Scientists Discover Antibacterial Properties Of Dragonfly Wings
For years, it has been known that the wings of dragonfly. However, the fragile nature of the wings which is easily damaged by light from powerful microscopes has prevented extensive study on the mechanism that is responsible for the uniqueness of the wings of the dragonfly.
A new technique has been used by researchers at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) to produce detailed and deep images that reveal the over 10 billion tiny ‘fingers’ which line the surface of the wing and help bacteria tear themselves apart.
The New Procedure
The new technique involves using powerful ion and electron microscopes to capture a clearer look at nanostructures making up the wings of the dragonfly. The procedure led to the discovery of billions of ‘fingers’ that line the wing surface and trap bacteria.
The grappling hold of the bacteria is so strong that the bacteria practically tear itself apart while trying to escape.
A QUT researcher Dr Chaturanga Bandara stated that;
"We have been working to unlock the secret of how dragonfly wing nanostructures destroy bacteria, so that they could be actively mimicked to surfaces of next generation smart materials, especially for use in medical applications. A view of the natural nanostructure and its bacterial interaction in 3D is providing us with new clues on such new surface designs."
Other attempts at studying insect wings
Scientists have made previous attempts to engineer tools for medical purposes from the wings of insects. Related studies include;
- Wandering Percher Dragonfly – Its bacteria killing properties have aided researchers in the creation of antibacterial surface using black silicon
- Cicada wings – Possess rows of nanoscale spikes which are blunted and can stretch and kill thin-walled bacteria. The mechanism was replicated to develop artificial cornea that deals with bacteria without the need for a separate coating. Also the cicada’s spikes and its anti-reflective features can aid the production of efficient solar cells.
The Microscope: Helium Ion Microscope (HIM)
A helium ion microscope is one of the microscopes used to capture highly detailed images of the dragonfly. Dr Annalena Wolff, another QUT researcher speaking on the microscope used in the research says the huge microscopes are two meters wide and two meters (6.5 ft) tall. The scopes can capture images of virtually anything.
Dr Wolf says;
"We can use the same microscopes to build things, for example, rebuild the dragonfly wing 'fingers' using different materials or build robots so small that you could fit 64 billion of them in a single raindrop. You are only limited by your imagination."
Conclusion
The recent study of the intricate and nano properties of some of nature’s smallest creatures is beginning to yield new discoveries in science, medical and technological fields.
Researchers believe that the new technique of imaging will aid the craft and development of new antibacterial surfaces for clinical, surgical tools and for general hospital and clinical equipment.
Image Credit: Pixabay
Reference:
Thank you for your time and for reading my post.
If you found this post interesting, then kindly UPVOTE, RESTEEM and FOLLOW @rickie, for more quality posts.
You Can Check Out My Other Posts Below:
- Meet The Fish That Sparks Fear and Attacks The Human Penis and Urethra
- Some Weird Facts About The Technology We Know And Use Today
- Biggest Discoveries of 2017 That Gives Hope For The Future
- Atom Photo Caught By Ordinary Camera Wins A Science Photo Contest
- Scientists have established the link between Alcohol, Brain Activity and Aggression
- The World’s Largest Virtual Power Plants – Australia, Tesla and Elon Musk
a very informative post, thank you for sharing
Interesting one @rickie,
Those finger-like projections from the wings don't allow the bacteria to get hold to the surface and those spike-like structure used to penetrate the bacterial cell wall.
Cheers :)
These little insects have a lot of intrinsic benefits that we don't know about. I also read about how the enzymes of a firefly could be used to illuminate plants.
Wow, interesting.
Even insects wings have benefits.
Great work @rickie
Well ain't that something ;)