Latonio 2BIO5 23

Title: Biomimicry and Gecko Feet

Thesis Statement: Using biomimicry and the understanding of forces of attraction, it may be
possible for humans to adhere to surfaces and scale walls like that of the
geckos
ability.
I. Introduction
A. Definition of biomimicry
II. Body
A. Biomimicrys use in the sciences
B. Concept behind geckos feet
C. Probable applications of this ability
III. Conclusion
IV. References

I. Introduction
Biomimicry or biomimetics is the imitation of systems and elements that are commonly
found in nature for the purpose of aiding in the solution of human problems. The word came
from the Greek bios, meaning life and mimesis, meaning to imitate. People expressed interest
in the ability of some animals to seemingly stick to walls and other surfaces, particularly the
gecko (Tagalog: tuko). This led to the idea that someday, we may also be able to have that
ability through studying, understanding, and applying further the concept behind the geckos
sticking ability.

II. Body
Biomimicry was used for ages to aid solving simple to complex problems humans have.
One of the famous inventions that was inspired by nature is the Velcro. Invented by George
de Mestral, while hiking with his dog, he saw that some burrs would stick to his dog and to
his trousers. He was inspired by this and thought of the many applications it would have on
clothes and other things, functioning as a fastener. This is very convenient now as it is easier
than tying knots and a lot faster. There is also the harnessing of solar energy originally from
green plants but is now being done by humans using solar panels to power their houses.
Geckos are reptiles with the unique ability to adhere to many surfaces. They also have
special secretory glands that allow maximum adherence to a surface. Setae, or the fine hair,
on their feet gives them this ability. Like molecules, the setae function as points of attraction.
In chemistry, this is commonly known as the intermolecular forces of attraction. Humans can
also exhibit attraction or adherence to surfaces, but because the microscopic surface of the
upper epithelia is rather bumpy, there is a lack of surface area for the attraction to take place
on.
Geckos feet, like some group of molecules, utilize van der Waals forcesand not suction
cups nor sticky liquids which was further proven by the advancement of the sciences. As one
can recall from chemistry, van der Waals is the weakest force amongst the three main IMFA,
which may lead to the questioning of how is it that molecular forces of attraction can account
for an animals ability to adhere, an animal which, in this case, is of macro size. Since there
are approximately 14, 000 setae per foot, the resulting combined net van der Waals force is
strong enough to hold the animal into place. A specific, simple movement may dislodge the
animal form place. This allows for the moving from one place to another. According to
scientists, in the near future, after a lot of studying and experimenting, we may also
accomplish this feat.

III. Conclusion
People have turned to nature for solutions for some complex problems since olden times.
From harnessing solar energy to Velcro. The application of biomimicry and the
understanding of the concept leads to the reconstruction of what nature has to offer into a
usable state for humans. Geckos has since marveled humans with their ability to run on
vertical trees and scale branches upside down. The advancement of science has led to the
discovery that van der Waals forces and not suction cups nor sticky liquids allow this. The
numerous setae allow for enough surface area for the van der Waals forces points of
attraction, and the net force allowing the animal to stay in place. Through further
understanding this ability and through rigid experimentation and studying, it may not be far
from now that humans, too, can climb walls and run across the ceiling like what Spiderman
does.


















IV. References
About us: History". Velcro.us. Retrieved from http://www.velcro.com/About-
Us/History.aspx#.Ut5nRRCwrIU
Hansen, W. R.; Autumn, K. (2005). "Evidence for self-cleaning in gecko setae". PNAS
102 (2): 385389
Hsu, P. Y. , Ge, L., Li, X., Stark, A. Y. Wesdemiotis, C.; Niewiarowski, P. H.;
Dhinojwala,
(24 August 2011). "Direct evidence of phospholipids in gecko footprints and
spatula-substrate contact interface detected using surface-sensitive spectroscopy".
Journal of the Royal Society Interface 9 (69): 657664.
McCarty, M. (2009). "Life of bionics founder a fine adventure". Dayton Daily News.
Reading University: What is Biomimetics? Retrieved from
http://www.reading.ac.uk/biomimetics/about.htm