NOVA’s series “Making Stuff: Smarter” highlighted the research of Anthony Brennan, Ph.D., Margaret A. Ross Professor of Materials Science and Engineering.

Brennan has been investigating the thermodynamics of cell adhesion to materials with a special focus on the effects of surface topography. One technology from his research group, Sharklet, is a bioinspired surface texture with a unique ability to control bioadhesion.

The NOVA program gave an overview of the anti-bacterial behavior of the Sharklet and its potential to inhibit bacterial colonization without chemical agents. The development of the technology was also presented on the CBS Sunday Morning program for its potential use in preventing biofouling on the surfaces of ships. The research was funded by the Office of Naval Research.