• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.6
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• pp.635-642
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• 2019

Objective : The aim of this study was to investigate the biomechanical differences between human dura mater and dura mater substitutes to optimize biomimetic materials. Methods : Four groups were investigated. Group I used cranial dura mater (n=10), group II used $Gore-Tex^{(R)}$ Expanded Cardiovascular Patch (W.L. Gore & Associates Inc., Flagstaff, AZ, USA) (n=6), group III used $Durepair^{(R)}$ (Medtronic Inc., Goleta, CA, USA) (n=6), and group IV used $Tutopatch^{(R)}$ (Tutogen Medical GmbH, Neunkirchen am Brand, Germany) (n=6). We used an axial compression machine to measure maximum tensile strength. Results : The mean tensile strengths were $7.01{\pm}0.77MPa$ for group I, $22.03{\pm}0.60MPa$ for group II, $19.59{\pm}0.65MPa$ for group III, and $3.51{\pm}0.63MPa$ for group IV. The materials in groups II and III were stronger than those in group I. However, the materials in group IV were weaker than those in group I. Conclusion : An important dura mater graft property is biomechanical similarity to cranial human dura mater. This biomechanical study contributed to the future development of artificial dura mater substitutes with biomechanical properties similar to those of human dura mater.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.30 no.3
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• pp.268-275
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• 2023

The demand for energy is steadily rising because of rapid population growth and improvements in living standards. Consequently, extensive research is being conducted worldwide to enhance the energy supply. Transpiration power generation technology utilizes the vast availability of water, which encompasses more than 70% of the Earth's surface, offering the unique advantage of minimal temporal and spatial constraints over other forms of power generation. Various principles are involved in water-based energy harvesting. In this study, we focused on explaining the generation of energy through the streaming potential within the generator component. The generator was fabricated using sugar cubes, PDMS, carbon black, CTAB, and DI water. In addition, a straightforward and rapid manufacturing method for the generator was proposed. The PDMS generator developed in this study exhibits high performance with a voltage of 29.6 mV and a current of 8.29 µA and can generate power for over 40h. This study contributes to the future development of generators that can achieve high performance and long-term power generation.

• Proceedings of the Korean Society for Agricultural Machinery Conference
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• 2017.04a
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• pp.108-108
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• 2017

In this study, biocomposite filaments with agricultural by-products can be used in extrusion-based 3D (Three-dimensional) printing. Extrusion-based 3D printing stands as a promising technique owing to its versatility. We hypothesized that bio-filament composite consisted of something derived from agricultural by-products could be used as 3D printing materials that could overcome the drawbacks of PCL (poly-caprolactone). Bio-filament mixed with PCL and agricultural by-products was defined as r-PCL in this study. In order to find it out the optimal mixing ratio of filaments, we had investigated PCL, r-PCL 10%, r-PCL 20%, r-PCL 50% separately. The morphological and chemical characteristics of the filaments were analyzed by FE-SEM (Field emission scanning electron microscope) and EDX (Energy-dispersive X-Ray spectroscopy), and the mechanical properties were evaluated by stress-strain curve, water contact angle, and cytotoxicity analysis. Results of this study have been shown as a promising way to produce eco-friendly bio-filaments composite for FDM (Fused deposition modeling) method based 3D printing technology. Thus, we could establish biomimetic scaffolds based on bio-printer filaments mixed with agricultural by-product.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.15 no.6
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• pp.1601-1623
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• 2015

Electroactive polymers have attracted considerable attention in recent years due to their sensing and actuating properties which make them a material of choice for a wide range of applications including sensors, biomimetic robots, and biomedical micro devices. This paper presents an effective modeling strategy for nonlinear large deformation (small strains and moderate rotations) dynamic analysis of polymer actuators. Considering that the complicated electro-chemo-mechanical dynamics of these actuators is a drawback for their application in functional devices, establishing a mathematical model which can effectively predict the actuator's dynamic behavior can be of paramount importance. To effectively predict the actuator's dynamic behavior, a comprehensive mathematical model is proposed correlating the input voltage and the output bending displacement of polymer actuators. The proposed model, which is based on the rigid finite element (RFE) method, consists of two parts, namely electrical and mechanical models. The former is comprised of a ladder network of discrete resistive-capacitive components similar to the network used to model transmission lines, while the latter describes the actuator as a system of rigid links connected by spring-damping elements (sdes). Both electrical and mechanical components are validated through experimental results.

• Composites Research
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• v.28 no.2
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• pp.52-57
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• 2015

Soft morphing robotics making use of smart material and based on biomimetic principles are capable of continuous locomotion in harmony with its environment. Since these robots do not use traditional mechanical components, they can be built to be light weight and capable of a diverse range of locomotion. This paper illustrates a flexible smart phone robot made of smart soft composite (SSC) with inchworm-like locomotion capable of two-way linear motion. Since rigid components are embedded within the robot, bending actuators with embedded rigid segments were investigated in order to obtain the maximum bending curvature. To verify the results, a simple mechanical model of this actuator was built and compared with experimental data. After that, the flexible robot was implemented as part of a smart phone robot where the rigid components of the phone were embedded within the matrix. Then, experiments were conducted to test the smart phone robot actuation force under different deflections to verify its load carrying capability. After that, the communication between the smart phone and robot controller was implemented and a corresponding phone application was developed. The locomotion of the smart phone robot actuated through an independent controller was also tested.

• Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences
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• v.19 no.1
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• pp.7.1-7.6
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• 2016

In nature, marine mussels (Mytilus edulis) suffer less fouling colonization on the newly formed sides of their shells. Using settlement assays with algal spores of Porphyra suborbiculata, we determined that spore attachment and germination on the periostracum decreased to 36.8 and 3.3 %, respectively. Additionally, the spore settlement was considerably diminished by periostracum dichloromethane extracts containing 19 % oleamide, a major antifouling compound. A scanning electron micrograph of the surface revealed a regular ripple structure with approximately $1.4{\mu}m$ between ripples. Based on these results, mussel periostraca or their associated biomimetic materials may become environmentally friendly, antifouling agents for preventing the settlement of soft foulants.

• Journal of the Korean Society for Precision Engineering
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• v.27 no.9
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• pp.52-57
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• 2010

The analysis of a crack in a bone-like material is performed numerically. The bone-like material is hierarchically structured and each hierarchy is structured by mineral platelets and protein matrix through staggered arrangement. Mechanical behavior of the composite can be analyzed using tension shear chain model. The Dugdale model is adopted to evaluate the fracture energy of Bone-like material. The fracture energy dissipation is assumed to concentrate within a strip near the crack tip along the prospective crack path. Fracture criterion of the bone-like material is estimated by using J integral. Effects of hierarchical level, ratio of elastic modulus of mineral to protein, aspect ratio of mineral platelet and volume fraction on J integral are investigated. It is found that the J integral decreases as elastic modulus ratio and hierarchy level increase. It is also shown that the J integral increases as the volume fraction and aspect ratio decrease.

• Smart Structures and Systems
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• v.7 no.3
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• pp.213-222
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• 2011

The native extracellular matrix (ECM) consists of an integrated fibrous protein network and proteoglycan-based ground (hydrogel) substance. We designed a novel electrospinning technique to engineer a three dimensional fiber-hydrogel composite that mimics the native ECM structure, is injectable, and has practical macroscale dimensions for clinically relevant tissue defects. In a model system of articular cartilage tissue engineering, the fiber-hydrogel composites enhanced the biological response of adult stem cells, with dynamic mechanical stimulation resulting in near native levels of extracellular matrix. This technology platform was expanded through structural and biochemical modification of the fibers including hydrophilic fibers containing chondroitin sulfate, a significant component of endogenous tissues, and hydrophobic fibers containing ECM microparticles.

• Transactions of the Korean hydrogen and new energy society
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• v.27 no.5
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• pp.540-546
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• 2016

Besides high-efficient photovoltaics based on silicon, polymers, dye-sensitization and hybrid perovskite materials, biomimetic solar cells inspired by a leaf in nature has also been actively studied. As one example, a hydrogel based photovoltaics (HGPV) is a low-cost, environmentally friendly device and requires easy fabrication process. In this paper, the effect of hydroquinone additive on the performance of the HGPV is discussed. The photocurrent increases ~14 times upon the addition of hydroquinone into the agarose hydrogel medium. The photocurrent increase is maximum at the optimum dye concentration, while the photovoltage is barely affected by the dye concentration. The effect of the agarose content in the hydrogel and the types of dyes on the photocurrent is also investigated. Finally, it is shown that the photovoltaic performance of HGPV with hydroquinone can be drastically improved when $TiO_2$ film is deposited on the anode electrode.

• Maxillofacial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
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• v.33 no.4
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• pp.301-307
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• 2011

Purpose: If the tooth structure is damaged, then it is impossible to regenerate the tooth. The materials used to restore the tooth structure are not related to the composition of the tooth. The materials used to restore the structure can't replace the natural tooth because they just fill the defective structure. Calcium phosphate cement remineralizes the dentin and almost replaces the natural tooth, but there are some disadvantages. We conducted basic tests with Biomimetic CPC (Bio-CPC) to make sure of the possibility of the biomaterial to remineralize the defective tooth structure. Methods: In this study, the bioactivity and biocompatibility of Bio-CPC were evaluated for its potential value as the bio-material for regeneration of damaged tooth structure by conducting a cell toxicity assay (WST-1 assay), a cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay, a chromosomal aberration test, total RNA extraction and RT-PCR on MDPC-23 mouse odontoblast-like cells. Results: The in vitro cytotoxicity test showed that the Bio-CPC was fairly cytocompatible for the MDPC-23 mouse odontoblast-like cells. Conclusion: Bio-CPC has a possibility to be a new biomaterial and further study of Bio-CPC is needed.