Microarchitecture of <i>Python regius</i> Scale Surface: A Natural Strategy for Bacterial Adhesion Prevention

Microscale surface structures on natural materials can provide unique functional properties, inter alia, for biological defense. Here, we report that the dorsal scales of ball python (Python regius), feature regularly distributed sharp microprotrusions (spikes) that may serve as a model surface for topography-driven prevention of bacterial adhesion and biofilm formation. The chemical composition and microarchitecture of the skin grain and flesh sides were characterized by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), confirming a keratin-rich, highly organized outer surface bearing dense arrays of spikes with micrometer-scale height and spacing. SEM imaging further corroborated markedly reduced colonization of the spike-bearing dorsal scale surface. Quantitative biofilm assays based on standard colony-forming unit (CFU) enumeration were performed using the newly developed scale-pair model. Relative to the smooth polystyrene reference, Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus attachment and subsequent biofilm formation decreased by 88 and 78%, respectively, after 48 h of incubation in 37 °C. Other cultivation experiments ruled out chemical effects of any residual antimicrobial substances on the skin on bacterial growth, demonstrating that the topography alone mediates inhibition. These findings indicate that P. regius scale microstructures may function as a passive antimicrobial defense, and could inspire biomimetic, antibiofilm materials for biomedical and industrial applications.