Bioinspired nanocoatings: self-assembly and photonic properties of insect corneal structures

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contributionpeer-review

Abstract

In this study, we explore the photonic phenomena associated with nano- and micro-structured biological surfaces, with a particular emphasis on insect corneal nanocoatings and their potential applications in super-resolution optical microscopy. By reverse engineering the corneal nanocoatings of Drosophila melanogaster, we have developed multifunctional biomimetic coatings that exhibit anti-reflective properties, light polarization control, and plasmonic resonance behavior. Our findings suggest that the spatial organization of these nanostructures is directed by self-assembly mechanisms. These insights pave the way for the rational design of advanced optical materials with tunable photonic properties for diverse bio-integrated and imaging technologies.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationOptical Methods for Inspection, Characterization, and Imaging of Biomaterials VII
EditorsPietro Ferraro, Simonetta Grilli, Demetri Psaltis, Andreas E. Vasdekis
PublisherSPIE
ISBN (Electronic)9781510690509
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2 Aug 2025
Externally publishedYes
Event7th Optical Methods for Inspection, Characterization, and Imaging of Biomaterials - Munich, Germany
Duration: 23 Jun 202527 Jun 2025

Publication series

NameProceedings of SPIE - The International Society for Optical Engineering
Volume13571
ISSN (Print)0277-786X
ISSN (Electronic)1996-756X

Conference

Conference7th Optical Methods for Inspection, Characterization, and Imaging of Biomaterials
Country/TerritoryGermany
CityMunich
Period23/06/2527/06/25

Keywords

  • biomimetic coatings
  • live imaging
  • nanocoatings
  • optical contrast
  • phototoxicity
  • protein films
  • self-assembly
  • super-resolution imaging

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