Watson, Gregory S., Myhra, Sverre, Cribb, Bronwen W., and Watson, Jolanta A. (2007) Imaging and investigation of function(s) and efficiency of ordered cuticular nanostructures (an entomological study). In: Ivanova, Elena P., (ed.) Nanoscale Structure and Properties of Microbial Cell Surfaces. Nova Science Publishers, New York, NY, USA, pp. 175-198.

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Abstract

Atomic force and electron microscopy, together with the measurement of frictional and adhesive properties, have been used to determine the function(s) and efficiencies of periodic nano-structures on the surface of cicada wings. The structures consist of hexagonal close-packed protrusions with a lateral spacing of ca. 200 nm and height of ca. 225 nm. The structures are reminiscent of protrusions discovered on the corneal surface of some moths [Bernhard el al. 1963]. In that early investigation protrusions have been ascribed to evolutionary adaptation and survival value as camouflage against predators. Our study demonstrates multiple functions of the arrays. Not only do the structures confer survival value by virtue of camouflage, but they also serve as promoters of super-hydrophobicity. Both effects have been demonstrated by AFM-induced surface alteration, which show that anti-reflection and super-hydrophobicity are directly related to the geometry and chemistry of the structures.

Item ID:	18547
Item Type:	Book Chapter (Research - B1)
ISBN:	978-1-60021-242-0
Keywords:	Atomic Force Microscopy, AFM, insect, nanostructures, nano-lithography, antireflection, self-cleaning, superhydrophobicity
Date Deposited:	31 Oct 2011 06:37
FoR Codes:	02 PHYSICAL SCIENCES > 0299 Other Physical Sciences > 029901 Biological Physics @ 40% 02 PHYSICAL SCIENCES > 0299 Other Physical Sciences > 029999 Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 20% 06 BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES > 0699 Other Biological Sciences > 069999 Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified @ 40%
SEO Codes:	97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970102 Expanding Knowledge in the Physical Sciences @ 40% 97 EXPANDING KNOWLEDGE > 970106 Expanding Knowledge in the Biological Sciences @ 60%
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