Comments on: Bacteria cities cannot form on a super-slippery surface, inspired by meat-eating plants

By: Keith

Keith — Tue, 07 Aug 2012 13:19:19 +0000

Is there anything known about the heat stability of SLIPS? The possibilities are so intriguing with this kind of material.

By: Peter Williams

Peter Williams — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 21:43:21 +0000

Also for leading edges of aircraft wings. No need for energy-wasting de-icing strategies.

By: Corey

Corey — Fri, 03 Aug 2012 08:16:19 +0000

Imagine how this could potentially be applied in the aerospace industry. Jetliners coated with a highly durable, long-lasting version of SLIPS would never have to be “de-iced”. Airplanes falling out of the skies due to icing might be relegated to history. One would think the massive reduction in friction might also enhance the speed of airplanes while simultaneously decreasing fuel consumption. And what about space probes and space vehicles that travel to places like the moon and Mars? Presumably, if those machines had SLIPS incorporated, they would not become coated or clogged with dust (think of the Spirit and Opportunity rovers currently on Mars) and their solar collectors (and other mechanical, moving parts like wheels, robotic arms, etc.) would always be in prime working condition. It will be very interesting to see how this concept of SLIPS evolves and is applied over time.

By: someone_else

someone_else — Wed, 01 Aug 2012 15:15:42 +0000

@Peter Beattie: Various kinds of bacteria do form spores, and in spore form they can withstand boiling water for indefinite amounts of time. This is the reason why stuff is sterilized by autoclave or UV.

Of course you cannot autoclave everything, and UV fail to penetrate enough biofilm to kill them all.

By: Shanahanahan

Shanahanahan — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:26:13 +0000

How exciting!
Could urinary catheters be made of this?
Would there be issues with maintaining position with general use?
The possibilities are incredible!

By: Peter Beattie

Peter Beattie — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 22:19:08 +0000

They’ve survived in pipes that are flushed with toxic chemicals for a week.

Would they have survived the same exposure to boiling water? I mean, there is a limit to what proteins can take before denaturing, right? Or is that reversible for the main chunk of proteins that are important in that respect?

By: Ed Yong

Ed Yong — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 21:10:51 +0000

@Old Geezer – Yes! Apparently so! From the paper:

“Marine fouling, which initiates the accumulation of bacterial biofilm on ship hulls followed by the attachment of larger marine organisms, increases the fuel burn of seafaring vessels by up to 40%”

Referenced to: Dalley AACaR (1987) Barnacle fouling and its prevention. Barnacle Biology, ed
AJ Southward (A.A. Balkema, Rotterdam, NL), pp 419–433.

By: DennyMo

DennyMo — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:48:32 +0000

If it prevented barnacles and similar critters from clinging to the hull, yes it would help ship’s fuel efficiency. The trick will be figuring out how to install a SLIPS material that will stand up to the buffeting of tug boats and pier bumpers.

By: Stu

Stu — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:31:00 +0000

I *so* want a Slip-’n'-Slide coated with this.

By: Old Geezer

Old Geezer — Tue, 31 Jul 2012 19:30:38 +0000

While making ship hulls less hospitable for bacteria is laudable, would it also make them move through the water more efficiently, perhaps conserving fuel?