He discovered that shark skin denticles are structured in a characteristic diamond-repeating micro-pattern with millions of small ribs[3] at the micrometer scale.
His mathematical model for the texture of a substance that would deter microorganisms from settling corresponds to the width-to-height ratio of shark denticle riblets.
Adherence prevention and translocation restriction have been demonstrated and are believed to significantly reduce the risk of device-associated infections.
Sharklet micro-patterns have been tested to control the bio-adhesion of marine microorganisms, pathogenic bacteria, and eukaryotic cells.
[6] An in vitro study found that it reduced the colonization of S. aureus and P. aeruginosa bacterial pathogens in a central venous catheters-relevant thermoplastic polyurethane.