2020 Fiscal Year Research-status Report
Understanding the Mechanism of Flower Petal Transparency Change and Their Applications for Biomimetics
| Project/Area Number |
19K05620
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| Research Institution | Chitose Institute of Science and Technology |
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Principal Investigator |
Karthaus Olaf 公立千歳科学技術大学, 理工学部, 教授 (80261353)
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| Co-Investigator(Kenkyū-buntansha) |
谷尾 宣久 公立千歳科学技術大学, 理工学部, 教授 (50217121)
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| Project Period (FY) |
2019-04-01 – 2022-03-31
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| Keywords | transparency / refractive index / porous films / biomimetics |
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| Outline of Annual Research Achievements |
The PI could image flower petals of D. grayii, P. serrulata, and Leucanthemum by 3D fluorescence microscopy. In cooperation with Optoline Inc, Japan, the PI could show the incorporation of fluorescent dye into intercellular spaces. The PI could prepare porous polymer films of fluorinated polymers with 10 um thickness that scatter light. When immersed in water, they turn transparent. The Co-I has measured the refractive index change of these films. The CR has grown D. grayii in a climate chamber at his Institute.
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| Current Status of Research Progress |
Current Status of Research Progress
4: Progress in research has been delayed.
Reason
Last year we have faced a lack of research capabilities because of the global Covid-19 outbreak. A planned meeting with the CR has been postponed indefinitely. Also in the last year of the research term SEM imaging and other experiments using flower petals cannot be done, because the flowering season overlaps with lockdown measures at the university and other research facilities, including those at Optoline Inc.
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| Strategy for Future Research Activity |
The Co-I will continue to measure refractive index. PI is in online contact with the CR and we will continue to design and carry out new experiments, as good as the situation allows.
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| Causes of Carryover |
International and domestic travel was severly restricted due to Covid-19. The amount will be used to purchase research equipment and expendables, such as chemicals and so on.
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