Olena Gorb

1987, Master of Science from Kiev State University in biology-botany of higher plants; 1999, PhD in biology-botany from the National Academy of Sciences, Kiev, Ukraine

Contact: phone: +49-711-6893439, e-mail: o.gorb@mf.mpg.de

Scientific career:

1987-1993, post-graduate student, Department of Botany, Biological Faculty, Kiev University, Kiev, Ukraine; 1993-1999, assistant professor, Department of Botany, Biological Faculty, Kiev University; 1999-2002, researcher, Biological Microtribology Group, Max-Planck-Institute of Developmental Biology, Tübingen, Germany; 2003-present, researcher, Evolutionary Biomaterials Group, Max-Planck-Institute for Metals Research, Stuttgart, Germany

Projects:

Natural hook-and-loop fasteners. We study external morphology, anatomy, and mechanical properties of the hooks covering a fruit surface in epizoochorous plants adapted to dispersal by mechanical interlocking to fur and feathers of passing animals (upper figure). Morphological studies are focused on analysis of hook arrangements, numbers of hooks per fruit, morphometrical variables and inner structure of hooked devices, using light and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Force measurements, performed by applying a micro-force tester, provide the possibility of comparing the attachment (detachment) force of a single hook in different plant species and the effect of a hook's design on this force. Material properties (e.g. elasticity modulus) of the hook material are estimated by various methods.

A plant surface as a substrate for insect attachment. The aim of this project is to examine the effect that different structures, occurring on a plant surface, have on attachment ability of insects. Emphasis is put on surfaces exhibiting 'anti-attachment' properties (i.e. considerably worsening or preventing the adherence of insects), e.g surfaces covered with crystalloids of epicuticular waxes (middle figure). Carnivorous plants presenting a range of insect-related surfaces are among those used as model plants (lower figure). The characterisation of plant surfaces includes the investigation of surface morphology, tissue structure and surface profile, and estimation of the physico-chemical and mechanical properties, using light and scanning microscopy, white-light interferometer, high-speed contact angle measuring device, micro-force tester and nano-indenter. Behavioural experiments and traction tests with insects having different types of attachment devices are designed to quantify insect attachment ability.

Other interests: Seed dispersal, systematics of the genus Viola.

Publications

Gorb, S.N., Gorb, E.V., and Kastner, V. (2001) Scale effects on the attachment pads and friction forces in syrphid flies (Diptera, Syrphidae). J. Exp. Biol. 204: 1421-1431. LINK

Gorb, S., Gorb, E., and Kastner V. (2001) Attachment pads and friction forces in syrphid flies (Diptera, Syrphydae). Biona Report. 15: 158-163.

Gorb, E., and Gorb, S. (2002) Contact separation force of the fruit burrs in four plant species adapted to dispersal by mechanical interlocking. Plant Physiol. Biochem. 40: 373-381. LINK

Gorb, E.V., and Gorb, S.N. (2002) Attachment ability of the beetle Chrysolina fastuosa on various plant surfaces. Entomologia Experimentalis et Applicata. 105(1): 13-28. LINK

Gorb, E.V., Popov. V.L., and Gorb, S.N. (2002) Natural hook-and-loop fasteners: anatomy, mechanical properties, and attachment force of the joined hooks of the Galium aparine fruit. In: Design and Nature, Comparing Design in Nature with Science and Engineering (Brebbia, C.A., Sucharov, L.J., and Pascolo, P., eds.). WIT Press, Southampton and Boston. pp. 151-160.

Gorb, S.N., Beutel, R.G., Gorb, E.V., Jiao, Y., Kastner, V., Niederegger, S., Popov, V.L., Scherge, M., Schwarz, U., and Voetsch, W. (2002) Structural design and biomechanics of friction-based releasable attachment devices in insects. Intergative and Comparative Biology. 42(6): 1127-1139. LINK

Gorb, E.V., and Gorb, S.N. (2003) Natural hook-and-loop fasteners: design and attachment force. Biona Report. 16: 182-183.

Gorb, E.V., and Gorb, S.N. (2003) Seed dispersal by ants in the deciduous forest: adaptations, mechanisms, strategies. Kluwer Academic Publishers. 250 pp. LINK