Dragonfly wing inspired RMIT scientists to create antibacterial surfaces

After discovering bacteria-killing properties of the wings of insects such as cicadas and dragonflies, scientists of the RMIT University in Melbourne have developed a special antibacterial texture for use on food packaging and other surfaces. We spoke with RMIT Distinguished Professor Elena Ivanova, who led the international team of researchers.

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The nanopillars on the surface of a dragonfly wing (magnified 20,000 times). Source: RMIT University

Multifunctional Mechano-biocidal Materials Research Group: Denver Linklater, Phuc Le, Elena Ivanova, Arturo Aburto-Medina, Karolline De Sousa Source: RMIT University