Crystals of metal salts improve cutting ability: herbivorous insects

The mandibles of many herbivorous insects have exceptional cutting abilities due to the presence of zinc or managese salts.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Break down >
	Physically break down >
	Biotic materials

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Composite tools or machines for cutting (including on the nano- or micro-scales), more durable agricultural tools and implements.

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Many invertebrates use crystals of metal salts to harden their cutting, rasping, and grinding equipment…The mandibles of herbivorous insects contain zinc or manganese salts (Vincent 1990)." (Vogel 2003:333)

About the inspiring organism

Insecta
Insecta

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Composite tools or machines for cutting (including on the nano- or micro-scales), more durable agricultural tools and implements.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Nanotechnology, manufacturing, agriculture

References

Steven Vogel. 2003. Comparative Biomechanics: Life's Physical World. Princeton: Princeton University Press. 580 p.

Vincent, JFV. 1990. Structural biomaterials. Princeton, NJ: Princeton University Press.

Crystals of metal salts improve cutting ability: herbivorous insects

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