Module 2: Nanosystems in Nature

Introduction

Every natural structure is built up from sub-structures that are of the nano-sized range
We are thus surrounded by nanomaterials. Every single part of our body is built up from
nanostructures with different structural arrangements that decide their functionality. Let us
have a glimpse on some nanosystems of nature.

Lotus Leaf

The leaves of the lotus flower exhibit extremely water-repellent properties. The water
repelling property is due to micro and nano-structures on the leaf surface. SEM images revealed
that the lotus leaf surface is covered with micro-sized papillae decorated with nano branch like
protrusions. The upper epidermis features hierarchical structure consisting of papillae with a
dense coating of agglomerated wax tubules, which is the basis for super hydrophobicity. The
roughness of the hydrophobic papillae reduces the contact area between the surface and a liquid
drop. The lotus effect refers to self-cleaning properties that are a result of super hydrophobicity
as exhibited by the leaves of the lotus flower. The micro and nanostructures on the lotus leaf
surface are responsible for the extraordinary surface properties and self‑cleaning function
Researchers were able to develop special technique to produce artificial material which mimic
the lotus leaf.

Applications of lotus effect

Coatings, paints, roof tiles, fabrics and other surfaces that can stay dry and clean
themselves in the same way as in the case of the lotus leaf. Self-cleaning glasses are installed
in the sensors of traffic control units, for better results. Superhydrophobic coatings applied to
microwave antennas can significantly reduce rain fade and the buildup of ice and snow.

Gecko’s Feet

A gecko can hold on to any surface at any orientation. It can run on smooth or rough
surfaces, even upside down on a glass surface. It can attach and detach their toes in milliseconds
to nearly every material. Gecko can run on a dirty or wet surface maintaining full contact and
adhesion to it. The reason for the gecko's amazing properties lies in the nanostructures that are
present on its feet. Gecko’s feet are example of nano structures in nature. Geckos have toe-
pads consisting of thin-hairs called setae. Each seta is about 100 μm long and has a diameter
of about 5 μm. There are about half a million of these setae on the foot of a gecko. The setae
on the feet are made of keratin, a structural protein. Each seta is further subdivided into nano
structures called spatulae. The gecko spatulae are very flexible, so they essentially mould
themselves into the molecular structure of any surface. The result is a strong adhesion which
is entirely due to van der Waals forces.

Shark Skin

Shark skin is a model from nature for a low drag surface. The shark skin is covered by
big nanostructured individual tooth-like scales called dermal denticles. The dermal denticles
(little skin teeth), ribbed with longitudinal grooves aligned parallel to the local flow direction
of the water. These denticles decrease drag and turbulence, allowing the shark to swim faster
and more quietly.

Toucan Beak

Toucans have very large beaks. The beak makes up one-third of the toucan's body
length, while its weight is less than three percent of the toucan's weight. The toucan beak has a
sandwich structure with an exterior of keratin encapsulating the bulk of the volume which is a
cellular solid. The inner beak is a foam comprised calcium rich proteins. The beak structure
largely influences its mechanical properties and the lifestyle of the toucan. Component
microstructures makes Toucan Beaks incredibly light and strong.

Butterfly Wings

The wings of butterflies display extraordinary colours, which are a consequence of the
wing's surface and its interaction with light. The wings also exhibit iridescence, which is the
shift in colour of an object when observed at different angles. The beautiful colours exhibited
by butterfly wings are due to two sources: pigments and periodical nano structures. They are
also referred to as “chemical” and “physical” colours, respectively. The wings are made up of
nano-thin layers that cause light to reflect differently.

Other Nanosystems in Nature

A peacock’s bright teal and brilliant blue feathers are not only due to pigments but also
due to nanoscale networks, that reflect specific wavelengths of light. Thin films made of
nanoparticles produce iridescent colour (rainbow colour), when light strikes them at different
angle the colour changes.

Spider Silk

Spider silk consists of nano-biodegradable threads, which are stronger. It is elastic

enough to stretch up to 10 times its initial length. The extraordinary properties of spider silk
are due to the proteins that make up the silk (mainly fibroin) and its supramolecular
organization which is at the nanoscale level.

Bacteria

Many bacteria appear like nanowires

Biomimetics

The field of material engineering that is devoted to trying to fabricate artificial materials
that mimic natural ones is called biomimetics. Nanoscience is a fundamental component of
biomimetics. Natural nanomaterials are inspirational for the engineering of new materials with
advanced functionalities. A short list of biomimetic materials inspired from natural ones is
appended in table.

Biomimetic material Inspired from

Electrical conduction Eels and nervous system
Photoemission Deep-sea fish and glow worms
Photonic crystals Butterfly and bird wings
Hydrophobic surfaces Lotus leaf and human skin
Adhesives Gecko's feet
High tensile strength fibre Spider silk
Artificial intelligence and computing Human brain
Natural Nanomaterials

Natural nanomaterials means that materials belong to the natural world (animals and
mineral) without human modification or processing, and that have remarkable properties
because of their inherent nanostructure.

Features of Natural Nanomaterials

All materials can in principle be described at the nanoscale. Natural nanomaterials are
made by nature through (bio)geochemical or mechanical processes, without direct or indirect
connection to a human activity or anthropogenic process.

It can be concluded that, architectures made by many organisms are based on variety
of nano assemblies. Thus, mother nature is the greatest teacher to mankind.