Da Wan Kim†, Sangyul Baik†, Hyeongho Min, Sungwoo Chun, Heon Joon Lee, Ki Hyun Kim, Jun Young Lee, and Changhyun Pang*

A team of scientists from Sungkyunkwan University have designed adhesives based on the mechanism underlying the unique multiscale architecture of tree frog toepads for effective omnidirectional adhesion against rough surfaces in various wet conditions.

To further enhance the adhesion capability of the skin patch on wet surfaces, they then incorporated a suction effect yielded by convex cups, inspired by the protuberance structures within octopus suckers.

Several analyses later, what they had was a novel, reversible adhesive skin patch with high air permeability and water drainage. The adhesive patches were then spray coated with reduced graphene oxide nanoplatelets to be used as flexible electrodes for biosignal monitoring without delamination against dynamic wet skins.

The authors believe that this this amphibian- and octopus-like adhesive could replace the conventional adhesives used in skin patches and wearable/implantable devices.

“Our results shed light on the development of in vitro and in vivo integrated medical devices for inner and outer organ applications.” they conclude.

See the article:https://www.advancedsciencenews.com/the-natural-solution-to-a-sticky-problem-wearable-skin-patches/