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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...

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

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Published on: January 29, 2022

Harnessing Biomimicry for Controlled Adhesion on Material Surfaces.

Weijun Li^1,2, Ruini Zhou², Yirui Ouyang³

¹School of Materials Science and Engineering, Xiamen University of Technology, Xiamen, 361024, China.

Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)

|July 20, 2024

Summary

Nature inspires novel adhesive materials by studying biological attachments. Challenges remain in replicating these natural adhesion mechanisms for engineered biomimetic materials.

Keywords:

adhesives bioinspired controlled adhesions micro/nanostructures

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Last Updated: Jun 20, 2025

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

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Published on: January 29, 2022

Dendrimer-based Uneven Nanopatterns to Locally Control Surface Adhesiveness: A Method to Direct Chondrogenic Differentiation

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Cell Patterning on Photolithographically Defined Parylene-C: SiO2 Substrates

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Published on: March 7, 2014

Area of Science:

Biomaterials Science
Adhesion Science
Bio-inspired Engineering

Background:

Nature offers diverse examples of biological adhesion, including geckos, tree frogs, octopuses, and mussels.
Despite extensive research, replicating natural adhesion mechanisms in synthetic materials remains challenging.
Understanding the link between biological structure, function, and adhesion is key to biomimicry.

Purpose of the Study:

To provide an overview of natural adhesive organs, structures, and secretions.
To explore the relationship between morphology and function in biological adhesion.
To highlight the potential of biomimicry for advancing adhesive material innovation.

Main Methods:

Summarizing design principles and adhesion mechanisms in nature, considering structural and size constraints.
Analyzing the morphology-function relationship in biological adhesive systems.
Reviewing applications of engineered and bio-inspired adhesives.

Main Results:

Biological adhesion relies on intricate relationships between morphology and function, offering design principles for biomimicry.
Engineered and bio-inspired adhesives show promise in various practical applications.
Nature's strategies provide a roadmap for developing next-generation adhesive materials.

Conclusions:

Biomimetic strategies derived from nature can overcome current limitations in adhesive material development.
Further research into biological adhesion mechanisms will drive innovation in engineered materials.
Harnessing biological materials and biomimetic approaches presents significant opportunities for adhesive technology advancement.