Caracterización nanoscópica de la estructura superficial del insecto amazónico Rhynchophorus palmarum

Abstract

The elasto-mechanical properties and characterization of insect nanostructures through the application of atomic force microscopy (AFM) are of great importance to understand their macroscopic properties. In the present research study, the nanoscopic and microscopic surface topography of the abdominal folds of chontacuro was explored, where structural differences at the micro- and nanoscale were discovered. The surface topography presented a tubular structure, with changing length, depth and protruding shape at different regions, which allows analysis comparisons of its roughness. The roughness parameters considered for the analysis were: mean Surface roughness (Sq), arithmetic mean roughness (Sa), kurtosis (Sku) and asymmetry (Ssk). For instance, the following mean Sq values were obtained at two different regions: 0.78 micrometers and 0.80 micrometers. The presence of surface roughness in the abdominal folds could increase the lateral adherence between the worm body and the surface, which would enhance mobility. The kurtosis and asymmetry parameters showed the shape presented by the topographic image, displaying a uniform surface. The asymmetry exhibited positive and negative results, indicating the presence of height values considerably below and above average.