Study Shows Proteins and Lipid Molecules Are Found on Gecko Feet, Giving It Sticky Layer

For the first time, scientists can see the surface lipid and protein molecules of the microscopic frameworks that give geckos their grip.

The new images, produced by a particle accelerator-powered synchrotron microscope, paved the way for improved biomimicry, and offered an intriguing window into evolutionary biology.

Gecko's Setae

(Photo : CHAIDEER MAHYUDDIN/AFP via Getty Images)

These structures, known as setae, are covered in an ultra-thin film of water-repelling lipid molecules that is only one nanometer, or a billionth of a meter, thick, according to recent research, as cited by ScienceDaily.

The setae's surface was examined by National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) researchers using high-energy X-rays produced by a synchrotron, a particular kind of particle accelerator.

The synchrotron microscope revealed that the lipid molecules are arranged in dense, systematic arrays on the surface of the setae.

Due to their hydrophobic properties, which cause them to repel water, lipids can participate in this process.

Tobias Weidner, a physicist at Aarhus University in Denmark and co-author of the study, hypothesized that the lipids might serve to push any water from beneath the spatulae and allow people to make closer contact with the surface.

This would aid geckos in keeping their hold on slippery surfaces.

A keratin protein resembling that in human hair, as well as fingernails, makes up the setae and spatulae. They are incredibly fragile.

The keratin fibers are connected in the direction of the setae, according to the research, which may increase their resistance to abrasion.

Several products, including adhesive tapes with setae-like microstructures, have been influenced by geckos.

Understanding the genetic characteristics of setae may help designers who use the biomimicry strategy, which takes design cues from nature, create even better creations.

Due to their flexibility and ability to take on the microscopic contours of any surface the gecko is climbing, setae act as adhesives.

The setae's spatulae, which are even smaller structures, come into such direct contact with the climbing surface that van der Waals forces, a type of attraction, are generated as a result of the interaction between the electrons in the two materials.

The gecko alters the angle of the setae to release its foot, which might otherwise remain stuck.

This breaks up the forces acting on the foot and enables the animal to move on to the next step.

Also Read: Researchers Find Secret behind Gecko's Clinging Ability

Geckos' Van der Waals forces

Geckos' ability to adhere to walls has long been a mystery to science. Van der Waals forces, which act over incredibly short distances, are the solution, as per science.org.

Scientists are already attempting to use their discovery to create robots that can climb walls, and create materials that adhere to dry surfaces.

This force results from fluctuations in the charge distributions of nearby molecules, which do not necessarily have to be polar; these fluctuations naturally synchronize to produce a force of attraction.

According to the team's report in the online problem of the Journal proceedings of The National of Sciences, the lizards' feet were evenly sticky on both surfaces, demonstrating the existence of van der Waals forces.

A gecko foot sticks, but yours doesn't because it is covered in lots of tiny hair.

Related Article: For Geckos, Going Downhill Requires a Reverse Effort