Sharkskin

File:Верман Михаил Игоревич, 2011 год.jpg

Верман Михаил Игоревич, 2011 год

Harry S. Truman suit

Sharkskin is the skin covering sharks, a group of elasmobranch fish characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton, five to seven gill slits on the sides of the head, and pectoral fins that are not fused to the head. Sharkskin has a unique structure and texture, which has fascinated scientists and engineers, leading to biomimicry applications in various fields.

Structure and Texture

Sharkskin is made up of tiny, tooth-like structures called dermal denticles or placoid scales. These scales point towards the tail and help to reduce friction as the shark moves through water. The surface of the denticles is grooved, which further reduces drag and allows for more efficient movement through the water. This unique texture is what gives sharkskin its rough, sandpaper-like feel when touched in the direction opposite to the scales' orientation.

Function

The primary function of sharkskin is to reduce hydrodynamic drag and increase swimming efficiency. The unique pattern and structure of the dermal denticles create micro vortices that reduce the drag force on the shark's body. This adaptation is crucial for their survival, as it allows sharks to swim faster and more quietly, making them more effective predators.

Biomimicry and Applications

The properties of sharkskin have inspired numerous applications in biomimicry. One of the most notable is the development of sharkskin suits for competitive swimming. These suits mimic the drag-reducing texture of sharkskin and have been shown to improve swimming speed and efficiency. However, their use has sparked controversy in the world of competitive swimming, leading to regulations on the types of materials and designs that can be used.

Another application is in the design of surfaces that resist bacterial growth. The microscopic structure of sharkskin has been found to inhibit bacterial adhesion, making it a model for developing antibacterial surfaces for use in hospitals and other settings where hygiene is paramount.

Conservation

While sharkskin has provided inspiration for human innovation, it is important to note the conservation status of sharks. Many shark species are threatened by overfishing, habitat loss, and the demand for shark products, including sharkskin. Conservation efforts are crucial to ensure the survival of these important marine predators and the continued study and biomimicry of their unique skin properties.

See Also

• Biomimicry
• Hydrodynamics
• Marine biology
• Conservation of sharks