New adhesive modelled on octopus suckers able to change shape and attach to objects underwater – its uses range from healthcare to robotics
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A new adhesive – based on the strong suction power of octopus tentacles – has been developed by scientists in a recent study published in Advance Science. Wet and underwater environments are some of the most difficult for adhesives to successful work in, especially on curved and rough surfaces. But the adhesive has been modelled on the exposed disc-like segment of octopus tentacles – known as the infundibulum – meaning it possesses the same elastic, curved stalk that can change shape and adhere to multiple surfaces.
In studies conducted underwater, this newly-designed adhesive was able to stick to lightweight shells, large rocks and gel beads with various curvature and hardness. Over many cycles, the adhesive was easily attached and released on demand. Such properties, scientists hope, will make it a strong contender to be used in fields including healthcare, underwater robotics and even infrastructure repair.
‘The octopus has an extraordinary ability to manipulate a wide range of objects underwater,’ said corresponding author and Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Virginia Tech, Michael D. Bartlett.
With more than 2000 suckers across its eight legs, an octopus can easily seal onto an object, using its muscles to contract and relax the cupped area to add and release pressure, creating a strong adhesive bond that is difficult to escape.
‘Our work is exciting as it takes a significant step towards replicating these characteristics in synthetic adhesives, enabling us to strongly attach and rapidly release from challenging underwater objects.’
Octopus engineering
This isn’t the first time that scientists have taken inspiration from the eight-legged creature. In 2022, a team of researchers led by Bartlett developed a glove – dubbed the ‘Octa-Glove’ – that can grip objects underwater, with a small ‘sucker’ attached to the end of each finger. Using proximity sensors that detect how close an object is to the glove, these suckers were then able to engage to mimic the way in which real octopus muscles would work.
During the study, those using the gloves underwater were able to adhere and lift hard and soft materials, even without closing their hands in a normal grip.
