In a remarkable convergence of biology and cutting-edge engineering, researchers have unveiled a revolutionary device that draws direct inspiration from nature’s underwater sensory mechanisms. This breakthrough—an intricately 3D-nanoprinted optical neuromast—promises to transform our approach to underwater detection by emulating the extraordinary abilities of fish sensory organs. The innovation signifies a leap forward in bio-inspired technology, merging nanofabrication techniques with optical sensing to create a multi-functional platform capable of detecting underwater stimuli with unprecedented precision and integration.
At the core of this development is the neuromast, a specialized sensory organ found in fish, which plays a crucial role in their lateral line system. This organ enables fish to perceive minute water movements, pressures, and vibrations, allowing them to navigate murky waters, evade predators, and communicate in complex ways. Inspired by this natural marvel, the research team engineered an optical neuromast structure using advanced 3D-nanoprinting technology, meticulously replicating its architecture and functional characteristics at the nanoscale. This approach allows for the detection of varied mechanical and optical underwater signals, surpassing the capabilities of traditional sensors.
The construction of this neuromast fiber involved the precise layering of nanomaterials into a fiber form that responds optically to external stimuli. By harnessing the principles of photonics, these fibers transduce mechanical disruptions into optical signals without the need for bulky electronic components. This method offers significant advantages, including enhanced sensitivity, broad bandwidth, and immunity to electromagnetic interference—an essential feature for underwater applications where electronic noise can hinder conventional sensing technologies.
What sets this optical neuromast apart is its integrative design, which combines multiple sensing modes within a single fiber platform. This multifunctionality enables the simultaneous detection of water flow, pressure fluctuations, and biogenic signals such as those produced by swimming organisms or underwater vehicles. The device’s embedded nanostructures facilitate distinct optical responses for different stimuli, offering a rich dataset for real-time monitoring and analysis. This capability holds immense potential for environmental surveillance, marine biology, and defense sectors.
The researchers employed two-photon polymerization, a sophisticated additive manufacturing technique, to fabricate the neuromast fibers with sub-micrometer precision. This method allows the creation of highly complex three-dimensional structures that mirror the natural morphology of fish neuromasts. Compared to conventional lithographic techniques, two-photon polymerization provides greater control over feature size and spatial arrangement, critical factors in achieving bio-mimetic functionality and optical accuracy at the nanoscale.
Extensive characterization of the device confirmed its exceptional sensitivity and robustness in underwater environments. Laboratory tests demonstrated the fiber’s ability to detect water motions with speeds as low as a few millimeters per second, reminiscent of the sensitivity exhibited by biological neuromasts. Moreover, the optical output remained stable under varying temperatures and salinity conditions, underscoring the device’s suitability for deployment in diverse marine settings, from shallow coastal zones to deeper oceanic depths.
Beyond sensitivity, the optical neuromast offers intriguing advantages in signal processing and data transmission. The fiber’s optical nature permits direct interfacing with existing photonic communication systems, eliminating the latency and noise associated with electrical signal conversion. This characteristic enables the potential for real-time underwater sensory networks, where distributed neuromast fibers could collectively sense and relay complex environmental information across vast aquatic expanses.
The implications of this technology extend far beyond environmental monitoring. In the realm of autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) and robotics, the optical neuromast sensor could provide crucial proprioceptive feedback, allowing machines to maneuver with heightened awareness of their hydrodynamic surroundings. This capability would enhance obstacle avoidance, current sensing, and cooperative behaviors in robotic swarms, facilitating more efficient and adaptive underwater operations.
From a materials science perspective, the integration of soft polymeric elements within the nanoprinted fiber offers mechanical flexibility akin to the biological counterparts’ hair cells. This compliance not only enables efficient mechanical-to-optical transduction but also contributes to the longevity and durability of the sensor under repetitive mechanical stresses common in aquatic environments. Consequently, the sensor exhibits resilience against biofouling and mechanical degradation, two major challenges for long-term marine sensing devices.
The interdisciplinary nature of this research reflects a broader trend toward “neuromorphic” engineering, where biological systems inform the design of artificial sensors and circuits. By mimicking the neuromast’s ability to convert mechanical stimuli into optical signals, the team highlights new pathways for bridging the gap between biological efficiency and technological innovation. This biomimicry may inspire a new generation of sensors that operate seamlessly within natural environments, exhibiting adaptability and energy efficiency far superior to traditional devices.
The research also opens intriguing possibilities for studying aquatic life in situ without intrusion. By deploying arrays of optical neuromast fibers, scientists could non-invasively monitor fish schools, track migration patterns, and capture ecological dynamics through subtle hydrodynamic cues. Such insights could revolutionize marine biology by providing high-resolution spatiotemporal data on underwater ecosystems, potentially aiding conservation efforts and informing environmental policies.
Notably, the fabrication process demonstrates remarkable scalability, making the transition from laboratory prototypes to commercially viable devices feasible. The ability to mass-produce these nanoprinted fibers promises to fuel rapid adoption across various maritime sectors. Moreover, the environmental footprint of manufacturing stays minimal due to the precision and additive nature of the employed printing techniques, aligning well with sustainability goals in the tech industry.
The researchers emphasize that this optical neuromast technology serves as a versatile platform that can be customized for specific applications by tuning structural parameters and material compositions. For example, modifications in nanostructure geometry can alter sensitivity ranges or wavelength responsiveness, enabling tailored solutions for unique detection challenges such as pollution tracking, underwater acoustics, or bio-signal monitoring.
Future work is poised to integrate these fibers into complex sensor networks interconnected via optical fibers and wireless communication links, forming intelligent underwater sensor arrays. Such systems could autonomously monitor marine infrastructures, detect early signs of environmental hazards, and contribute to the burgeoning field of the Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT). The optical neuromast’s inherent advantages of miniaturization and multifunctionality make it a compelling candidate for these ambitious endeavors.
In conclusion, this pioneering 3D-nanoprinted optical neuromast marks a paradigm shift in underwater sensing technology. By harnessing nature’s design principles and state-of-the-art nanofabrication, the researchers have crafted a device that not only mimics biological excellence but also extends beyond it through optical multifunctionality and robust engineering. As this technology matures, it promises to deepen our understanding of aquatic environments and enhance human capabilities in marine exploration, surveillance, and robotics, underscoring the power of biomimicry in driving innovation.
Subject of Research: Bio-inspired underwater sensing technology based on 3D-nanoprinted optical neuromasts.
Article Title: From fish to fiber: 3D-nanoprinted optical neuromast for multi-integrated underwater detection.
Article References:
Li, L., Fan, X., Chen, G. et al. From fish to fiber: 3D-nanoprinted optical neuromast for multi-integrated underwater detection. Nat Commun 16, 7390 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41467-025-62559-3
Image Credits: AI Generated
