Scientific Reports (Sep 2020)

A protein-coated micro-sucker patch inspired by octopus for adhesion in wet conditions

  • Gabriella Meloni,
  • Omar Tricinci,
  • Andrea Degl’Innocenti,
  • Barbara Mazzolai

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-72493-7
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 10, no. 1
pp. 1 – 7

Abstract

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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.