Jan Schuppert
1994-1997, basic studies in biology at Hohenheim University, Germany; 1998-2002 main study period in technical biology and bionics at Saarbrücken University, Germany; 2002-2003, research at Max-Planck-Institute for Developmental Biology in Tübingen, Germany; 2003, Master of Science from Saarbrücken University on the attachment system of Diptera
Contact: phone: +49-711-6893440, e-mail: schuppert@mf.mpg.de
Scientific career:
2003-present, researcher at the Max-Planck-Institute for Metals Research, Evolutionary Biomaterials Group
Project:
Functional study of attachment devices in Diptera. Flies (Diptera) have pads with hairy structures (setae) at the distal end of their feet enabling them to walk on vertical surfaces and ceilings (upper figure). The setae bear endplates which form contact with the substrate (middle figure). Shafts of the setae are hollow (lower figure) and filled with secretion that can be released close to the area of contact. Secretion is assumed to increase adhesion of the single contact points. Analyse with regular scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and additionally Cryo-SEM is undertaken to show different contact behaviour of setae. Secretion seems to fill up the gap between setae and substrate to provide the highest possible proximity between the surfaces.
Quantitative analysis of this attachment system in different representatives of Brachycera (Diptera) showed relevant correlations between mass of the animal and density and dimensions of the setae. Mechanical aspects of a single seta and the real contact formation are also important to understand the working principles of these attachment devices. Besides these attempts, we are trying to create a computer model to verify the experimtental data and to obtain a more universally valid model of an attachment system
Publication
Gorb, S.N, Schuppert, J., Niederegger, S., Schwarz, H., Walther, P. (2003) Biological attachment devices: Electron microscopy of the contact formation. Microscopy and Microanalysis 9 (Suppl. 3): 378-379. LINK
