Actin‐templated Structures: Nature's Way to Hierarchical Surface Patterns (Gecko's Setae as Case Study)
Jennifer Y. Kasper, Matthias W. Laschke, Marcus Koch, Lorenzo Alibardi, Thomas Magin, Carien M. Niessen, Aránzazu del Campo- General Physics and Astronomy
- General Engineering
- Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (miscellaneous)
- General Materials Science
- General Chemical Engineering
- Medicine (miscellaneous)
Abstract
The hierarchical design of the toe pad surface in geckos and its reversible adhesiveness have inspired material scientists for many years. Micro‐ and nano‐patterned surfaces with impressive adhesive performance have been developed to mimic gecko's properties. While the adhesive performance achieved in some examples has surpassed living counterparts, the durability of the fabricated surfaces is limited and the capability to self‐renew and restore function—inherent to biological systems—is unimaginable. Here the morphogenesis of gecko setae using skin samples from the Bibron