On its feet, the gecko has many microscopic hairs, or setae (singular seta), arranged into lamellae that increase the Van der Waals forces - the distance-dependent attraction between atoms or molecules - between its feet and the surface.

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.

We have undertaken a study of the structural and material properties of gecko setae in order to better understand the relationship between these properties and their role in reversible adhesion. Reptilian setae, small bristles often mistakenly referred to as hairs, exist in two types.

In this paper, the structures, fabrication methods, and applications of gecko-inspired controllable adhesives are summarized for future reference in adhesive development. Firstly, the controllable adhesion mechanism of geckos is introduced.

1 day ago · Adhesion is only half the story. Geckos also need to be able to detach their feet quickly and easily to move. This is achieved by changing the angle of the setae. When the setae are angled in one direction, they adhere strongly to the surface. When the angle is changed, the van der Waals forces are disrupted, and the spatula can detach.

We provide the first direct experimental evidence for dry adhesion of gecko setae by van der Waals forces, and reject the use of mechanisms relying on high surface polarity, including capillary adhesion.

1 day ago · The secret lies in the unique structure of their toe pads, which are covered in millions of tiny, hair-like structures called setae. These setae interact with surfaces through van der Waals forces, weak intermolecular attractions that, when multiplied across millions of setae, provide enough adhesion to overcome gravity. Geckos don’t merely ...

2 days ago · The Science Behind the Stickiness: Setae, Spatulae, and Van der Waals Setae: Nature’s Tiny Bristles. The gecko’s secret weapon lies in the intricate structure of its toe pads. These pads are covered in ridges, from which sprout setae. Each seta is incredibly tiny, measuring only about 100 micrometers long – smaller than the width of a ...

We provide the first direct experimental evidence for dry adhesion of gecko setae by van der Waals forces, and reject the use of mechanisms relying on high surface polarity, including capillary adhesion.

In 2003, Andre Geim and fellow researchers at the University of Manchester succeeded in creating a synthetic material that mimics gecko feet called gecko tape. While composed of a different material, gecko tape has a similar structure to the toepads of the lizards.