# Structure and mechanics of glass sea sponges ## expand\_more #### Structure and mechanics of glass sea sponges Hexactinellid sponges are known for their ability to synthesize unusually long and highly flexible fibrous spicules, which serve as the building blocks of their skeletal systems. These spicules consist of a central core of monolithic hydrated silica, surrounded by alternating layers of hydrated silica and organic material. Following loading, fracture of this laminated structure involves cracking of the constituent silica and crack deflection through the intervening thin organic layers, leading to a distinctive stair step-like fracture pattern (upper image). Crack deflection mitigates the high stress concentration that would otherwise be present at the crack tip, resulting in high spicule strength and toughness. This design strategy thus prevents the structure from failing catastrophically as one would expect for a non-laminated glass rod. Architectural designs based on the lessons learned from these studies could ultimately result in the development of more cost effective and energy efficient buildings. In addition to the remarkable mechanical properties of their individual spicules, hexactinellid sponges are also known for their ability to form remarkably complex hierarchically-ordered skeletal systems. Using information gained from the study of these structures, we are developing new design strategies for the synthesis of robust lightweight scaffolds for load bearing applications (lower image). Using a combination of direct mechanical testing and simulation-based strategies, they are beginning to identify specific design elements that contribute to the robustness of these unique structural materials. ## Publications Download 6 citations download- [BibTeX](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106111&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=111646&&&format=bibtex) - [EndNote X3 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106111&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=111646&&&format=endnote8) - [EndNote 7 XML](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106111&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=111646&&&format=endnote7) - [Endnote tagged](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106111&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=111646&&&format=tagged) - [Marc](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106111&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=111646&&&format=marc) - [PubMedId](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106111&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=111646&&&format=pubmed_id) - [RIS](/bibcite/export?pager_style=standard_pager&number_of_items=15&sort_field=bibcite_year--desc&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_researchtopics12%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=106111&taxonomy_filters%5Bfield_hwp_c_project%5D%5B0%5D%5Btarget_id%5D=111646&&&format=ris) ### 2010 Weaver JC, Milliron GW, Allen P, Miserez A, Rawal A, Garay J, Thurner PJ, Seto J, Mayzel B, Friesen LJ, et al. [Unifying Design Strategies in Demosponge and Hexactinellid Skeletal Systems](/publications/unifying-design-strategies-demosponge-and-hexactinellid-skeletal-systems). J. Adhesion. 2010;86:72–95. Weaver JC, Milliron GW, Allen P, Miserez A, Rawal A, Garay J, Thurner PJ, Seto J, Mayzel B, Friesen LJ, et al. [Unifying Design Strategies in Demosponge and Hexactinellid Skeletal Systems](/publications/unifying-design-strategies-demosponge-and-hexactinellid-skeletal-systems). J. Adhesion. 2010;86:72–95. - [ picture\_as\_pdfJAdhesion\_2010\_James.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/JAdhesion_2010_James_0.pdf) - [ picture\_as\_pdfJAdhesion\_2010\_James.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/JAdhesion_2010_James_0.pdf) ### 2008 Miserez A, Weaver JC, Thurner PJ, Aizenberg J, Dauphin Y, Fratzl P, Morse DE, Zok FW. [Effects of Laminate Architecture on Fracture Resistance of Sponge Biosilica: Lessons from Nature](/publications/effects-laminate-architecture-fracture-resistance-sponge-biosilica-lessons-nature). Adv. Funct. Mater. 