Bio‑Inspired Defence for Medical Implants
An intriguing advance in biomaterials has emerged from RMIT University: a protein coating inspired by resilin—best known for its role in enabling fleas to leap extraordinary distances—is now being applied as a fully effective antibacterial barrier for medical surfaces.
Resilin is an ultra‑elastic, naturally biocompatible protein found in insects, allowing fleas to jump over 100× their body height in milliseconds. Its elasticity, non‑toxicity, and durability have made it appealing for applications in soft robotics, tissue engineering, and now, antimicrobial coatings.
Led by Prof Namita Roy Choudhury, the research team created nano‑droplet (“coacervate”) coatings from engineered resilin mimetics. Laboratory tests revealed:
100 % prevention of E. coli attachment and biofilm formation on coated surfaces
Strong compatibility with human skin cells
Physical disruption of bacteria via electrostatic interaction, leading to cell membrane damage and leakage—mechanisms that don’t spur antibiotic resistance.
Prof Choudhury notes that these coatings can be fine‑tuned to maintain long‑term efficacy—an important feature compared to conventional antibiotic‑based strategies.
These resilin‑based coatings offer multiple benefits:
Mechanism of action: Mechanical disruption reduces the likelihood of bacterial resistance developing.
Biocompatibility: Naturally derived and non‑toxic to human cells.
Eco‑conscious: Protein‑based coatings are more environmentally sustainable than metal nanoparticle alternatives.
Dr Nisal Wanasingha, the co‑lead author, explained that the nanostructured droplets exhibit high surface area, enabling electrostatic interactions with bacterial membranes, which compromise cellular integrity and lead to bacterial death.
The project included collaborators from the ARC Centre of Excellence for Nanoscale BioPhotonics and ANSTO, contributing neutron scattering and reflectometry analyses—key to confirming the nano‑scale behaviour and structure of the coatings.
While results are promising, further testing is needed across a broader spectrum of pathogens. Prof Naba Dutta outlined plans to enhance coatings by integrating antimicrobial peptides and additional agents to expand their effectiveness.
Before clinical deployment, researchers must confirm long‑term stability, scalability, safety, and cost‑effectiveness. These preparations are underway.
This study exemplifies the power of bioinspiration in materials engineering. By leveraging a protein honed by nature for elasticity and durability, scientists have created not just a physical coating, but a smart, responsive barrier with profound potential across medical and industrial applications—from implants and catheters to wound dressings and surgical instruments.
Funding and Publication
Funding: Australia–India Strategic Research Fund, ANSTO, ARC PGRA & Discovery funding.
Published in: Advances in Colloid and Interface Science (“Nano‑structured antibiofilm coatings based on recombinant resilin”, DOI 10.1016/j.cis.2025.103530). https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001868625001411.
Further Reading
RMIT University, “Insect protein blocks bacterial infection,” RMIT News, 3 June 2025, https://www.rmit.edu.au/news/all-news/2025/jun/antibacterial-resilin
ScienceDaily, “Insect protein blocks bacterial infection,” 2 June 2025, https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2025/06/250602154856.htm
BioTechniques, “Antibacterial nano‑coatings derived from insect protein,” 10 June 2025, https://www.biotechniques.com/microbiology/antibacterial-nano-coatings-derived-from-insect-protein
