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Adhesion

Adhesion

Adhesion occurs when one type of molecule is attracted to a different molecule. Water exhibits adhesive properties in the presence of polar surfaces, such as glass or cellulose in plants. For instance, when water is poured into a glass, the positively charged hydrogen molecules of water are more attracted to the negatively charged oxygen molecules in the silica than to the oxygen in neighboring water molecules.
Capillary action is a result of water’s adhesive tendencies. When a narrow glass...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 31, 2026

Control of Cell Adhesion using Hydrogel Patterning Techniques for Applications in Traction Force Microscopy

Control of Cell Adhesion using Hydrogel Patterning Techniques for Applications in Traction Force Microscopy

Published on: January 29, 2022

Gecko adhesion pad: a smart surface?

Noshir S Pesika¹, Hongbo Zeng, Kai Kristiansen

¹Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering Department, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.

Journal of Physics. Condensed Matter : an Institute of Physics Journal

|July 1, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Humidity enhances gecko adhesion by altering surface properties, but this effect diminishes in water. Gecko feet exhibit load-controlled friction, not adhesion-controlled, demonstrating environmental adaptation for stability.

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Area of Science:

Biomimetics
Adhesion Science
Surface Chemistry

Background:

Gecko feet utilize spatulae for adhesion via van der Waals forces.
Humidity's role in enhancing gecko adhesion is known but mechanistically unclear.
Surface protein conformation changes may influence hydrophilic-lyophilic balance (HLB).

Purpose of the Study:

To investigate the mechanism of humidity-enhanced gecko adhesion.
To quantify adhesion and friction forces under varying humidity conditions.
To understand the environmental adaptability of gecko adhesive systems.

Main Methods:

Utilized a surface force apparatus (SFA) for precise measurements.
Tested gecko setal arrays under dry, 100% humidity, and water-immersed conditions.
Quantified adhesion and friction forces during shear.

Main Results:

Adhesion increased significantly in 100% humidity but decreased in water.
Friction forces remained constant across all tested conditions.
Results indicate load-controlled friction, independent of adhesion variations.

Conclusions:

Gecko adhesive pads adapt to environmental humidity to maximize adhesion.
Friction is primarily load-controlled, ensuring stability.
Findings inform the design of 'smart' synthetic adhesives inspired by gecko systems.