Exploration of the bactericidal property of the Indian Ghost Grasshopper (Aularches miliaris, Linn, 1758) Wing – A bioinspirational Surface

Abstract

Contamination of dental and orthopaedic implants, biomedical devices, loss of thermal control due to biofouling-mediated water clogging in industrial systems, corrosion of the ship's bottom, and microbial growth-mediated skin infections resulting from the wetting of clothes are common global problems associated with microbial biofilm formation. Therefore, there is a demand for antiwetting, antifouling and antibacterial surfaces in the material industry, biomedical industry, marine transportation sector and textile industry. Bacterial biofilm formation and contamination are common problems in the sectors above, causing adverse effects on human health, transportation, and quality of life. Common methods of treating bacterial biofilms are limited to chemical-based killing. However, bacteria are becoming increasingly resistant to chemical methods and have developed antimicrobial resistance over the decades. Hence, physical-based killing of bacteria is an emerging approach to diminish resistance. Nature has been a constant source of inspiration for solving various problems. Insects of the kingdom Animalia are adapted with self-cleaning, bactericidal, antiadhesive, antiwetting, and antifungal wings due to the presence of micro/nano-architectures on their wings. Therefore, the chemical and physical properties of the wings of insects can serve as inspiration for solving multiple problems. In the current study, we examined the wings of the Indian Ghost Grasshopper (Aularches miliaris, Linn, 1758 ) species to detect the surface micro-architectures and their effect on bacterial species. The wing's chemical composition, crystallinity, and hydrophobicity were measured using Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and a Drop Shape Analyser, respectively. A Scanning Electron Microscope was employed to study wing microarchitecture and elemental composition. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction study of the hydrophobic wing confirmed the presence of antibacterial compounds like chitin, melanin, and carotenoids. Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy and Environmental Scanning Electron Microscopy confirmed the death of the bacteria due to mechanical stress on the wing. Material scientists and engineers can utilise the surface architecture and chemical composition in multiple fields where antibacterial, self-cleaning, antifouling, and surface hydrophobicity are of prime interest.