A protein-coated micro-sucker patch inspired by octopus for adhesion in wet conditions

Sci Rep. 2020 Sep 23;10(1):15480. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-72493-7.

Abstract

In medical robotics, micromanipulation becomes particularly challenging in the presence of blood and secretions. Nature offers many examples of adhesion strategies, which can be divided into two macro-categories: morphological adjustments and chemical adaptations. This paper analyzes how two successful specializations from different marine animals can converge into a single biomedical device usable in moist environments. Taking inspiration from the morphology of the octopus sucker and the chemistry of mussel secretions, we developed a protein-coated octopus-inspired micro-sucker device that retains in moist conditions about half of the adhesion it shows in dry environments. From a robotic perspective, this study emphasizes the advantages of taking inspiration from specialized natural solutions to optimize standard robotic designs.

Publication types

  • Video-Audio Media

MeSH terms

  • Adhesiveness
  • Animals
  • Biomimetic Materials
  • Micromanipulation* / instrumentation
  • Micromanipulation* / methods
  • Mytilus edulis
  • Octopodiformes* / anatomy & histology
  • Robotics* / instrumentation
  • Robotics* / methods
  • Water

Substances

  • Water