A Biodegradable, Porous Flier Inspired by a Parachute-Like Tragopogon Fruit for Environmental Preservation.

ABSTRACT: New devices inspired by flying seeds, or more technically by fruits with dispersal units, could have a significant impact for environmental monitoring and aerial seeding. Among the various types of dispersal units (e.g., winged, gliding), parachuted or plumed units offer the lowest vertical descent speed (i.e., 0.3-0.7 m s^-1), making them an appealing solution for wind-driven distribution over large areas. Here, a biodegradable and porous parachute flier based on cellulose acetate, inspired by a Tragopogon pratensis fruit is presented. A micrometric-thick pappus is 3D printed and integrated with a porous colorimetric indicator or a porous beak, with micrometric pores, fabricated through injection molding and leaching techniques. Thanks to the bioinspired design and the lightweig

SUBMITTER: Mariani S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11753481 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature