Strongly Adhesive Gecko Feet

Function

Gecko feet have fine hairs that are invisible to the naked eye. At the end of each hair is a 0.2-0.5μ protrusion. Each of these protrusions strongly adheres to surfaces using the “van der Waals force.” However, the geckos’ hair is arranged such that their feet can be removed without using much force, meaning they are not sticky like glue.

Functional Classification

Defense/Stability:
AbsorptionAdhesion

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

Nature. 2000;(405):681-685.

Technical Application

This carbon nanotube has been used to develop tape that has similar adhesive properties as the gecko.

Products and Services

  • Tape using carbon nanotubes (Nitto Denko Corporation/Osaka University).

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

Gecko feet anatomy can be used in the development of suction cups that can be used on concrete, stone, or wood walls. It can also be used in the development of suction pads for disaster rescue from rocky areas or buildings, or for use in construction sites.

Proposals of Applied Industry

Related Life Style