The research group of Associate Professor Yohei Kodobashi of Shizuoka Institute of Science and Technology has succeeded in developing a hydrophilic film that imitates the nano-pillar structure of a semi-wing using the components of liquid glue.The nanopillars on the film can be used as an antibacterial material because they capture bacteria and deform the bacterial membrane, and are expected to be applied to materials that cover wounds and medical equipment for medical purposes.
In 2012, a cicada wing nanopillar structure that physically destroys the bacterial membrane was discovered as a new measure against bacteria.The bacterial membrane adsorbed on the nanocolumns is physically elongated, resulting in membrane destruction and sterilization.Currently, these antibacterial surfaces are imitated using black silicon, titanium, gold and the like.On the other hand, it was difficult to prepare polymer materials, especially nanocolumns made of hydrophilic polymers, because they dissolve in water from a high surface area.The wing structure of the cicada is dry for weight reduction in the process of evolution, but the structure that can contain water may be an encounter with the unknown for bacteria and may not be able to cope with it and show high antibacterial properties.
The research group easily created a hydrophilic nano-column hydrogel film using a commercially available porous alumina substrate using polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), which is a liquid glue component, and polymethacrylic acid.The nanocolumns constructed by cross-linking the polymer were very flexible, and the structure was not destroyed even if the nanocolumns were tilted.The capture of Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria by nanopillars was observed, and the bacterial membrane of the captured bacteria was observed to change in shape suggesting bactericidal properties, so it is expected to be applied as an antibacterial material. ..
In the future, the research group will apply it to medical devices such as wound dressings (dressing materials) and film materials that cover medical devices as antibacterial materials, promote joint development with domestic companies, and commercialize it within 10 years. I am aiming for it.
