Gecko’s Superpower

Are you a fan of superhero movies? You may have noticed that many of the heroes’ superpowers are based on an animal’s abilities, such as Spider-Man’s super-sticky wed. Have you ever wondered how a gecko can defy gravity and stay on walls without falling down? A gecko’s feet contain thousands of nanostructure fiber strands called “setae” that form a tight contact to walls and ceilings. Therefore, a gecko can walk on any surface as if its feet are attached to invisible suction cups. Furthermore, setae can provide an incredibly strong adhesive power. It is estimated that a gecko can stay on a wall and hold as much as a 130 kg mass or roughly 20,000 times its body weight. With this knowledge, scientist in the U.S. have created a biodegradable, setae like nanostructure bandage that could be used to replace suturing, especially on the slippery surfaces of internal organs. Replacing sutures with bandages will allow for a minimally invasive surgery that could potentially save lives. Therefore, the gecko’s sticky feet can be viewed as a superpower in the world of medicine. Maybe you are not seeing a movie a new superhero about Gecko Man but you should get it of super-sticking power in coming soon.