LONDON - A tropical carnivorous plant – the pitcher plant – that traps its prey inside its body with a virtually frictionless surface is inspiring a new generation of coatings capable of repelling liquids including blood, oil, honey and even ice.
Nature is well known for its ability to repel liquids. Lotus leaves, rice leaves, butterfly wings, mosquito compound eyes, cicada wings, red rose petals, gecko feet, desert beetles and spider silk all having the ability to remain dry. However, the pitcher plant or nepenthes, which is found in countries including Australia, Malaysia and Madagascar, has a special adaptation that creates a near frictionless surface with unique self-healing properties.