Adhesives and Gecko Feet

Filed in archive Medical on May 14, 2008

Have you ever tried to use tape on a wet surface? It doesn't stick, does it? Scientists are finding so many incredible discoveries in nature. Researchers at MIT may be on the verge of discovering something never novel - a waterproof adhesive bandage that may close surgical wounds. They are getting their inspiration by looking at how geckos use their sticky feet to climb walls and even hang upside down. The adhesive is being designed using nanotechnology to build pillars and a sticky glue-like substance.

Geckos have very sticky feet, but they can also lift their feet very easily. This new adhesive is being designed to be more permanent. Can you imagine using a bandage that has an adhesive that will stick to any type of wet surface?

Isn't this great? Scientists are using nanotechnology to create a new type of adhesive. Over the last decade, we've seen new bandages and glues used to close wounds. Soldiers on the battlefield now have access to revolutionary wound closure systems. To read more about this new adhesive technology, visit the MIT news office.

Photo: David Clements, via Wikimedia
Source: MIT news

Have you ever tried to use tape on a wet surface? It doesn't stick, does it? Scientists are finding so many incredible discoveries in nature. Researchers at MIT may be on the verge of discovering something never novel - a waterproof adhesive bandage that may close surgical wounds. They are getting their inspiration by looking at how geckos use their sticky feet to climb walls and even hang upside down. The adhesive is being designed using nanotechnology to build pillars and a sticky glue-like substance.

Geckos have very sticky feet, but they can also lift their feet very easily. This new adhesive is being designed to be more permanent. Can you imagine using a bandage that has an adhesive that will stick to any type of wet surface?

Isn't this great? Scientists are using nanotechnology to create a new type of adhesive. Over the last decade, we've seen new bandages and glues used to close wounds. Soldiers on the battlefield now have access to revolutionary wound closure systems. To read more about this new adhesive technology, visit the MIT news office.

Photo: David Clements, via Wikimedia
Source: MIT news