Wild Burdock Burrs Stick Easily to Animals

Function

Wild burdock burrs have numerous hook-shaped spikes on each burr, which allow them to latch onto animal fur and people’s clothing. As the burrs travel, they disperse their seeds over long distances.

Functional Classification

Defense/Stability:
AdhesionAttachment

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

Ishida H, Sensho D. 2009. Shizen ni manabu suina tekunoroji: Naze katatsumuri wa yogorenai no ka (“Cool Technology that Learns from Nature: Why Don’t Snails Get Dirty?”).

Technical Application

The Burr’s structure has been used in the development of hook-and-loop fasteners that can be removed with one touch.

Products and Services

  • “MAGICTAPE™” cloth fasteners that can be removed with one touch (Kuraray).

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

Proposals of Applied Industry

Related Life Style