Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：The Company of Biologists  

ABSTRACT

Clarifying the mechanisms underlying shape alterations during insect metamorphosis is important for understanding exoskeletal morphogenesis. The large horn of the Japanese rhinoceros beetle Trypoxylus dichotomus is the result of drastic metamorphosis, wherein it appears as a rounded shape during pupation and then undergoes remodeling into an angular adult shape. However, the mechanical mechanisms underlying this remodeling process remain unknown. In this study, we investigated the remodeling mechanisms of the Japanese rhinoceros beetle horn by developing a physical simulation. We identified three factors contributing to remodeling by biological experiments – ventral adhesion, uneven shrinkage, and volume reduction – which were demonstrated to be crucial for transformation using a physical simulation. Furthermore, we corroborated our findings by applying the simulation to the mandibular remodeling of stag beetles. These results indicated that physical simulation applies to pupal remodeling in other beetles, and the morphogenic mechanism could explain various exoskeletal shapes.

DOI： 10.1242/dev.202082

Authorship：Corresponding author   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Informa UK Limited  

DOI： 10.1080/0025570x.2023.2266352

Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：The Royal Society  

Abstract

From the elegant petals of flowers to advanced aerospace designs, curved surfaces are fundamental to both natural and engineered systems, playing critical roles in structural and functional performance. In biology, these surfaces frequently arise from differential growth processes, where spatially varying growth rates orchestrate the transformation of flat tissues into intricate three-dimensional forms, exemplified by leaf curling or organ development. Engineering such surfaces, however, remains challenging, as current methods are energy-intensive, material-heavy, and lack the efficiency and adaptability seen in natural systems. Here, we demonstrate an artificial morphogenesis methodology that fabricates curved surfaces from planar materials by programming area change rates calculated through conformal mapping. Using heat-shrink film, we three-dimensionally-printed precisely patterned non-shrinking elements to implement calculated area change rate distributions, ensuring precision and reproducibility. This method enables the design and production of diverse target shapes using adaptable materials that maintain their shape even in dry environments. Compared with conventional techniques, this approach reduces material waste, eliminates the need for moulds and offers high adaptability. This bioinspired framework bridges biological principles with modern fabrication techniques, advancing curved surface design. Potential applications include adaptive medical implants for minimally invasive surgeries, lightweight aerospace structures and soft robotic skins with real-time adaptability.

DOI： 10.1098/rsif.2025.1094

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Biology Centre, AS CR  

DOI： 10.14411/eje.2025.005

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Zoological Society of Japan  

DOI： 10.2108/zs230039

Event date： 2025.12

Event date： 2024.11

Language：English   Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Event date： 2024.9

Language：English   Presentation type：Oral presentation (general)  

Event date： 2023.12

Event date： 2022.11 - 2022.12

Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Authorship：Lead author,　Corresponding author  

DOI： 10.2142/biophys.66.145

Authorship：Lead author   Publisher：Walter de Gruyter GmbH  

DOI： 10.1515/dx-2023-0011

Other Link： https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/dx-2023-0011/pdf

Language：Japanese   Publishing type：Article, review, commentary, editorial, etc. (other)  

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