Insect Antiadhesive Surfaces Using Electrosprayed Wrinkled Ethyl Cellulose Particles
- 11 February 2021
- journal article
- research article
- Published by American Chemical Society (ACS) in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces
- Vol. 13 (7), 9232-9238
- https://doi.org/10.1021/acsami.0c21602
Abstract
A range of plants developed leaves, the surfaces of which prevent or diminish insect adhesion due to their microscopic topography. Well known examples include the leaves of the lychee tree (Litchi chinensis). Here, we report a method to coat substrates with ethyl cellulose microparticles that exhibit wrinkled surfaces, resulting in surface morphologies that closely resemble those of insect repelling plants, i.e., Litchi chinensis. The microparticles were prepared by electrospraying, a method that allowed tuning of the particle size and surface morphology. By measuring the traction forces of Colorado potato beetles walking on these surfaces, the wrinkly microsphere parameters were optimized, resulting in biomimetic surfaces that surpass the antiadhesive properties of the biological role model. This study may pave the way to sustainable, nontoxic insecticide replacements.Funding Information
- European Commission (722842)
- Schweizerischer Nationalfonds zur F?rderung der Wissenschaftlichen Forschung (168223)
- Karlsruher Institut f?r Technologie
- Adolphe Merkle Foundation
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