Insect wing surfaces have nano- and microscale features that enable multi-functionality. Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae) are unique in that they produce and excrete nanoscale particles, called brochocosomes, that are spread onto the integument by the insect. Brochosomes are extra-cuticular, removable, and make the integument both superhydrophobic and anti-reflective, 2 greatly desired properties in engineering and material science fields. Adaptations like this have captured the interest of researchers looking to draw inspiration from the natural world to create novel solutions and optimize current technologies. Here, we compare brochosome size and wettability across 8 species of leafhoppers using scanning electron microscopy and microgoniometry. We demonstrate that brochosome size is variable within species and that size and wettability are both significantly impacted by species. We report the extent of variability in each case and examine the relationship between brochosome size, body length, and hydrophobicity. In discussing potential applications for brochosomes, we comment on an emerging and rapid analysis technique for evaluating small biological particles. Additionally, we discuss a few recent brochosome-inspired designs and comment on important considerations. Our work provides valuable insight on a unique system that can guide the design of functionalized materials with enhanced hydrophobic and self-cleaning properties.

中文翻译：

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支气管体尺寸变化及其对叶蝉（半翅目：叶蝉科）翅膀润湿性的影响

昆虫翅膀表面具有纳米和微米级特征，可实现多功能。叶蝉（半翅目：叶蝉科）的独特之处在于，它们产生并分泌纳米级颗粒，称为纤维小体，由昆虫传播到体皮上。 Brochosomes 位于角质层外，可去除，并使珠被具有超疏水性和抗反射性，这是工程和材料科学领域非常期望的两种特性。像这样的适应措施引起了研究人员的兴趣，他们希望从自然界中汲取灵感，以创造新颖的解决方案并优化现有技术。在这里，我们使用扫描电子显微镜和微测角法比较了 8 种叶蝉的支气管体大小和润湿性。我们证明了支气管体的大小在物种内是可变的，并且大小和润湿性都受到物种的显着影响。我们报告了每种情况下的变异程度，并检查了支气管体大小、体长和疏水性之间的关系。在讨论溴化体的潜在应用时，我们评论了一种用于评估小生物颗粒的新兴快速分析技术。此外，我们还讨论了一些最近受 Brochosome 启发的设计，并对重要的考虑因素进行了评论。我们的工作为独特的系统提供了宝贵的见解，该系统可以指导具有增强疏水性和自清洁特性的功能化材料的设计。