Abstract

Living systems routinely perform sensing, actuation, control, and energy conversion with a level of robustness, adaptability, and efficiency that exceeds most engineered devices. While biology is traditionally described in biochemical and physiological terms, this contribution proposes a complementary perspective: cells, organelles, and organs can be rigorously interpreted as mechatronic systems in their own right, implemented with molecular rather than electromechanical components.

The presentation develops a systematic mapping between classical mechatronic system elements—sensors, actuators, control architectures, energy sources, and structural frameworks—and their biological counterparts. At the cellular level, the cell is interpreted as an autonomous microrobotic system with distributed sensing, feedback control, and actuation. Major organelles are analyzed as modular sub-mechatronic systems, including mitochondria as adaptive power units, the cytoskeleton as a load-bearing and actuation network, and membrane trafficking systems as logistics and quality-control subsystems.

A focused case study on magnetotactic bacteria illustrates biological mechatronics in its simplest form: magnetic sensing via magnetosomes, actuation via flagella, closed-loop navigation control, and energy conversion via electrochemical gradients. These organisms are shown to function as naturally occurring microrobots optimized by evolution for low-complexity, high-robustness navigation.

The mechatronic interpretation is extended to the organ scale, with examples such as the heart and kidney analyzed as hierarchical, multi-scale control systems with embedded sensing, actuation, and feedback. The contribution highlights how biological systems realize distributed control, redundancy, self-repair, and graceful degradation—features that remain challenging in engineered mechatronic systems.

By reframing biological organization through a mechatronic and systems-engineering lens, this work aims to bridge engineering and life sciences, offering new insights for bio-inspired robotics, bio-hybrid systems, and future mechatronic design paradigms. The approach also raises fundamental questions about whether mechatronics is merely an engineering discipline—or a universal organizational principle of functional living matter.

Biography

Professor des. Dr. Per Arvid Löthman obtained his Ph.D. degree from Twente University , The Netherlands in the field of Magnetics and Self-assembly, conducted research in Canada, France and Germany on carbon nanotubes, Graphen and related 2D nanomaterials. His research is interdisciplinary and involve sensors and sensing, 2D advanced materials, BioNanotechnology including DNA, S-layers, Viruses (archaea, bacteriophages), Biomolecular Architecture, Botany and functional surfaces, Mechatronics and BioMechatronics. Dr. Löthman has published over 90 scientifical articles, several book chapters & books and serves as a reviewer and he is on the editorial board for several journals such as Nature, Nature Materials, Journal of Bioanalytical and Analytical Chemistry, Journal of Colloid and Interface Science, Thin Solid Films, Sensors and Actuators, Microsystems Technologies. Dr. Löthman is Professor des. in BioMechatronics at the European University of Applied Science Hamburg, and researchgroup leader at University of Bayreuth in the field Organ-on-a-Chip and 3D Bioprinting. Furthermore, Dr. Per Arvid Löthman is Senior lecturer in “Nanomedicine, Nanopharmacy” and “Sensors and Sensing in Engineering, Biology and Medicine” (Kaiserslautern University) and Mechatronics Systems and Design (Hamburg University), Germany and Manufacturing Engineering (HTW Berlin) Germany.

Abstract

The aim of this work was to study the optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) properties of novel MgO co-doped with different lanthanides and lithium ions as well as to evaluate the feasibility of using the mentioned phosphors as OSL dosimeters. In this context, the OSL efficiency corresponding to different stimulation wavelengths and different filters was analyzed for all the samples. The properties of the most efficient material, namely,            MgO–La(OH)3, were further studied. Moreover, the repeatability and linearity of the OSL response, the fading of the OSL signal and the minimum detectable dose were investigated. Finally, feasibility of using these compounds in OSL dosimetry was assessed.

Biography

Victor R. Orante-Barrón, Ph.D. Associate Professor since february, 2010. Departamento de Investigación en Polímeros y Materiales. Universidad de Sonora. México. Education Ph.D., Materials Science, Universidad de Sonora. México. 2009. M.Sc., Polymers and Materials, Universidad de Sonora. México. 2005. B.Sc., Chemical Sciences, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, Campus Monterrey (ITESM). México. 1999. Research Fellowships Post-Doctoral Fellowship, in the Radiation Dosimetry Laboratory of Oklahoma State University. From 2009 to 2010. Supervisor: Dr. Eduardo G. Yukihara. Visiting Researcher, in the Department of Physics of University of South Africa (UNISA), from September 4 to December 6, 2015. Awards Member of the National System of Researchers (SNI, in Spanish) of the National Council of Science and Technology (CONACyT, in Spanish). Level 1, since January, 2011. Acknowledgement to Desirable Profile from Program for Professional Teacher Development (PRODEP, in Spanish) of the National Secretary of Public Education. Participation in Conferences 98 presentations of scientific contributions in national and international conferences. Publications 24 articles published in international journals. Organizing Committees Member of organizing committees for three international conferences. Teaching Professor of several courses for undergraduate and graduate students. Human Resources Training Advisor of three B.Sc. theses (two concluded, one in process), five M.Sc theses (four concluded, one in process), and one Ph.D. thesis (in process)

