The Venus flower basket sponge, known for its delicate glass-like lattice outer skeleton, has long captivated researchers trying to understand how such a fragile creature can survive in the harsh conditions of the deep sea. A recent study led by an international team of researchers from the University of Rome Tor Vergata and NYU Tandon School of Engineering has shed light on another remarkable aspect of this ancient animal’s structure: its ability to filter feed using only the faint ambient currents of the ocean depths, without the need for pumping.
By employing extremely high-resolution computer simulations, the researchers discovered that the skeletal structure of the Venus flower basket sponge diverts slow deep sea currents to flow upwards into its central body cavity. This allows the sponge to feed on plankton and other marine detritus it filters out of the water. The sponge accomplishes this through its spiral, ridged outer surface, which acts like a spiral staircase to passively draw water upwards through its porous, lattice-like frame, all without the energy demands of pumping.
The study, published in Physical Review Letters, settles a debate over whether the sponge can draw in nutrients passively. The researchers found that the sponge’s natural ventilation system is most effective at very slow current speeds, demonstrating its ability to thrive in currents unsuitable for suspension feeding. At higher flow speeds, the lattice structure helps reduce drag on the organism, showcasing the sponge’s remarkable adaptations to its environment from both a structural and fluid dynamic perspective.
The research team utilized the powerful Leonardo supercomputer at CINECA, a supercomputing center in Italy, to create a highly realistic 3D replica of the sponge with around 100 billion individual points that recreate the sponge’s helical ridge structure. This “digital twin” allowed for detailed simulations of water flow around and inside the sponge’s skeleton under various conditions, highlighting how the sponge maximizes nutrient supply through passive mechanisms. The findings could inform the design of more efficient reactors, air purification systems, and aerodynamic surfaces.
The biomimetic engineering insights gained from studying the Venus flower basket sponge could offer valuable guidance for optimizing flow patterns, minimizing drag, and enhancing filtration and ventilation systems in various applications. The asymmetric, helical ridges of the sponge could inspire low-drag hull designs or fuselages that promote streamlined airflow inside structures while reducing resistance outside. These findings build upon the team’s previous research on the sponge’s flow dynamics, further uncovering the intricate mechanisms that enable this deep-sea creature to thrive in its environment.
In addition to shedding light on the unique adaptations of the Venus flower basket sponge, the study’s authors, which include researchers from various institutions, highlight the potential applications of this research for improving engineering design and efficiency in a range of fields. With support from the National Science Foundation and other funding sources, the team’s work offers valuable insights into how nature’s engineering solutions can inspire innovative approaches to addressing complex engineering challenges.