biostudies-literatureUnknown11(37)Mao JAcoustic transducers require films that demonstrate both toughness and fatigue resistance, presenting notable challenges when achieved through conventional nanoscale reinforcing strategies. Here, we found that the rib structure of a cicada's tymbal exhibits exceptional toughness and fatigue resistance, attributed to its unique architecture composed of alternating soft and stiff polymer layers. Inspired by this rib structure, we developed a robust artificial rib film (ARF) using a nanoconfined crystallization strategy that involves the deposition of soft polyethylene oxide and stiff phenol formaldehyde. The ARF demonstrates a toughness amplification factor twice that of the cicada's tymbal rib and exhibits an exceptionally long fatigue life. The nanoconfined crystallization restricts molecuScience advanceseadx9248https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC12422198biostudies-literatureCicada rib-inspired tough films through nanoconfined crystallization for use in acoustic transducers.PMC12422198Yan JCheng QWang ZKe TPeng JLi MMao JfalseCicada rib-inspired tough films through nanoconfined crystallization for use in acoustic transducers.Acoustic transducers require films that demonstrate both toughness and fatigue resistance, presenting notable challenges when achieved through conventional nanoscale reinforcing strategies. Here, we found that the rib structure of a cicada's tymbal exhibits exceptional toughness and fatigue resistance, attributed to its unique architecture composed of alternating soft and stiff polymer layers. Inspired by this rib structure, we developed a robust artificial rib film (ARF) using a nanoconfined crystallization strategy that involves the deposition of soft polyethylene oxide and stiff phenol formaldehyde. The ARF demonstrates a toughness amplification factor twice that of the cicada's tymbal rib and exhibits an exceptionally long fatigue life. The nanoconfined crystallization restricts molecu2025-01-01T00:00:00Z2025 Sep2026-06-03T05:42:56.175Z2026-04-25T03:17:25.334ZS-EPMC124221984092926510.1126/sciadv.adx9248