Learning from the beetles

An amazing insect, which sprays its predators with toxic steam, has inspired research into a new generation of technology at Leeds University.

The research has resulted in the development of a new system called µMist which has the potential to become the platform for the next generation of more effective and eco-friendly mist carrier systems.

It has multiple potential applications – such as new nebulisers, needle-free injections, fire extinguishers and powerful fuel injection systems – all more efficient and environmentally-friendly than existing technologies.

The research funded initially by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council, and subsequently by Swedish Biomimetics 3000, enabled the Leeds team, led by Professor of Thermodynamics and Combustion Theory Andy McIntosh to examine the mechanisms at work in the bombardier beetle.

Just 2cm long, the beetle defends itself against frogs, spiders, birds and insects with a cocktail of steam and stinging chemicals which it can blast for distances of up to 20cm.