Ecological succession on 3D printed ceramic artificial reefs.

The global degradation of natural coral reefs requires innovative approaches to their conservation and restoration. This study investigates the efficacy of using parametric design tools in 3D software and 3D-printed terracotta structures in artificial reef (AR) design. Three ARs were deployed in the northern Gulf of Aqaba in 2019. Seven months post-deployment the ARs were consolidated to one location. Consecutive monitoring, conducted from June 2019 to March 2022, examined the recruitment and settlement of fish, corals, and other marine organisms on the ARs. The ARs hosted complex communities, with fish populations reaching equilibrium approximately one year after deployment. Octocorallia were first observed 4.5 months post-deployment, and hexacorallia 5.5 months post-deployment, with neither reaching a steady state within the study period. Additionally, we found that combining dispersed AR units into a single complex significantly increased fish abundance, but did not affect species richness. This study contributes to our understanding of effective artificial reef design, spatial distribution and implementation, and understanding of marine ecological succession processes in the Gulf of Aqaba.

Emerging 3D technologies for future reformation of coral reefs: Enhancing biodiversity using biomimetic structures based on designs by nature.

The rapid decline of vulnerable coral reefs has increased the necessity of exploring interdisciplinary methods for reef restoration. Examining how to upgrade these tools may uncover options to better support or increase biodiversity of coral reefs. As many of the issues facing reef restoration today deal with the scalability and effectiveness of restoration efforts, there is an urgency to invest in technology that can help reach ecosystem-scale. Here, we provide an overview on the evolution to current state of artificial reefs as a reef reformation tool and discuss a blueprint with which to guide the next generation of biomimetic artificial habitats for ecosystem support. Currently, existing artificial structures have difficulty replicating the 3D complexity of coral habitats and scaling them to larger areas can be problematic in terms of production and design. We introduce a novel customizable 3D interface for producing scalable, biomimetic artificial structures, utilizing real data collected from coral ecosystems. This interface employs 3D technologies, 3D imaging and 3D printing, to extract core reef characteristics, which can be translated and digitized into a 3D printed artificial reef. The advantages of 3D printing lie in providing customized tools by which to integrate the vital details of natural reefs, such as rugosity and complexity, into a sustainable manufacturing process. This methodology can offer economic solutions for developing both small and large-scale biomimetic structures for a variety of restoration situations, that closely resemble the coral reefs they intend to support.

Safety on demand: A case study for the design and manufacturing-on-demand of personal protective equipment for healthcare workers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the difficulties of countries and healthcare systems in preparing for major emergency situations. In the first month of the pandemic there was a global shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE), thereby causing a rise in infection cases and deaths among healthcare workers (HCWs) in some countries. Moreover, the PPE used in hospitals today is not designed for prolonged use, and causes problems such as headaches and vision difficulties. To address these problems, a case study of an active PPE system for HCWs that is based on 3D printing and the use of ready-made parts is presented here. This case study demonstrates a new approach toward the design and manufacturing of PPE in emergency situations that relies on rapid development and domestic manufacturing of products through 3D printing technologies. The system was developed during the first months of the pandemic under restrictive quarantine conditions, and was fabricated and then tested by HCWs at several hospitals. Apart from sterilization difficulties, the system received positive feedback in user testing.