Investigation of the molecular organisation of antibacterial insect wing surfaces

Currently available sterilisation methods often require large chemical inputs which increase the risk of bacterial resistance. The antibacterial properties of dragonfly wings provide an alternative in which the mechanisms are purely due to physical means. The title of Song Ha's project is 'Investigation of the molecular organisation of antibacterial insect wing surfaces' and involved investigation of the nature of dragonfly wings in order to make use of their antibacterial activities; consequently, she was able to synthesise artificial surfaces which possess similar properties to dragonfly wings. The outcomes of this work can be applied on various surfaces which would benefit from being antibacterial, for example producing medical implants that resist bacterial infections.