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ViewAttendees 3

Student 10-Minute Paper

Physiology, Biochemistry, and Toxicology

Student Competition

Student

Grad Competition PBT: Biomechanics and Molecular Biology

Playing nano-soccer: Understanding the mechanics of leafhopper brochosomes

Monday, November 6, 2023
9:12 AM – 9:24 AM ET
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, National Harbor 13
In-Person Student Competition

    Presenting Author(s)

  • Elizabeth Bello

    Graduate Student
    University of Illinois
    Champaign, Illinois

    • Co-Author(s)

  • KG

    Kevin Garber

    CINT Sandia National Laboratories
    Albuquerque, New Mexico

  • BB

    Brad Boyce

    Staff Scientist
    CINT Sandia National Laboratories
    Albuquerque, New Mexico

  • OB

    Ophelia Bolmin

    CINT Sandia National Laboratories
    Albuquerque, New Mexico

  • Marianne Alleyne

    Assistant Professor
    University of Illinois
    Urbana, Illinois

Biological surfaces like insect cuticle exhibit features that give the surface unique properties including hydrophobicity and antimicrobial activity. Leafhoppers, however, have a unique method of achieving superhydrophobicity. These insects produce and spread soccer ball-like nanoparticles called brochosomes onto their bodies through various grooming behaviors. This extra-cuticular adaptation is of interest to researchers seeking to draw inspiration from the natural world to create novel technologies. Here, we investigate the mechanics, adhesion properties, and contributions of individual brochosomes to the overall wing surface by using scanning electron microscopy paired with a pico-indenter and custom focused ion beam (FIB) fabricated nano-gripper tools. In addition to the discoveries made during this investigation, we have developed an experimental characterization framework for nanoscale biological surface particles that can be used for other understudied nanoscale biological materials. This is the first study to manipulate individual brochosomes in situ and will provide valuable guidance moving forward, not only for brochosomes, but for other biological nanoparticles as well.