Gecko Tape
Posted on June 19, 2006 Comments (2)
Sticking Around with Gecko Tape:
The tape is a simple version of the adhesive on a gecko’s feet. The soles of the lizard’s feet are covered with millions of tiny little hairs, too small to see with the naked eye. The molecules in these hairs snuggle up to the molecules of any surface the gecko walks on. The molecules are attracted to each other, forming a temporary bond that keeps the gecko firmly in place.
Also see, Caught on tape: Gecko-inspired adhesive is superstrong, for more details.
Photo: An array of tiny plastic pegs mimics the microscopic structure of a gecko’s sticky sole.
2 Responses to “Gecko Tape”
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April 25th, 2008 @ 6:31 pm
“Layered over this landscape is a thin coating of glue that helps the bandage stick in wet environments, such as to heart, bladder or lung tissue. And because the bandage is biodegradable, it dissolves over time and does not have to be removed…”
January 24th, 2010 @ 10:45 am
Geckos are wonderful creatures but is it right to say it’s an adhesive on their feet? I have them in my house in Indonesia and the geckos leave no trace on my home’s walls suggesting it is purely a suction effect rather than due to some sort of adhesive.