Scanning electron micrograph of a leaf of the cape sundew, Drosera capensis. The picture shows a leaf that has captured a small fly, 3mm long. The fly has been trapped by sticky mucilage produced by stalked glands on the leaf (pink). Following the capture, the leaf rolls up to enclose its prey, then digests it using secreted enzymes. In this way it obtains nutrients such as nitrogen that are unavailable from its watery environment. Analysis of the mucilage has shown it contains nanoparticles of diameter 50-70nm, that form fine fibres as the mucilage dries. These account for the very high elasticity of the mucilage, and also for its strength as an adhesive. A dried layer of the mucilage is also able to bind living cells strongly without harmful effect; this suggests a possible medical use for the material to enhance wound healing and as a coating for prosthetics and tissue engineering.