Dr. Anthony Brennan, Sharklet

Dr. Anthony Brennan, Sharklet

Courtesy of University of Florida

Credential Overview:
Dr. Brennan received his Ph.D at the Virginal Polytechnic Institute and State University. He is now a professor of Material Science and Biomedical Engineering at the University of Florida. After his groundbreaking discover he is now also the Director of Sharklet Technologies.

Contributions:
Dr. Brennan was working for Pearl Harbor and was tasked with finding a way to slow or stop fouling of boat bottoms. When boats sit in the water for any period of time algal growth begins and causes a variety of problems for the ship. The biggest problem with fouling is that the fuel efficiency of the ship is greatly reduced. Dr. Brennan noticed that sharks do not get any fouling on them and observed their skin. The skin of a shark has a nano pattern on it that discourages cell growth due to the shape of the pattern. It is quite difficult for cells to latch onto the surface. Dr. Brennan mimicked this pattern and has developed a germ proof material know as sharklet.

So what?

Courtesy of Medagaget

Sharklet is a revolutionary material in many ways. Not only for its original purpose of preventing fouling of ships but also for the medical industry. Sharkelt has been installed on hospital doors and other hand contact surfaces. The spread of germs will greatly decrease with the use of this material. Anti-bacterial soap is very damaging to the skin and the microbial sphere of the person. This soap will be used less as Sharklet is used more and more. The constant battle of hospital sterilization has taken a huge step forward with the development of this material.