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

The projects goal is to fabricate natural trichome mimics similar in function to trichomes of e.g. the tomato (Solanum lycopersicum)  

WAGENINGEN UNIVERSITY & RESEARCH

Design and fabrication of trichome mimics from plant waste materials

Supervisor - Dr. Thomas Kodger
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 into a usable product
(3) scalability and reproducibility of fabrication.
"Fabricating the trichome mimics and optimizing the creation process are crucial to the overall success of theNatural Plant-Defense project. Preliminary work (see gallery page) has been conducted with encouraging proof-of-principle results."
Wageningen University & Research - Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter