News

Decoding butterfly nanocoatings to build next-generation materials

Nanocoatings are ubiquitous in nature and play critical roles in the survival and functionality of various species. Replicating these properties can lead to groundbreaking applications in optics, electronics, and medical devices, driving innovation in many fields.

 

The secrets of butterflies’ nanocoatings

Building on their initial studies in fruit flies (Drosophila), the research team from Prof. Vladimir Katanaev shifted their focus to butterfly eyes, which have remarkable anti-wetting nanostructures. In their recent study in the journal ACS Applied Bio Materials, they revealed that butterfly eyes from the genus Papilio use a similar self-assembly mechanism to form their thin coatings. Their experiments identified the specific protein responsible for the assembly and showed that the anti-wetting properties of butterfly eyes are due to specificities of their chemical composition.  

 

Potential implications

This discovery adds a powerful tool to the team’s growing “nanocoating toolbox” bringing science one step closer to creating bio-inspired coatings with tailored properties for applications in optics, medical devices. They open up new avenues for more sustainable and efficient solutions across a variety of industries.

 

Other research carried out in the Department

News
30 Jan 2025

News