Fundamentals

Micro- and nanostructured plant surfaces

Figure 1
Figure 1: A double structured surface optimized for self-cleaning. Through the combination of micro- (cells) and nanostructure (wax crystals) contact areas are minimized.

A basic problem for plants is the constant contamination of the leaves. In the mid seventies we observed that the surfaces of some plants were nearly incontaminable, and that this property was connected with a microstructured surface (figure 1) as well as with a coating of water-repellent waxy crystals.

It was then that we first thought that the primary function of the microstructure might be a protection from constant contamination. During this work we found a remarkable link between chemistry, ultrastructure, wettability and contaminability, which we called 'Lotus-effect'.

It can be easily demonstrated, not only in the sacred Lotus, but also in many other leaves (e.g. cabbage, reeds, indian cress, tulips) as well as in animals (e.g. wings of butterflies and dragonflies).

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Fundamentals