Abstract

A design of experiments (DoE) methodology was employed to optimize a sustainable soil amendment based on industrial and agro-industrial residues, including steel slag, dolomite, red grape pomace (RGP), wine lees, and cement kiln dust (CKD). The formulation aimed to enhance soil pH, carbon-to-nitrogen (C/N) ratio, and prebiotic activity. Statistical evaluation of individual and synergistic effects identified an optimal composition consisting of dolomite, steel slag, CKD, wine lees, and RGP.

The optimized material exhibited a near-neutral pH of 7.62 and low total concentrations of As, Cd, Pb, and Ni, despite the metal content of slag and CKD, with moderate levels of Cu and Zn. XRF analysis revealed carbon and oxygen as dominant elements, alongside Ca, Mg, K, Si, and Fe. The presence of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and anthocyanins derived from winery residues contributed to enhanced porosity and functional groups favorable for microbial activity and nutrient cycling. SEM and FTIR analyses confirmed the heterogeneous mineral–organic structure of the formulation, supporting its potential as a circular-economy-based and environmentally sustainable soil amendment.

Biography

Prof. habil. Dr. Eng. Buruiana Daniela Laura is a remarkable personality in the fields of industrial engineering and materials engineering. As director of the Interdisciplinary Research Center for Eco-Nanotechnologies and Innovative Materials (CC-ITI), she coordinates research projects that integrate advanced and sustainable technologies in the development of innovative materials. With extensive experience in coordinating research projects, she guides young researchers in exploring innovative solutions and implementing them on an industrial scale. In addition to her research, she is actively involved in publishing scientific papers, obtaining national/international patents, and participating in international conferences. She stays up-to-date with the latest discoveries in the field and contributes to the global scientific evolution.

Abstract

This study addresses the critical challenges of soil degradation and contamination, emphasizing their profound environmental and socio-economic impacts and the urgent need for sustainable remediation strategies. Soil degradation compromises ecosystem functionality and contributes to climate change, while soil contamination represents a significant threat to human health and biodiversity. Recent advances in materials-based mitigation approaches offer promising pathways to tackle these issues simultaneously.

In this context, the present work proposes innovative and sustainable solutions based on the valorization of industrial and residual materials. A dolomite–sewage sludge composite is investigated for soil degradation mitigation, demonstrating its ability to improve soil fertility, enhance nutrient availability, and support ecosystem restoration processes. Furthermore, a novel dolomite–stainless steel slag mixture is introduced for the effective adsorption of petroleum hydrocarbons, highlighting its potential for the remediation of contaminated soils.

The experimental results reveal notable improvements in soil quality parameters and a significant reduction in pollutant concentrations, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed materials. These findings underline the potential of such eco-friendly mixtures to advance sustainable soil management practices while contributing to circular economy principles. Overall, this study provides valuable insights for researchers, policymakers, and environmental practitioners seeking innovative, scalable, and sustainable solutions for soil protection and environmental resilience.

Biography

Viorica Ghisman is a Lecturer in the Department of Materials and Environmental Engineering at “Dunărea de Jos” University of Galați, Romania. She specializes in Materials Engineering, with research interests focused on the development of innovative and advanced materials aimed at improving material performance in the medical field, environmental applications, and asphalt mixtures.

Abstract

Bio-inspiration shows us that, whether it is stress-resistant structures, camouflage structures, etc., knowing how to effectively use 3D and 2D structures is of paramount importance in the living world. To generate by-design 2D-3D surface texture, a new process called ‘By Design Surface Modulation ('BDSM')’ was developped. The 3D-printing concept (FFF) is used to modulate the BDSM, by playing both with the 3D structure and the 2D surface texture. 

To position our concept, we rethought bio-inspired 3D CAD design (e.g., bones) and introduced an understanding of hyperelasticity through the kirigami technique. From there, we refocused the optimization to mimic the bones gradient porosities to effectively modulate the 2D texture, i.e. ‘infill texture-decoration’. As a perpespective, ‘ironing texture-decoration’ will be illustrated. 

