Watson Gregory S, Schwarzkopf Lin, Cribb Bronwen W, Myhra Sverre, Gellender Marty, Watson Jolanta A
School of Science and Engineering, University of the Sunshine Coast, Maroochydore DC, Queensland 4558, Australia
School of Marine and Tropical Biology, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland 4811, Australia.
J R Soc Interface. 2015 Apr 6;12(105). doi: 10.1098/rsif.2014.1396.
Condensation resulting in the formation of water films or droplets is an unavoidable process on the cuticle or skin of many organisms. This process generally occurs under humid conditions when the temperature drops below the dew point. In this study, we have investigated dew conditions on the skin of the gecko Lucasium steindachneri. When condensation occurs, we show that small dew drops, as opposed to a thin film, form on the lizard's scales. As the droplets grow in size and merge, they can undergo self-propulsion off the skin and in the process can be carried away a sufficient distance to freely engage with external forces. We show that factors such as gravity, wind and fog provide mechanisms to remove these small droplets off the gecko skin surface. The formation of small droplets and subsequent removal from the skin may aid in reducing microbial contact (e.g. bacteria, fungi) and limit conducive growth conditions under humid environments. As well as providing an inhospitable microclimate for microorganisms, the formation and removal of small droplets may also potentially aid in other areas such as reduction and cleaning of some surface contaminants consisting of single or multiple aggregates of particles.
在许多生物体的角质层或皮肤上，凝结形成水膜或水滴是一个不可避免的过程。这个过程通常发生在潮湿条件下，当温度降至露点以下时。在本研究中，我们调查了半叶趾虎（Lucasium steindachneri）皮肤表面的结露情况。当发生凝结时，我们发现蜥蜴的鳞片上形成的是小露珠，而不是薄膜。随着水滴变大并合并，它们会自行从皮肤上脱落，在此过程中可以被带走足够的距离，从而自由地与外力相互作用。我们发现，重力、风和雾等因素提供了将这些小水滴从壁虎皮肤表面去除的机制。小水滴的形成以及随后从皮肤上脱落，可能有助于减少微生物接触（如细菌、真菌），并限制潮湿环境下的有利生长条件。除了为微生物提供不适宜的微气候外，小水滴的形成和去除还可能在其他方面有所帮助，比如减少和清除一些由单个或多个颗粒聚集体组成的表面污染物。
