MICROFABRICATED SURFACES FOR THE PHYSICAL CAPTURE OF INSECTS

摘要

Novel devices and methods of capturing, controlling and preventing infestation of insects using microfabricated surfaces are provided. In particular, a mechanism of insect capture inspired by the microstructures of the leaf surfaces of plants and the key features of those surfaces with respect to the capture and control of pests have been determined and engineered into a variety of microfabricated surfaces capable of reproducing the effectiveness of these physical capture methods.

主权项

1. A microfabricated insect capturing surface comprising:
a substrate defining a plane; a plurality of insect capture surface microstructures each formed from a flexible elongated member, the plurality of surface microstructures being disposed on the substrate with a variable orientation to the plane of the substrate and at a density sufficient such that multiple insect capture surface microstructures are capable of simultaneously interacting with an insect disposed thereon; wherein at least some of the surface microstructures have a recurved body capable of entangling the insect, and wherein at least some of the surface microstructures include a piercing element being sufficiently rigid and sharp to pierce the insect body; and wherein the surface microstructures are formed from a material having a breaking stress sufficiently large to avoid breakage during interaction with the insect.