Biography

Severine A.E. Boyer, CNRS Researcher, has completed her PhD from Blaise Pascal Clermont-Ferrand University (France), and Assistant-Professor studies from the Tokyo Metropolitan University (Japan), and respectively from Mines Paris PSL and IMT Mines Douai (France). She has published more than 50 papers. Her activities aim to conduct combinations of chemo-physics / poly-morpho-genesis / interfaces in hybrids materials to meet the challenges of new materials, new model-experiments and new numerical models. Alain Burr did his PhD at Paris VI University (France). He was Assistant-Professor at the University of California Santa Barbara (USA) before being CNRS Researcher at ESPCI Paris PSL and Mines Paris PSL (France). He has published more than 40 papers. His concern is about functional materials, such as polymer nanocomposites, the modulation of physicochemical properties of polymer, this in the process concept as nD printing. In addition, during 2013-2019, as a partner, he created and developed the startup Pigm'Azur (France), a company that manufactures hybrid pigments.

Abstract

Our research concerns the development of surface chemistry that reduces fouling of materials employed to fabricate various medical devices.  The interaction of substrates with the components of biological fluids has constituted a research problem over many years. In this regard, a variety of strategies have been used to attempt an enhancement of biocompatibility with some emphasis being centered on the control of surface free energy and imposition of a plethora of surface coatings. In our work, we have designed an ultra-thin surface modification monolayer that displays remarkable antifouling properties. We are working on surface modification of several polymers employed in circuitry used in bypass surgery and renal dialysis and in catheter technology. With regard to bacterial adhesion on materials used for catheter fabrication, we have worked primarily with samples containing relatively high concentrations of E.coli, pseudomonas, candida (fungus) and staphylococcus aureus both in static and dynamic experiments. The results of these experiments involving extensive fluorescence microscopy show a dramatic reduction in bacterial adhesion caused by the ultra-thin covalently-attached monolayer. In terms of thrombogenicity, it is known that micro-clots can form on polymers exposed to blood leading to medical consequences such as cognitive disability. Our research on the polymer (or steel) surface-blood interaction shows an over 90% reduction of thrombus formation is achieved.  Importantly, unlike many coatings, our surface-modified materials can be subjected to standard sterilization protocols without suffering damage. 

Biography

Professor Michael Thompson obtained his undergraduate degree from the University of Wales, UK and his PhD in analytical chemistry from McMaster University. Following a period as Science Research Council PDF at Swansea University, UK, he was appointed Lecturer in Instrumental Analysis at Loughborough University. He then moved to the University of Toronto where he is now Professor of Bioanalytical Chemistry. He has held a number of distinguished research posts including the Leverhulme Fellowship at the University of Durham and the Science Foundation Ireland E.T.S Walton Research Fellowship at the Tyndall National Institute, Cork City. He is recognized internationally for his pioneering work over many years in the area of research into new biosensor technologies and the surface chemistry of biochemical and biological entities. He has made major contributions to the label-free detection of immunochemical and nucleic acid interactions and surface behavior of cells using ultra high frequency acoustic wave physics. In recent years his group has concentrated on solutions to the ubiquitous fouling and biocompatibility problem of sensors and medical devices. This has included the direct operation of biosensors in biological fluids and avoidance of platelet aggregation on medical polymeric materials. Thompson has served on the Editorial Boards of a number of major international journals including Analytical Chemistry and The Analyst and is currently Editor-in-Chief of the monograph series “Detection Science” for the Royal Society of Chemistry, UK. He has been awarded many prestigious international prizes for his research including The Robert Boyle Gold Medal of the Royal Society of Chemistry, The Elsevier Prize in Biosensor and Bioelectronic Technology, the E.W.R. Steacie Award of the Chemical Society of Canada, and recently the 2023 Royal Society of Chemistry Horizons Prize in Analytical Science. He was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1999.

Abstract

Nanotechnology provides faster and more sensitive solutions for ensuring food quality and safety within complex supply chains. This paper outlines key nanomaterial families-noble metals, magnetic nanoparticles, metal oxides, carbon nanostructures, quantum dots, and functional polymers and their roles in plasmonic, electrochemical, chemiresistive, and fluorescence-based sensors. Applications include spoilage detection, adulteration monitoring, intelligent packaging, and real-time IoT-integrated systems. Challenges related to toxicity and environmental impact are discussed alongside safe-by-design strategies and scalable platforms for delivering safer foods and reducing waste.

Biography

Andrei Ivanov is a second-year PhD researcher in Materials Engineering at Dunărea de Jos University of Galați, Romania. He completed his bachelor's studies in Industrial Robotics and later earned a master's degree in Advanced Materials and Innovative Technologies. His work focuses on nanomaterials for food quality and safety, with emphasis on nano-enabled sensors and smart packaging.

