© Hochschule Bremen - Jan-Henning Dirks
Arthropods comprise more than 80% of all extant animal species, with insects representing the most diverse and abundant subgroup. Their remarkable evolutionary success is closely linked to a wide spectrum of morphological, physiological, and ecological adaptations.
A central element of this success is the cuticular exoskeleton. As the second most common biological composite material on Earth—surpassed only by cellulose-based biomass—the insect cuticle combines structural robustness with extraordinary versatility. Its hierarchical organization and tunable mechanical properties make it an exceptional model system for understanding biological materials and for developing bio-inspired composite structures.
Despite decades of research, many of the fundamental biomechanical principles that determine the structure, function, and adaptive potential of arthropod cuticle remain unresolved. As a result, the full translational potential of this material class—particularly for the design of novel, sustainable, and high-performance biomimetic materials—remains largely untapped.
Our research spans a broad spectrum from basic biological principles to translational biomimetic applications. At the core of our current work is the study of insect and echinoderm skeletons as model systems for understanding how biological materials achieve functionality through hierarchical structure, adaptive mechanics, and controlled material heterogeneity. By integrating experimental biomechanics, high-resolution imaging, multiscale modelling, and materials science, we investigate how organisms build and maintain mechanically efficient structures—and how these principles can inspire novel engineered materials.
© HSB - Jan-Henning Dirks
© Hochschule Bremen - Jan-Henning Dirks
Insects represent the most evolutionarily successful group of multicellular organisms on Earth. A major factor contributing to this success is their cuticular exoskeleton—the most widespread skeletal system in the animal kingdom. This composite structure provides mechanical protection, enables locomotion, and supports a wide range of ecological and behavioural adaptations.
Despite its ubiquity and functional importance, our understanding of the biomechanical principles that govern arthropod exoskeletons remains limited. In comparison to other biological materials, even the basic mechanical characteristics, structure–function relationships, and developmental mechanisms of insect cuticle are still insufficiently understood.
Our group addresses these knowledge gaps through an integrative biomechanical and morphological research programme. We combine functional morphology, materials science, histology, advanced imaging, and mechanical testing to elucidate how insects build, maintain, and adapt their exoskeletons. By linking microstructural organisation to macroscopic performance, we aim to uncover the fundamental design principles that underlie the remarkable efficiency and versatility of this biological material.
© Hochschule Bremen - Jan-Henning Dirks
Although insect cuticle is a very common biological material, very little is known about several of its fundamental biological and biomechanical properties. For example, the capability of insect cuticle to heal and repair damage seems to have been underestimated for a long time.
A particulary interesting aspect of cuticle is the ability of several exoskeleton parts to precisely align the orientation of chitin fibres in alternating layers. The orientation of these layers is presumably controlled by the epidermal cells and affected by ambient light conditions.
In several of our research projects we are investigating the principles of cuticle growth, healing and the mechanisms determining the orientation of chitin fibres. These projects are funded by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft in collaboration with the Max-Planck-Institute Colloids & Interfaces Potsdam, the University of Dresden, the University of Tübingen and the University of Bremen.
© Hochschule Bremen - Jan-Henning Dirks
Often a biomechanical analysis of complex structures such as exoskeleton body parts requires a numerical approach.
Together with our collaborators from several other universities we are developing new tools and models to better undestand material properties and function-morphology-correlation of exoskeletal structures.
© HSB - Jan-Henning Dirks
Most classic engineering joints are based on friction-reducing principles. Several biological joints however are using a different approach. The skeletal structure of the starfish for example allows the organism to maintain a constant body position without the use of external energy. This is achieved by a fascinating combination of small "bone like" structures (ossicles) which are embedded in a unique collagenous matrix.
One of the main goals of the BMBF-funded BIAG project is the analysis, development and construction of such bio-inspired joint structures for various kinds of technical applications.
© Hochschule Bremen - Jan-Henning Dirks
A weak spot in many protective structures, such as ortheses and prothesis, are the connective elements. In addition, deflection and movement of the structures often lead to unwanted wrinkles and creases, which affect functionality and comfort.
In this BMBF-funded project we analyse exoskeletal joint structures found in arthropods and develop bio-inspired concepts to improve protective exoskeletal structures.
This project is a collaboration with Fraunhofer IPA (Stuttgart), the University of Stuttgart, Ortema GmbHand DOI GmbH.
Prof. Dr. Jan-Henning Dirks
Biological Structures and Biomimetics
+49 421 5905 6010
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Dr. Jendrian Riedel
Gerätezentrum für Multidisziplinäre Strukturanalyse
+49 421 5905 3479
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Jonas Unterholzner
PhD Student - Fatigue and repair mechanisms in insect exoskeletons
+49 421 5905 4150
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Christoph Bruns
PhD student - Biomechanics of micro-damage in insect exoskeletons
+49 421 5905 4150
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