Analysing structural responses of monocots to mechanical load using high resolution MRI

• Applicants: Professorin Dr. Linnea Hesse; Dr. Jochen Leupold
• Subject Area: Plant Biochemistry and Biophysics ; Biomaterials
• Term: since 2021
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 464609293

Fiber-reinforced composites (FRCs) are of increasing importance in various fields of application. However, they require improvements to ensure their cost-efficient fabrication, assembly and durability. Particularly the load-adapted design of nodal elements, component interconnections and assembly needs to be optimized along with novel, more flexible fabrication concepts. Using a biomimetic approach can contribute to the development of novel fabrication and design concepts for bio-inspired technical FRCs. Monocots naturally exhibit a pronounced inner fiber-reinforced bauplan making them an ideal source of inspiration. We aim to identify (1) how mechanically relevant tissues are organized within and allocated across monocot nodes as crucial interconnecting element between stems, branches and lateral organs, (2) if the tissues are arranged in a load-adapted manner, (3) how the structures are developed and mechanically adapted over time and (4) if mechanical load as external stressor is perceived and communicated (long distance) via the sap flow. For this purpose, novel methodological approaches on the basis of magnetic resonance imaging will be developed. The results will add methodologies to plant sciences in general and plant biomechanics in particular and provide a basis for future collaborative transdisciplinary research. In addition, a deepened understanding of the vascular architecture of monocotyledons, a plant group which is still understudied, will be obtained. We aim to transfer the gained knowledge from this proposal into novel bio-inspired design and fabrication concepts for biomimetic FRCs.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants