Interaction between honeybee mandibles and propolis

Abstract

In a biomimetic top-down process, challenging the problem of resin deposition on woodworking machine tools, an adequate biological model was sought, which hypothetically could have developed evolutionary anti-adhesive strategies. The honeybee (Apis mellifera) was identified as an analogue model since it collects and processes propolis, which largely consists of collected tree resin. Propolis is a sticky substance used by bees to seal their hive and protect the colony against pathogens. In spite of its stickiness, honeybees are able to handle and manipulate propolis with their mandibles. We wanted to know if beneficial anti-adhesive properties of bee mandibles reduce propolis adhesion. The anatomy of bee mandibles was studied in a (cryo-)scanning electron microscope. Adhesion experiments were performed with propolis on bee mandibles to find out if bee mandibles have anti-adhesive properties that enable bees to handle the sticky material. A scale-like pattern was found on the inside of the mandible. Fresh mandibles were covered with a seemingly fluid substance that was at least partially removed during the washing process. Propolis adhesion on bee mandibles was measured to be 1 J/m2 and was indeed significantly lower compared to five technical materials. Propolis adhesion was higher on mandibles that were washed compared to fresh, unwashed mandibles. Results indicate that the medial surface of the mandible is covered with a fluid substance that reduces propolis adhesion. First results suggested that the surface pattern does do not have a direct effect on propolis adhesion.

Anti-Adhesive Surfaces Inspired by Bee Mandible Surfaces

“…The mandibles of honeybees (Apis mellifera) were prepared and examined following the procedure outlined in Saccardi et al [15]. They were initially cleaned with a solution of chloroform and water and then examined using a scanning electron microscope (SEM) (Hitachi S-4800, Hitachi High-Technologies Corp., Tokyo, Japan) with a 3 kV accelerating voltage.…”

“…There is vast literature on Hymenoptera-mandibles [12][13][14]. However, a detailed anatomical investigation of honeybee mandibles, which frequently come into contact with sticky propolis and plant resins, was only recently conducted [15].…”

“…There is an elevated ledge adjacent to the hairy edge, forming a channel between the central ridge and the ledge, extending from the stem to the apex. On the other side of the central ridge, a flat area extends to the sharp edge [15].…”

Applications of Romanian Propolis in Phyto-Inhibitory Activity and Antimicrobial Protection: A Comparative Study

“…The products obtained from bees, besides honey, are propolis, pollen, royal jelly, and beeswax [2]. Propolis is a natural aromatic, resinous substance produced by bees to cover the cracks in the inner walls of the hive and other living things that enter it [3]. It has bactericidal therapeutic properties [4], antiviral [5], antifungal [6], anti-inflammatory, anesthetic, analgesic, regenerative, and antitoxic [7], among other biological activities.…”

Biomimetics on the micro- and nanoscale – The 25th anniversary of the lotus effect

“…In “Interaction between honeybee mandibles and propolis”, Saccardi et al [ 12 ] report on the honeybee propolis, a substance used by bees to seal their hive and protect the colony against pathogens. Since propolis is quite a sticky substance, the authors analysed whether the mandibles of the bees show specific anti-adhesive properties, enabling them to manipulate the propolis.…”