Michelle Modert

Project

Peltate leaf unfolding: analyses of functional morphology and kinematics as bioinspiration for (un)folding of structures in space
Within this research project, which is supported by the Luxembourg National Research Fund (FNR) (15648035), I investigate unfolding mechanisms in different peltate leaf species by time-lapse video analyses of cultivated plants. In addition, I use a variety of optical and biomechanical methods for analyses of leaf tissues. Primary goals are (1) to understand the principles of leaf unfolding movements and (2) a transfer into technical implementations.

First supervisor

Prof. Dr. Thomas Speck

Publications in livMatS

• Natural coil springs: biomechanics and morphology of the coiled tendrils of the climbing passion flower Passiflora discophora*
  Klimm, F., Thielen, M., Homburger, J., Modert, M., & Speck, T. (2024). Natural coil springs: Biomechanics and morphology of the coiled tendrils of the climbing passion flower Passiflora discophora. Acta Biomaterialia, 189, 478–490. doi: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.10.002
• Leaf unfolding and lamina biomechanics in Syngonium podophyllum and Pilea peperomioides*
  Modert, M., Speck, T., & Masselter, T. (2024). Leaf unfolding and lamina biomechanics in Syngonium podophyllum and Pilea peperomioides. Bioinspiration and Biomimetic, 19(3), 036022. doi: 10.1088/1748-3190/ad3ed4