Honeycomb Biosilica in Sponges: From Understanding Principles of Unique Hierarchical Organization to Assessing Biomimetic Potential

Structural bioinspiration in modern material science and biomimetics represents an actual trend that was originally based on the bioarchitectural diversity of invertebrate skeletons, specifically, honeycomb constructs of natural origin, which have been in humanities focus since ancient times. We conducted a study on the principles of bioarchitecture regarding the unique biosilica-based honeycomb-like skeleton of the deep-sea glass sponge Aphrocallistes beatrix. Experimental data show, with compelling evidence, the location of actin filaments within honeycomb-formed hierarchical siliceous walls. Principles of the unique hierarchical organization of such formations are discussed. Inspired by poriferan honeycomb biosilica, we designed diverse models, including 3D printing, using PLA-, resin-, and synthetic-glass-prepared corresponding microtomography-based 3D reconstruction.

Automated summary

Structural bioinspiration is a current trend in modern material science and biomimetics, which is based on the diversity of invertebrate skeletons, particularly the honeycomb structures. In this study, we investigated the unique bioarchitecture principles of the biosilica-based honeycomb-like skeleton of the deep-sea glass sponge Aphrocallistes beatrix. Experimental data provided convincing evidence of the location of actin filaments within the hierarchical siliceous walls of the honeycomb structure. Inspired by the poriferan honeycomb biosilica, we designed various models using 3D printing and microtomography-based 3D reconstruction with PLA, resin, and synthetic glass materials.