The ostracod carapace window as a biomimetic basis for development of a novel eye shield.

介形类甲壳窗口作为开发新型眼罩的仿生基础。

• 批准号: BB/J019879/1
• 负责人: Keith Meek
• 金额: $ 14.28万
• 依托单位: CARDIFF UNIVERSITY
• 依托单位国家: 英国
• 项目类别: Research Grant
• 财政年份: 2012
• 资助国家: 英国
• 起止时间: 2012 至 无数据
• 项目状态: 已结题
• 来源: https://gtr.ukri.org/projects?ref=BB%2FJ019879%2F1
• 关键词: ostracod; carapace; window; biomimetic; basis

Myodocopid ostracods are small crustaceans varying from 1 to 32 mm. Their shrimp-like bodies are flattened from side to side and protected by a relatively thin, two-part shell or "carapace" made from the polysaccharide chitin coupled with proteins, often with the incorporation of calcium. The two valves of the carapace are connected by a hinge, and can open and close while retaining their rigidity. Most myodocopids can be distinguished from other ostracods by their well-developed compound eyes; some occupying a third of their total body size. Indeed, they use visual signals in the form of iridescence or bioluminescence for courtship. In one group - "Macrocypridina" (about 8mm long) - the carapace is heavily pigmented except for a round, clear transparent window directly covering the eye, through which the animal can see. These windows have some interesting properties; they are very thin yet rigid, and prevent crack formation and propagation, avoid scratches, allow oxygen to pass through them, and appear resistant to the buildup of surface contamination. Our proposal is to understand the biophysical and structural basis of the properties of these ostracod windows, and consequently to mimic these structures on a larger scale to develop very thin, hard contact lenses suitable for humans. These lenses will act as eye shields in military applications but will also be beneficial for the treatment of eye-related problems in the general population.

肌足介形类是小型甲壳类动物，大小从 1 毫米到 32 毫米不等。它们的虾状身体从一侧到另一侧都是扁平的，并受到相对较薄的两部分外壳或“甲壳”的保护，该外壳或“甲壳”由多糖几丁质与蛋白质（通常掺入钙）制成。甲壳的两个瓣膜通过铰链连接，可以在保持刚性的情况下打开和关闭。大多数肌足类动物可以通过其发达的复眼与其他介形类动物区分开来。有些占据了全身的三分之一。事实上，它们使用虹彩或生物发光形式的视觉信号来求爱。其中一组“Macrocypridina”（约 8 毫米长）的甲壳颜色很深，除了一个直接覆盖眼睛的圆形透明窗口，动物可以通过它看到东西。这些窗口有一些有趣的属性；它们非常薄但坚硬，可以防止裂纹形成和扩展，避免划痕，允许氧气通过，并且能够抵抗表面污染物的积累。我们的建议是了解这些介形类窗口特性的生物物理和结构基础，从而更大规模地模仿这些结构，开发适合人类的非常薄的硬质隐形眼镜。这些镜片将在军事应用中充当眼罩，但也有利于治疗普通人群中与眼睛相关的问题。