One of nature’s most unwelcome creatures might hold the key to advancing disaster response technology. A multidisciplinary research team at Purdue University is studying mosquito antennae to better understand their sensitivity to vibrations. If successful, this work could lead to improvements in monitoring and detecting natural disasters such as earthquakes and tsunamis.
This CT scan is a close-up of the structural features of a male mosquito's antennae. Image Credit: Purdue University /Phani Saketh Dasika
Led by Purdue professors Pablo Zavattieri and Ximena Bernal, the team’s findings have been published in Acta Biomaterialia.
We are still in the early stages but we are pretty optimistic that we will at least learn a great deal. Taking inspiration from nature and using it to advance scientific research has been a core feature of engineering since the very beginning.
Pablo Zavattieri, Jerry M. and Lynda T. Engelhardt Professor, Civil Engineering, College of Engineering, Purdue University
Though mosquitoes lack traditional ears, their antennae allow them to navigate their surroundings by detecting specific sounds, even amidst the noise of their own wingbeats.
By analyzing the structure of mosquito antennae—specifically the arrangement and morphology of sensory hairs—civil and construction engineering Ph.D. candidate Phani Saketh Dasika (MSCE ’23) said the team has already uncovered significant information about how these adaptations enhance auditory sensitivity and selective response to environmental cues.
Using advanced micro-CT imaging to create high-fidelity CAD models for finite element analysis, we found that the architectural features of mosquito antennae enable species- and sex-specific acoustic target detection, even amid nontarget signals like their own wingbeats. Our findings also suggest that mosquito antennae are capable of detecting a broader range of frequencies than previously thought, though not all of these may be actively utilized.
Phani Saketh Dasika, Lyles School of Civil and Construction Engineering, Purdue University
The team’s findings could help determine whether mosquito-inspired designs could enhance the performance of acoustic sensors.
By modeling and contrasting the response of the antenna of species of mosquito using sound for different purposes, hearing mates or eavesdropping on frogs, we were able to tease apart features modulating hearing sensitivity and tuning. Understanding how these structures work is the first step toward developing acoustic sensors inspired by their sensitive antennae.
Ximena Bernal, Professor, Biological Sciences, College of Science, Purdue University
Beyond disaster response, insights from mosquito antennae could also contribute to advancements in smart noise-canceling materials, Zavattieri said. These materials, potentially incorporating microfluidic channels or tunable metamaterials, could be used in soundproofing panels, noise-canceling headphones, or even acoustic cloaking devices.
Zavattieri added, “Imagine urban environments equipped with bio-inspired sensors, akin to ‘big ears,’ capable of discerning specific sounds amid the hustle and bustle of city life. In times of crisis such as earthquakes or other disasters these sensors become invaluable, swiftly detecting faint signals of distress and guiding rescue efforts to those in need.”
Currently, the team is focused on recreating mosquito antennae using 3D printing, testing different materials and scales to explore their frequency response.
Journal Reference:
Trikanad, A. A., et al. (2024) Mechanistic Insights into Mosquito Antennal Architecture for Auditory Adaptations. Acta Biomaterialia. doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2024.12.031.