A protein-coated micro-sucker patch inspired by octopus for adhesion in wet conditions
Meloni, G.; Tricinci, O.; Degl’Innocenti, A.; Mazzolai, B. (2020). A protein-coated micro-sucker patch inspired by octopus for adhesion in wet conditions. NPG Scientific Reports 10(1): 7 pp. https://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-72493-7
In: Scientific Reports (Nature Publishing Group). Nature Publishing Group: London. ISSN 2045-2322; e-ISSN 2045-2322, more
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| Authors | | Top |
- Meloni, G.
- Tricinci, O.
- Degl’Innocenti, A.
- Mazzolai, B.
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| 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. |
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