Synthetic setae emulate the setae found on the toes of a gecko and scientific research in this area is driven towards the development of dry adhesives. Geckos have no difficulty mastering vertical walls and are apparently capable of adhering themselves to just about any surface. The five-toed feet of a gecko are covered with elastic hairs called setae and the ends of these hairs are split into nanoscale structures called spatulae. The sheer abundance and proximity to the surface of these spatulae make it sufficient for van der Waals forces alone to provide the required adhesive strength. Following the discovery of the gecko's adhesion mechanism in 2002, which is based on van der Waals forces, biomimetic adhesives have become the topic of a major research effort. These developments are poised to yield families of novel adhesive materials with superior properties which are likely to find uses in industries ranging from defense and nanotechnology to healthcare and sport.
Stickybot, a climbing robot using synthetic setae
Close view of a gecko's foot
Micro and nano view of gecko's toe
Attach and detach procedure of gecko's foot
In biology, setae are any of a number of different bristle- or hair-like structures on living organisms.
Setae on the foreleg of a mayfly
Close-up of the underside of a gecko's foot as it walks on vertical glass
Common house geckos mating on a vertical glass window and showing lamellae under the feet
Pointed setae protruding into the fertile surface tubes of the bracket fungus Phellinus gilvus. Click on image