2008;18:1–8. Miserez A, Weaver JC, Thurner PJ, Aizenberg J, Dauphin Y, Fratzl P, Morse DE, Zok FW. [Effects of Laminate Architecture on Fracture Resistance of Sponge Biosilica: Lessons from Nature](/publications/effects-laminate-architecture-fracture-resistance-sponge-biosilica-lessons-nature). Adv. Funct. Mater. 2008;18:1–8. - [ picture\_as\_pdf2008\_AdvFunctMat.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2008_AdvFunctMat_0.pdf) - [ picture\_as\_pdf2008\_AdvFunctMat.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2008_AdvFunctMat_0.pdf) ### 2007 Weaver JC, Aizenberg J, Fantner GE, Kisailus D, Woesz A, Allen P, Fields K, Porter MJ, Zok FW, Hansma PK, et al. [Hierarchical Assembly of the Siliceous Skeletal Lattice of the Hexactinellid Sponge Euplectella aspergillum](/publications/hierarchical-assembly-siliceous-skeletal-lattice-hexactinellid-sponge-euplectella). J. Struct. Biol. 2007;158:93–106. Weaver JC, Aizenberg J, Fantner GE, Kisailus D, Woesz A, Allen P, Fields K, Porter MJ, Zok FW, Hansma PK, et al. [Hierarchical Assembly of the Siliceous Skeletal Lattice of the Hexactinellid Sponge Euplectella aspergillum](/publications/hierarchical-assembly-siliceous-skeletal-lattice-hexactinellid-sponge-euplectella). J. Struct. Biol. 2007;158:93–106. - [ picture\_as\_pdf2007\_JSB.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2007_JSB_0.pdf) - [ picture\_as\_pdf2007\_JSB.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2007_JSB_0.pdf) ### 2006 Woesz A, Weaver JC, Kazanci M, Dauphin Y, Morse DE, Aizenberg J, Fratzl P. [Micromechanical Properties of Biological Silica in Skeletons of Deep-Sea Sponges](/publications/micromechanical-properties-biological-silica-skeletons-deep-sea-sponges). J. Mater. Res. 2006;21:2068–2078. Woesz A, Weaver JC, Kazanci M, Dauphin Y, Morse DE, Aizenberg J, Fratzl P. [Micromechanical Properties of Biological Silica in Skeletons of Deep-Sea Sponges](/publications/micromechanical-properties-biological-silica-skeletons-deep-sea-sponges). J. Mater. Res. 2006;21:2068–2078. - [ picture\_as\_pdf2006\_JMR.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2006_JMR_0.pdf) - [ picture\_as\_pdf2006\_JMR.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2006_JMR_0.pdf) ### 2005 Aizenberg J, Weaver JC, Thanawala MS, Sundar VC, Morse DE, Fratzl P. [Skeleton of Euplectella sp.: Structural Hierarchy from the Nanoscale to the Macroscale](/publications/skeleton-euplectella-sp-structural-hierarchy-nanoscale-macroscale). Science. 2005;309:275–278. Aizenberg J, Weaver JC, Thanawala MS, Sundar VC, Morse DE, Fratzl P. [Skeleton of Euplectella sp.: Structural Hierarchy from the Nanoscale to the Macroscale](/publications/skeleton-euplectella-sp-structural-hierarchy-nanoscale-macroscale). Science. 2005;309:275–278. - [ picture\_as\_pdf2005\_Science.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2005_Science_0.pdf) - [ picture\_as\_pdf2005\_Science.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2005_Science_0.pdf) ### 2004 Aizenberg J, Sundar VC, Yablon AD, Weaver JC, Chen G. [Biological Glass Fibers: Correlation between Optical and Structural Properties](/publications/biological-glass-fibers%C2%A0-correlation-between-optical-and-structural-properties). Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA. 2004;101:3358–3363. Aizenberg J, Sundar VC, Yablon AD, Weaver JC, Chen G. [Biological Glass Fibers: Correlation between Optical and Structural Properties](/publications/biological-glass-fibers%C2%A0-correlation-between-optical-and-structural-properties). Proc. Nat. Acad. Sci. USA. 2004;101:3358–3363. - [ picture\_as\_pdf2004\_PNAS.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2004_PNAS_0.pdf) - [ picture\_as\_pdf2004\_PNAS.pdf](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/2004_PNAS_0.pdf) ## Media Gallery [### sponge2\_02.jpg ](/resource/sponge202jpg) ![Biological engineering principles 2](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/aizenberg/files/sponge2_02.jpg?itok=gaveq0Te) [### sponge1\_01.jpg ](/resource/sponge101jpg) ![Biological engineering principles 1](/sites/g/files/omnuum6296/files/styles/hwp_16_9__480x270/public/aizenberg/files/sponge1_01.jpg?itok=jgOpE_p6) ## Media Coverage [Glass sponges hold internal secrets to structural strength ](http://wyss.harvard.edu/viewpage/565), Wyss Institute news story, April 2015.