When we look at a piece of metal, we usually don’t think about what it looks like at the microscale. Through simple surface modifications, however, a seemingly smooth surface can be formed into one containing geometries that resemble those found in nature. In this image, a metal surface has been modified to form microscopic “roses” and “thorns”. Through these simple reactions, we can make the surface both aesthetic and functional. These kinds of metal surfaces have a wide variety of potential applications in treating, preventing or detecting diseases, and I am currently exploring the use of this surface as an antibacterial agent. The presence of the microscopic patterns on the metal surface provides a higher surface area for interaction between the surface and the bacteria.
