Assistant Professor University of Illinois Champaign, Illinois
Biofouling is a prevalent and unwanted phenomenon in medical and industrial settings. In this study, we examine the anti-biofouling property of various polymer and metallic cicada wing replicates using a bioinspired framework. Cicada wings possess many nanoprotrusions which are called nanopillars. They have been found to imbue the wings with excellent anti-biofouling properties. The exact mechanism is unknown but the nanopillars make it harder for bacteria to survive. In previous work we used a high-fidelity, flexible, and versatile nanoscale replication method to replicate cicada wings. As found in our previous studies, PDMS and copper replicates of cicada wings also possess the same topography. We compared the anti-microbial property of cicada wing replicates with eight different metal and PDMS samples. Both Gram-negative (E.coli) and Gram-positive bacteria (S. aureus) were spread onto separate samples, and the survival rate of bacteria was measured over time. After laboratory testing, a field test will be conducted with the same samples in three different locations. The number of bacteria on each sample will be counted and compared. Our study enables the guided design of insect-inspired materials with highly desired functionalities such as bactericidal surfaces.