tandem Repeat Proteins: Functional Fibers and Films

Production of repetitive polypeptides that comprise one or more tandem copies of a single unit with distinct amorphous and ordered regions have been an interest for the last couple of decades. Their molecular structure provides a rich architecture that can micro-phase-separate to form periodic nanostructures (e.g., lamellar and cylindrical repeating phases) with enhanced physicochemical properties via directed or natural evolution that often exceed those of conventional synthetic polymers. Here, we review programmable design, structure, and properties of functional fibers and films from squid-inspired tandem repeat proteins, with applications in soft photonics and advanced textiles among others

Desiging an efficient tidal turbine blade through Bio-mimicry: A systemic review

Purpose: A comprehensive literature review is conducted in the tidal energy physics, the ocean environment, hydrodynamics of horizontal axis tidal turbines, and bio-mimicry. Design/methodology/approach: The paper provides an insight of the tidal turbine blade design and need for renewable energy sources to generate electricity through clean energy sources and less CO2 emission. The ocean environment along with hydrodynamic design principles of a horizontal axis tidal turbine blade are described, including theoretical maximum efficiency, Blade Element Momentum theory, and non-dimensional forces acting on tidal turbine blades. Findings: This review gives an overview of fish locomotion identifying the attributes of the swimming like lift based thrust propulsion, the locomotion driving factors: dorsal fins, caudal fins in propulsion, which enable the fish to be efficient even at low tidal velocities. Originality/ value: Finally, after understanding the phenomenon of caudal fin propulsion and its relationship with tidal turbine blade hydrodynamics; this review focuses on the implications of bio-mimicking a curved caudal fin to design an efficient Horizontal Axis Tidal Turbine