MOLARED - Molecular Mechanism of Adhesion Reduction by Sandfish Scales

he sandfish lizard Scincus scincus is able to move very fast in sand, which is due to special carbohydrates (N-glycans) covering the surface of its epidermis. These glycans are known to reduce the adhesion due to van-der-Waals (vdW) forces between sandfish scales and sand. The goal of the present project is to uncover the molecular mechanisms of this adhesion reduction. Molecular dynamics simulations will be performed to link the molecular motions of glycans on different time scales, which are hypothesized to be crucial for adhesion reduction, to Hamaker coefficients that quantitatively characterize the vdW forces. Understanding the underlying physical principles will allow for the design of artificial surface coatings for adhesion reduction.