Dynamic biological adhesion: mechanisms for controlling attachment during locomotion
File(s)
Accepted version
Author(s)
Federle, Walter
Labonte, David
Type
Journal Article
Abstract
The rapid control of surface attachment is a key feature of natural adhesive systems used for locomotion, and a property highly desirable for man-made adhesives. Here, we describe the challenges of adhesion control and the timescales involved across diverse biological attachment systems and different adhesive mechanisms. The most widespread control principle for dynamic surface attachment in climbing animals is that adhesion is 'shearsensitive' (directional): pulling adhesive pads towards the body results in strong attachment, whereas pushing them away from it leads to easy detachment, providing a rapid mechanical `switch'. Shear-sensitivity is based on changes of contact area and adhesive strength, which in turn arise from non-adhesive default positions, the mechanics of peeling, pad sliding, and the targeted storage and controlled release of elastic strain energy. The control of adhesion via shear forces is deeply integrated with the climbing animals' anatomy and locomotion, and involves both active neuromuscular control, and rapid passive responses of sophisticated mechanical systems. The resulting dynamic adhesive systems are robust, reliable, versatile and nevertheless remarkably simple.
Date Issued
2019-10
Date Acceptance
2019-07-23
Citation
Philosophical Transactions B: Biological Sciences, 2019, 374 (1784)
ISSN
0962-8436
Publisher
Royal Society, The
Journal / Book Title
Philosophical Transactions B: Biological Sciences
Volume
374
Issue
1784
Copyright Statement
© 2019 The Author(s). Published by the Royal Society. All rights reserved.
Sponsor
Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council (BBSRC)
Grant Number
BB/R017360/1
Subjects
06 Biological Sciences
11 Medical and Health Sciences
Evolutionary Biology
Publication Status
Published
Article Number
ARTN 20190199
Date Publish Online
2019-09-09