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The sandfish (Scincidae: Scincus scincus) is a lizard capable of moving through desert sand in a swimming-like fashion. The epidermis of this lizard shows a low friction to sand as an adaption to a subterranean life below the desert´s surface. Caused by material properties of -keratin proteins forming the outer epidermis, this low friction reduces further adhesive wear. Both skin effects, the friction reduction and abrasion resistance outperform even steel. A possible explanation for these properties is an increased glycosylation of the -keratins. In this study, the friction and the micro-structure of the epidermis as well as the -keratin coding DNA and the glycosylation of the - keratin proteins of the sandfish was investigated in comparison to other sauropsidean species. Glycan based friction reduction could be verified by force-distance measurements via atomic force microscopy: proteins were deglycosylated and the glycans covalently bound on a glass surface by silanisation. Both surfaces showed low adhesion force similar to the untreated skin of the sandfish in comparison to Eumeces schenideri and a glass control.

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1999-2003 University of Applied Sciences Heilbronn, Process and Environmental Technology (Diploma 2003).2003-2009 Ludwig-Maximilian-University München, Biology (Diploma 2009). 2009-2012 RWTH Aachen University, Biomimetics (Ph.D. 2012).

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