Verifying antibacterial properties of nanopillars on cicada wings

Abstract

The antibacterial properties of cicada wings originate from hexagonally arranged pillar-like multi-functional nanostructures with species-dependent heights, which are super-hydrophobic and self-cleaning. In the present study, two cicada species with promising nanopillars were investigated in more detail. Selected methods were used to analyze the wing surfaces, including Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy, and bacterial tests with live/dead staining. Verifying the antibacterial properties posed challenges, such as the bacteria concentration needed to confirm the antibacterial properties. These challenges will also impact the practical implementation of antibacterial nanostructures and support the findings of recent critical publications.