Proof-of-principle results highlighting the capability to fabricate trichome mimics in a laboratory

This project's goal is to fabricate natural trichome mimics like these trichomes found on the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)  

Design and fabrication of trichome mimics using sustainable materials


PhD Candidate - Ralph van Zwieten
The objective of this project is to design trichome mimics using sustainable and bio-sourced materials fabricated with scalable, non-toxic methodologies. The fabrication of adhesive trichome mimics has three main challenges:
(1) identifying suitable and sustainable materials
(2) modifying these materials
(3) scalability and reproducibility of fabrication.
This project is crucial to the overall success of the entire project. Preliminary work (see gallery page) has been conducted with encouraging proof-of-principle results.
Q3-4 2020

Identification of suitable and sustainable materials

 
Q1-Q4 2021

Modifying such materials to be adhesive

 
Q1- Q4 2022

Scalable and Reproducible Fabrication

 
Wageningen University & Research - Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter