The discovery of mechano-bactericidal surfaces

There is a long evolutionary history of bacteria adapting to surface colonisation and biofilm formation and a similar timeline of evolutionary advances for insects to develop resistance towards bacterial colonisation and biofilm formation. Many nanostructured surfaces are superhydrophobic, meaning they repel water and therefore other contaminants. A decade ago, we discovered that the superhydrophobic nanopillared surfaces of insect wings (e.g. cicadas, dragonflies and damselflies) kill bacteria through physical disintegration rather than repelling their attachment. It is now well documented that the biomimetic nanostructures, such as pillars and spikes, can physically damage bacterial cells, leading to cell lysis and death. Research involving replication of these nanostructures on biomaterials and implantable devices could eliminate the need for antibiotics to kill bacteria on such surfaces, offering a promising alternative for preventing infections.