Autor/Autorin: Staudt Konrad
1999-2003 University of Applied Sciences Heilbronn, Process and Environmental Technology (Diploma 2003).2003-2009 Ludwig-Maximilian-University München, Biology (Diploma 2009). 2009-2012 RWTH Aachen University, Biomimetics (Ph.D. 2012).
The sandfish (Scincidae: Scincus scincus) is a lizard capable of moving through desert sand in a swimming-like fashion. The epidermis of this lizard shows a low friction to sand as an adaption to a subterranean life below the desert´s surface. Caused by material properties of ?-keratin proteins forming the outer epidermis, this low friction reduces further adhesive wear. Both skin effects, the friction reduction and abrasion resistance outperform even steel. A possible explanation for these properties is an increased glycosylation of the ?-keratins. In this study, the friction and the micro-structure of the epidermis as well as the ?-keratin coding DNA and the glycosylation of the ?- keratin proteins of the sandfish was investigated in comparison to other sauropsidean species. Glycan based friction reduction could be verified by force-distance measurements via atomic force microscopy: proteins were deglycosylated and the glycans covalently bound on a glass surface by silanisation. Both surfaces showed low adhesion force similar to the untreated skin of the sandfish in comparison to Eumeces schenideri and a glass control.
The sandfish (Scincidae: Scincus scincus) is a lizard capable of moving through desert sand in a swimming-like fashion. The epidermis of this lizard shows a low friction to sand as an adaption to a subterranean life below the desert's surface. Caused by material properties of beta-keratin proteins forming the outer epidermis, this low friction reduces further adhesive wear. Both skin effects, the friction reduction and abrasion resistance outperform even steel. A possible explanation for these properties is an increased glycosylation of the beta-keratins. In this study, the friction and the micro-structure of the epidermis as well as the beta-keratin coding DNA and the glycosylation of the beta- keratin proteins of the sandfish was investigated in comparison to other sauropsidean species. Glycan based friction reduction could be verified by force-distance measurements via atomic force microscopy: proteins were deglycosylated and the glycans covalently bound on a glass surface by silanisation. Both surfaces showed low adhesion force similar to the untreated skin of the sandfish in comparison to Eumeces schenideri and a glass control.
Staudt, Konrad1999-2003 University of Applied Sciences Heilbronn, Process and Environmental Technology (Diploma 2003).2003-2009 Ludwig-Maximilian-University München, Biology (Diploma 2009). 2009-2012 RWTH Aachen University, Biomimetics (Ph.D. 2012).
Über den Autor
1999-2003 University of Applied Sciences Heilbronn, Process and Environmental Technology (Diploma 2003).2003-2009 Ludwig-Maximilian-University München, Biology (Diploma 2009). 2009-2012 RWTH Aachen University, Biomimetics (Ph.D. 2012).
Klappentext
The sandfish (Scincidae: Scincus scincus) is a lizard capable of moving through desert sand in a swimming-like fashion. The epidermis of this lizard shows a low friction to sand as an adaption to a subterranean life below the desert's surface. Caused by material properties of ß-keratin proteins forming the outer epidermis, this low friction reduces further adhesive wear. Both skin effects, the friction reduction and abrasion resistance outperform even steel. A possible explanation for these properties is an increased glycosylation of the ß-keratins. In this study, the friction and the micro-structure of the epidermis as well as the ß-keratin coding DNA and the glycosylation of the ß- keratin proteins of the sandfish was investigated in comparison to other sauropsidean species. Glycan based friction reduction could be verified by force-distance measurements via atomic force microscopy: proteins were deglycosylated and the glycans covalently bound on a glass surface by silanisation. Both surfaces showed low adhesion force similar to the untreated skin of the sandfish in comparison to Eumeces schenideri and a glass control.
