Biomimetic replicas: Transfer of complex architectures with different optical properties from plant surfaces onto technical materials.

Plant surfaces are characterized by a high diversity of structures which determine their optical properties, such as shiny, gleaming, silky, matt or iridescent. Replicas with different optical properties have been generated by using plant surfaces as templates and an improved replica technique. The technique allows the replication of complex surface structures with overhangs, cavities, and fragile or soft structures in a fast and cost-efficient way.

A fast, precise and low-cost replication technique for nano- and high-aspect-ratio structures of biological and artificial surfaces.

Biological surfaces are multifunctional interfaces between the organisms and their environment. Properties such as the wettability and adhesion of particles are linked to the micro- and nanostructures of their surfaces. In this study, we used plant and artificial surfaces covered with wax crystals to develop a low-cost replication technique with high resolution.