Researching scientific materials from marine organisms

Sea snails, sea urchins and other marine creatures are leading researchers at the University of California Riverside (UCR) Department of Environmental and Chemical Engineering, how to turn the world into a better place. For example, consider the possibility of designing lightweight armor to protect American soldiers in Iraq from explosive devices. Or flexible porcelain material for industry. Or how everyone benefits from new energy production and storage measures.

Nature holds the mysteries and answers to questions that Professor David Kisailus and his research team are trying to figure out.'I hope that we really learn how to design, edit, and synthesize technical materials from these creatures, with features that engineers like us only dream of.'

Researching the daily development of marine life seems to be a challenge for scientists in Inland Southern California. Instead of having to travel daily to the coast, they create an ocean in the sea system of nearly 2,000 liters, occupying the Nano Materials Laboratory and biological simulation, living environment for both cold water species (heat environmental level is about 15 ^o C) and tropical species (about 26 ^o C environment).

California native invertebrates serve as a research model in the lab of Professor David Kisailus.(Photo: Judy Chappell, UC Riverside)

While some people struggle to find distant places to admire the beauty of coral reefs, at UCR, people just need to visit the Bourns Hall to witness the true and beautiful tropical coral ecosystem. to the point of stupidity. Another tank is the cold water marine community that includes California red abalone (Haliotis rufescens), purple and brown sea urchins (Strongylocentrotus purpuratus and Lytechinus pictus), why is the giant keyhole (Megathura crenulata) , several species of corals (Balanophyllia elegans, Astrangia lajollaensis and Paracyathus stearnsi), along with numerous groups of club-headed corallimorpharians (Corynactis californica).

Other tanks hold organisms for research, while a series of separate small tanks for exotic, more aggressive species or species need special diets. The central part of the pumping and filtration system circulates and processes water with a flow rate of nearly 40,000 liters of water per hour, providing an environment close to their natural habitat.

James Weaver, a marine zoologist who studies marine invertebrates, designs and builds complex tank and filter systems, including a 2m high liquefied bioreactor. But for these researchers, new tank animals are really great work in the mechanical industry. 'We just make use of nature as an inspiring platform.'

Kisailus first became interested in material science when he undertook research in the laboratory as a graduate student at Drexel University. After receiving a master's degree in Materials Science from the University of Florida, Kisailus received his Ph.D. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, where he met Weaver, his partner.

Both dreamed that one day they could combine Weaver's invertebrate specialization with Kisailus's material science. At UCR, that dream came true.'We often debate each other's ideas and it seems we never exhaust new ideas.'

Weaver is the one who brings animals with special characteristics, while Kisailus performs experiments.'James gives me knowledge of all these creatures. I observed how the abalone developed its crust. Perhaps we can apply the same technique to transform nanostructures into solar batteries to make them more efficient. '

Sea urchins synthesize flexible ceramics . and some sponges form fibers or impact-resistant rods.'We observe this mineralized bone system and apply lessons learned from research to apply to real-life mechanical engineering.'

Consider red abalone, the largest of California's sea slugs, with a large oval-shaped shell that native people of the sea used to make bowls. Inside is nacre, a kind of energy-absorbing material. According to Kisailus, perhaps the abalone can help scientists build a light weight armor that is strong enough to protect US soldiers from self-destructive explosive attacks in Iraq. .

When the red abalone grows, it creates the same shell as we build a new building, beams and columns. However, in the case of abalone, this foundation is made of organic material. It then fills the gaps between the foundations with the mineral composition, resulting in the formation of a multi-layered nano compound that is strong and durable.'This happens in a predetermined direction, all controlled by genes.'

Scientists are trying to simulate the above accuracy, using experimental cups and simple chemicals to make materials of custom shapes and sizes.If they succeed, Kisailus foresaw the future of the ability to store and convert energy more effectively - and finally, solutions to the global crisis. 'Imagine a solar battery that is less expensive, flexible and highly productive. I believe that many of the creatures we are working on hold solutions to these problems. '

The tanks are attracting more young scientists.'Collaboration and engineering experiences while I was a student researcher at Drexel University led me to this path and stimulated my imagination. Although I am a new lecturer and have two graduate students, I am recruiting more college students to work in my lab and learn how to link books to research. Currently I have 11 students who work regularly in the lab and will probably recruit more outstanding students. I hope to inspire them in the way that happened to me and make them interested in material science and biological simulations. '

Kisailus also wants to invite children from the region, from kindergarten to high school, to visit the lab and admire the beauty of marine life tanks. He hopes they will not stop learning.'Children are the future.'