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Plant Biol (Stuttg) 2006; 8(6): 841-848
DOI: 10.1055/s-2006-923929
Research Paper

Georg Thieme Verlag Stuttgart KG · New York

Physicochemical Properties of Functional Surfaces in Pitchers of the Carnivorous Plant Nepenthes alata Blanco (Nepenthaceae)

E. V. Gorb1 , S. N. Gorb1
  • 1Evolutionary Biomaterials Group, Department Arzt, Max Planck Institute for Metals Research, Heisenbergstraße 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
Further Information

Publication History

Received: September 30, 2005

Accepted: January 18, 2006

Publication Date:
11 May 2006 (online)

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Abstract

Pitchers of the carnivorous plant Nepenthes alata are highly specialized organs adapted to attract, capture, and digest animals, mostly insects. They consist of several well distinguishable zones, differing in macro-morphology, surface microstructure, and functions. Since physicochemical properties of these surfaces may influence insect adhesion, we measured contact angles of non-polar (diiodomethane) and polar liquids (water and ethylene glycol) and estimated the free surface energy of 1) the lid, 2) the peristome, 3) the waxy surface of the slippery zone, and 4) the glandular surface of the digestive zone in N. alata pitchers. As a control, the external surface of the pitcher, as well as abaxial and adaxial surfaces of the leaf blade, was measured. Both leaf surfaces, both lid surfaces, and the external pitcher surface showed similar contact angles and had rather high values of surface free energy with relatively high dispersion component. These surfaces are considered to support strong adhesion forces based on the capillary interaction, and by this, to promote successful attachment of insects. The waxy surface is almost unwettable, has extremely low surface energy, and therefore, must essentially decrease insect adhesion. Both the peristome and glandular surfaces are wetted readily with both non-polar and polar liquids and have very high surface energy with a predominating polar component. These properties result in the preclusion of insect adhesion due to the hydrophilic lubricating film covering the surfaces. The obtained results support field observations and laboratory experiments of previous authors that demonstrated the possible role of different pitcher surfaces in insect trapping and retention.

Key words

Trapping organs - capillary forces - polar component - dispersion component - free surface energy - contact angle of fluid - insect attachment - pitcher zones - adhesion.

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E. V. Gorb

Evolutionary Biomaterials Group
Department Arzt
Max Planck Institute for Metals Research

Heisenbergstraße 3

70569 Stuttgart

Germany

Email: o.gorb@mf.mpg.de

Guest Editor: S. Porembski