Scientists from Korea Institute of Science and Technology and Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology in South Korea have developed a new adhesive inspired from the suction cups on octopus tentacles. The researchers were investigating a way to make the process of transfer printing nano- and microribbons of inorganic semiconductor materials onto polymer sheets easier and developed adhesive pads by studying the way in which octopi use muscles to adjust the pressure of suction in the cups on their tentacles. By creating polydimethylsiloxane “suckers” and applying heat to mimic muscle contractions, the scientists were able to adhere whole sheets to the material. The researchers believe the new adhesive will have bio-medical applications to adhere bandages or sensors to skin at body temperature and removed with cold water.
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