3D printed microscale synthetic brochosome (IMAGE)
Caption
Pictured is an array of 3D printed microscale synthetic brochosome. In nature, leafhoppers produce brochosomes to coat their body surfaces, which are hollow, nanoscopic, buckyball-shaped spheroids with through-holes distributed across their surfaces. Lin Wang et al. studied the relationship between the optical properties and the geometric designs of the brochosomes utilizing 3D printed synthetic brochosomes. The authors found that the through-holes of these hollow buckyballs play an important role in reducing the reflection of light. This is the first biological example showing short wavelength, low-pass antireflection functionality enabled by through-holes and hollow structures.
Credit
Lin Wang and Tak-Sing Wong/Penn State
Usage Restrictions
Credit must be given to the creator. Only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted. No derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted.
License
CC BY-NC-ND