Removal mechanisms of dew via self-propulsion off the gecko skin

Gregory S Watson; L Schwarzkopf; B W Cribb; S Myhra; M Gellender; Jolanta A Watson

doi:10.1098/rsif.2014.1396

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Removal mechanisms of dew via self-propulsion off the gecko skin

Journal article

Peer reviewed

Removal mechanisms of dew via self-propulsion off the gecko skin

Gregory S Watson, L Schwarzkopf, B W Cribb, S Myhra, M Gellender and Jolanta A Watson

Journal of the Royal Society Interface, Vol.12(105)

2015

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsif.2014.1396

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Abstract

condensation

contaminants

dew

gecko

lizard

nanostructures

Condensation resulting in the formation of water films or droplets is an unavoidable process on the cuticle or skin of many organisms. This process generally occurs under humid conditions when the temperature drops below the dew point. In this study, we have investigated dew conditions on the skin of the gecko Lucasium steindachneri. When condensation occurs, we show that small dew drops, as opposed to a thin film, form on the lizard's scales. As the droplets grow in size and merge, they can undergo self-propulsion off the skin and in the process can be carried away a sufficient distance to freely engage with external forces. We show that factors such as gravity, wind and fog provide mechanisms to remove these small droplets off the gecko skin surface. The formation of small droplets and subsequent removal from the skin may aid in reducing microbial contact (e.g. bacteria, fungi) and limit conducive growth conditions under humid environments. As well as providing an inhospitable microclimate for microorganisms, the formation and removal of small droplets may also potentially aid in other areas such as reduction and cleaning of some surface contaminants consisting of single or multiple aggregates of particles. © 2015 The Author(s) Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.

Details

Title: Removal mechanisms of dew via self-propulsion off the gecko skin
Authors: Gregory S Watson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
L Schwarzkopf (Author) - James Cook University
B W Cribb (Author) - University of Queensland
S Myhra (Author) - University of Oxford, United Kingdom
M Gellender (Author) - Queensland Department of Environment and Heritage Protection
Jolanta A Watson (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health, Education and Engineering
Publication details: Journal of the Royal Society Interface, Vol.12(105); 11
Publisher: Royal Society Publishing
Date published: 2015
DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.1396
ISSN: 1742-5689
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Science, Technology and Engineering
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449196702621
Output Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Web Of Science research areas: Zoology

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