Adhesive Materials Inspired by Barnacle Underwater Adhesion: Biological Principles and Biomimetic Designs

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Adhesion Science
• Marine Biology

Background:

• Wet adhesion is crucial for biomedical applications but challenging to master.
• Aquatic organisms like barnacles exhibit superior underwater adhesion.
• Barnacle cement serves as a model for biomimetic adhesive materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review barnacle cement-inspired adhesive materials (BCIAMs).
• To introduce natural barnacle underwater adhesion principles.
• To classify BCIAMs based on design strategies and summarize research.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review.
• Analysis of natural barnacle cement's adhesion principles.
• Classification of BCIAMs into three categories based on design strategies.

Main Results:

• Overview of natural barnacle underwater adhesion mechanisms.
• Detailed summary of research advances in BCIAMs across three categories.
• Identification of research challenges and future trends in the field.

Conclusions:

• This review provides a comprehensive understanding of BCIAMs.
• It can enhance knowledge of barnacle adhesion mechanisms.
• It aims to accelerate the development of barnacle-inspired wet adhesion technology.