Abstract

Modern ballistic protection requires materials capable of providing high impact resistance, flexibility, low weight, and superior energy absorption efficiency simultaneously. High-performance fibers such as para-aramids and ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE)—including Kevlar®, Twaron®, Dyneema®, and Spectra®—are widely used due to their excellent strength-to-weight ratio, toughness, and chemical stability. In ballistic applications, these fibers are integrated as woven fabrics or composite laminates, and their performance can be further enhanced through targeted modifications at the filament level, textile architecture, or composite structure. Among advanced optimization strategies, functional coatings play a critical role, as they increase inter-filament friction, stiffness, and penetration resistance while maintaining low mass. Shear-thickening fluids (STFs), ceramic and silica nanoparticles, graphene-based layers, carbon nanotubes, and hydrothermally grown ZnO nanostructures contribute to improving kinetic-energy dissipation, delaying crack propagation, and protecting the substrate from degradation. An integrated analysis of these surface treatments highlights their influence on energy-absorption mechanisms, structural stability, and impact behavior in ballistic materials. Current development directions emphasize the need for the simultaneous optimization of mechanical efficiency, durability, and multifunctionality to achieve lightweight, flexible protection systems capable of meeting the increasingly demanding requirements of modern military and civilian applications.

Biography

Georgiana Ghisman (Alexe) is a second-year PhD researcher in Materials Engineering at Dunărea de Jos University of Galați, Romania. She holds degrees in Materials Science, and Finance and Banking, as well as a master’s degree in Advanced Materials and Innovative Technologies. Her doctoral research focuses on the advanced materials for ballistic protection, with particular emphasis on coatings, high-performance fibers, and micro/nanostructured surface treatments.

Abstract

There are more than 50 different metals. However, in ordinary use in households and industrial buildings, there are basically five types: steel, cast iron, copper, aluminum, and zinc. Each has unique properties, strengths, color, and reactions to fire, temperature, and the fire environment. This talk will discuss how specific conclusions can be drawn from these properties and how they can help you determine the cause and origin of a fire.

Biography

B.S. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Illinois Institute of Technology and M.S Material Science and Mechanical Engineering, University of Notre Dame. Over 30 years’ experience in Accident Reconstruction, Code & Standard Compliance Issues, Material Failure Analysis & Metallurgical Testing, Fire Cause and Origin (Commercial and, Residential), Utility Investigations (Gas, Electric and Steam), Gas Turbines and Underwater Structural Inspection Management. Mr. O’Shea founded Applied Materials Technologies, Inc. in 2001. His project management experience includes inspections on hundreds of QA/QC inspections and forensic investigations. He has authored numerous presentations related to failure analysis and engineering investigations and is active in many Technical Societies. Like Dr. Johnson, Mr. O’Shea believes proactive actions prior to incidents are critical in avoiding potential catastrophic events.

Abstract

This presentation explores unconventional approaches—mechanochemistry, sonochemistry, and mechanical alloying—for the synthesis of metallic, ionic, and molecular (organic) materials. Recent advances in mechanochemistry are reviewed, with particular emphasis on proposed reaction mechanisms and the use of solid-state NMR( SS MAS NMR) to monitor solid-state transformations, illustrated by the authors’ experimental results. Examples of novel materials synthesis include metal–organic frameworks (MOFs), copper hypophosphate, complex metal hydrides, 3D heterostructures, and high-entropy transition-metal dichalcogenides. The role of mechanical processing in supporting Circular Economy objectives is also discussed, along with opportunities for scaling laboratory methods toward industrial and commercial applications.

Biography

Dr. Viktor Balema is an expert in novel electronic and energy materials, as well as non-conventional materials preparation techniques. He earned his BS/MS degrees from L'viv State University, Ukraine, and PhD from the A. Nesmeyanov Institute of the Academy of Sciences in Moscow. Subsequently, he conducted research at the universities of Karlsruhe and Leipzig, Germany as Visiting Scientist, then joined Ames Laboratory of the US Department of Energy. Over two decades, Dr. Balema directed the Hard Materials Segment and Materials Science R&D at Sigma-Aldrich Co. and held Senior Scientist and CTO positions at Ames Laboratory and in the chemical industry. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at Clemson University, SC, USA. Dr. Balema has authored over 100 papers and patents, delivered numerous invited talks, and served as a reviewer for the US DOE, NSF, US CRDF, ACS PRF, and numerous peer-reviewed journals. His research has also been featured in popular scientific magazines, including New Scientist and Scientific American.