Characterisation of the bactericidal efficacy of natural nano-topography using dragonfly wing as a model

Bacterial infection is major challenge in surgery and medicine. This research proposed a new approach to the elimination and control of bacteria without applying chemicals, based on the understanding of how the dragonfly keeps its wings clean and bacteria-free. Cell culture, Helium ion microscopy, atomic force microscopy, and other advanced microscopy techniques were employed to characterize the wings' nano-structures and obtain insight into the unconventional bactericidal mechanisms in nature. It is proposed that these nanostructures could be copied onto the surfaces of implants and prosthetics for protection against bacterial infection in medical and surgical applications without impairing their conventional functions