Lotus principle and other examples of Superhydrophobic surfaces in nature

There many examples of superhydrophobic biological surfaces in nature. The ability of these surfaces to make water bead off completely and thereby wash off contamination very effectively has been termed the “Lotus effect”, although it is observed not only on the leaves of the Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera L.) but also on many other species, such as Tropaeolum majus L. (Indian Cress/Nasturtium) or Alchemilla vulgaris L. (Lady’s Mantle).

Super-hydrophobicity has also been observed on insects.

The super-hydrophobic biological surfaces have been under thorough study. On such surfaces there is a special morphology. There are surface structures in the micron-scale and also in the nano-scale. The surface structure prevents the water form touching the whole surface. So a water droplet would sit on mostly on the air like the fakir state. In some plants (e.g. Indian Cress) there is a fur on the surface. In particular there are elastic hairs on which the water is resting and so easily removing.

SEM images of the micro- and nano- structure on the surface of the Lotus leaf.

Water droplet on Lotus leaf

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