The miraculous nature has bestowed humanity with an abundance of inspiration, providing us with more avenues to explore the wonderful world. For instance, humans invented radar inspired by the echolocation of bats, discovered an improved method for pain - free syringes from the serrated mouthparts of mosquitoes, and enhanced the vibration of helicopters by imitating the wing nodes of dragonflies. There are also classic innovations in the adhesive industry similar to bionics. Adhesive engineers have drawn inspiration from the structures and functions of plants and animals in nature, conducting research and exploration on related bionic adhesive materials.
1. Research and Reflection from Gecko's Toe - Wall Grip to Reversible Bonding Geckos' toes can adhere to various substrates.
         They can even crawl rapidly on smooth glass surfaces while maintaining efficient, reversible, and self - cleaning adhesive properties. Through research on the macroscopic, mesoscopic, microscopic, and nanoscopic structures of geckos' toes, it has been found that there are more than 500,000 setae at the tip of each toe, and each seta has hundreds of thousands of fine setae attached. The van der Waals forces formed between the multi - scale micro - nano structures of these setae and the substrate surface are the key factors enabling geckos to crawl on walls. The different densities of fine setae in different parts are the main reasons for preventing or releasing the adhesion between adjacent setae, and this adhesion is not affected by the environment or the substrate. Meanwhile, research on animals such as beetles, spiders, and mosquitoes has verified this conclusion. According to the principle of van der Waals forces, the adhesive force is only related to the size and shape of the tip of the setae, not to the surface chemical properties. This discovery has pointed the way for research on achieving reversible bonding with glue, awaiting breakthroughs and innovations from adhesive engineers.
2. The Boston Ivy: A Master of Bonding in the Plant Kingdom
          The vine stems of the Boston ivy can grow and crawl up to dozens of meters high. Despite wind and rain, its adhesive force is remarkable. Scientists have discovered that the suction cups of the Boston ivy can secrete an adhesive compound - acidic mucopolysaccharide. When it combines with the substrate, a chemical bond occurs, enabling the suction cups to adhere to the substrate surface. Currently, the utilization value of this research result has not been fully demonstrated. We look forward to the joint efforts of scientists and engineers to innovate more valuable adhesive products for a better life.
3. Research and Reflection on Permanent Bonding of Marine Organisms such as Oysters and Barnacles
           The secreted proteins of marine organisms such as oysters, barnacles, and mussels can permanently adhere to the bottom of ships and stones. They have strong water - resistance and weather - resistance, and are non - toxic and environmentally friendly. Scientists have found that these secretions contain different amounts of DOPA (L - 3,4 - dihydroxyphenylalanine). In DOPA, there are catechol groups and lysine, which have high chemical activity. They can form reversible non - covalent interactions on both dense and non - dense surfaces of metals, stones, wood, plastics, etc. When the pH increases, the non - covalent bonds weaken, and irreversible covalent bonds are formed, thus achieving the function of permanent bonding on any surface. Currently, the adhesive protein extracted from marine organisms can achieve a controllable bonding process under acid - base changes and has been commercially applied. This principle is also inspiring engineers on how to find new adhesive materials. In conclusion, the miraculous living organisms hold numerous mysteries waiting to be explored. We anticipate that the principles derived from these mysteries will inspire us to innovate healthier and more efficient adhesive products.