How beetles may transform medical devices
Nanocoatings are ultra-thin layers applied to surfaces to enhance their properties that are increasingly used to improve drug delivery. Despite their potential, current nanocoating techniques face significant challenges, including high costs, limited pattern variability, and the use of not ecologic materials.
Researchers from the laboratory of Prof. Vladimir Katanaev have looked to the natural world for answers - and found them in an unexpected place: beetle eyes. Their reveals that corneal surfaces of beetles (Coleoptera) form renewable nanostructures with dimples to maze-like protrusions. Using a previously described protein called retinin, the team successfully replicated this nanopatterning behavior in vitro.
The surface of beetles eyes form renewable nanostructures (in red) that the researchers were able to replicate in vitro. © Laboratory of Prof. Vladimir Katanaev
Towards smarter medical devices
This breakthrough offers a promising new approach to developing renewable, washable nanocoatings without harsh chemicals or complex fabrication. The insights could enable a range of biomedical innovations, such as advanced contact lenses and catheters with improved biocompatibility.