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Wang Z, Feng Y, Wang B, Yuan J, Zhang B, Song Y, Wu X, Li L, Li W, Dai Z. Device for Measuring Contact Reaction Forces during Animal Adhesion Landing/Takeoff from Leaf-like Compliant Substrates. Biomimetics (Basel) 2024; 9:141. [PMID: 38534826 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics9030141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
A precise measurement of animal behavior and reaction forces from their surroundings can help elucidate the fundamental principle of animal locomotion, such as landing and takeoff. Compared with stiff substrates, compliant substrates, like leaves, readily yield to loads, presenting grand challenges in measuring the reaction forces on the substrates involving compliance. To gain insight into the kinematic mechanisms and structural-functional evolution associated with arboreal animal locomotion, this study introduces an innovative device that facilitates the quantification of the reaction forces on compliant substrates, like leaves. By utilizing the stiffness-damping characteristics of servomotors and the adjustable length of a cantilever structure, the substrate compliance of the device can be accurately controlled. The substrate was further connected to a force sensor and an acceleration sensor. With the cooperation of these sensors, the measured interaction force between the animal and the compliant substrate prevented the effects of inertial force coupling. The device was calibrated under preset conditions, and its force measurement accuracy was validated, with the error between the actual measured and theoretical values being no greater than 10%. Force curves were measured, and frictional adhesion coefficients were calculated from comparative experiments on the landing/takeoff of adherent animals (tree frogs and geckos) on this device. Analysis revealed that the adhesion force limits were significantly lower than previously reported values (0.2~0.4 times those estimated in previous research). This apparatus provides mechanical evidence for elucidating structural-functional relationships exhibited by animals during locomotion and can serve as an experimental platform for optimizing the locomotion of bioinspired robots on compliant substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhouyi Wang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
- Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen 518063, China
| | - Yiping Feng
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Bingcheng Wang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
- Institute of Neuroinformatics, University of Zurich and ETH Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Jiwei Yuan
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Baowen Zhang
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Yi Song
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, 18 Chaowang Road, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xuan Wu
- Robotics Laboratory China Nanhu Academy of Electronics and Information Technology, Jiaxing 314000, China
| | - Lei Li
- Robotics Laboratory China Nanhu Academy of Electronics and Information Technology, Jiaxing 314000, China
| | - Weipeng Li
- Robotics Laboratory China Nanhu Academy of Electronics and Information Technology, Jiaxing 314000, China
| | - Zhendong Dai
- College of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
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Li C, Xu AJ, Beery E, Hsieh ST, Kane SA. Putting a new spin on insect jumping performance using 3D modeling and computer simulations of spotted lanternfly nymphs. J Exp Biol 2023; 226:jeb246340. [PMID: 37668246 PMCID: PMC10565111 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
How animals jump and land on diverse surfaces is ecologically important and relevant to bioinspired robotics. Here, we describe the jumping biomechanics of the planthopper Lycorma delicatula (spotted lanternfly), an invasive insect in the USA that jumps frequently for dispersal, locomotion and predator evasion. High-speed video was used to analyze jumping by spotted lanternfly nymphs from take-off to impact on compliant surfaces. These insects used rapid hindleg extensions to achieve high take-off speeds (2.7-3.4 m s-1) and accelerations (800-1000 m s-2), with mid-air trajectories consistent with ballistic motion without drag forces or steering. Despite rotating rapidly (5-45 Hz) about time-varying axes of rotation, they landed successfully in 58.9% of trials. They also attained the most successful impact orientation significantly more often than predicted by chance, consistent with their using attitude control. Notably, these insects were able to land successfully when impacting surfaces at all angles, pointing to the importance of collisional recovery behaviors. To further understand their rotational dynamics, we created realistic 3D rendered models of spotted lanternflies and used them to compute their mechanical properties during jumping. Computer simulations based on these models and drag torques estimated from fits to tracked data successfully predicted several features of the measured rotational kinematics. This analysis showed that the rotational inertia of spotted lanternfly nymphs is predominantly due to their legs, enabling them to use posture changes as well as drag torque to control their angular velocity, and hence their orientation, thereby facilitating predominately successful landings when jumping.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengpei Li
- Physics and Astronomy Department, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA
| | - Aaron J. Xu
- Physics and Astronomy Department, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA
| | - Eric Beery
- Physics and Astronomy Department, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA
| | - S. Tonia Hsieh
- Department of Biology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA
| | - Suzanne Amador Kane
- Physics and Astronomy Department, Haverford College, Haverford, PA 19041, USA
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3
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Bisconti R, Carere C, Costantini D, Liparoto A, Chiocchio A, Canestrelli D. Evolution of personality and locomotory performance traits during a late Pleistocene island colonization in a tree frog. Curr Zool 2023; 69:631-641. [PMID: 37637312 PMCID: PMC10449429 DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoac062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent empirical and theoretical studies suggest that personality and locomotory performance traits linked to dispersal abilities are crucial components of the dispersal syndromes, and that they can evolve during range expansions and colonization processes. Island colonization is one of the best characterized processes in dispersal biogeography, and its implication in the evolution of phenotypic traits has been investigated over a wide range of temporal scales. However, the effect of island colonization on personality and performance traits of natural populations, and how these traits could drive island colonization, has been little explored. Noteworthy, no studies have addressed these processes in the context of late Pleistocene range expansions. Here, we investigated the contribution of island colonization triggered by postglacial range expansions to intraspecific variation in personality and locomotory performance traits. We compared boldness, exploration, jumping performance, and stickiness abilities in populations from 3 equidistant areas of the Tyrrhenian tree frog Hyla sarda, 2 from the main island (Corsica Island), and 1 from the recently colonized island of Elba. Individuals from Elba were significantly bolder than individuals from Corsica, as they emerged sooner from a shelter (P = 0.028), while individuals from Corsica showed markedly higher jumping and stickiness performance (both P < 0.001), resulting as more performing than those of Elba. We discuss these results in the context of the major microevolutionary processes at play during range expansion, including selection, spatial sorting, founder effects, and their possible interaction with local adaptation processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Bisconti
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science, Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Claudio Carere
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science, Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - David Costantini
- Unité Physiologie Moléculaire et Adaptation (PhyMA), Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, CNRS, CP32, 57 rue Cuvier 75005 Paris, France
| | - Anita Liparoto
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science, Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Andrea Chiocchio
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science, Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy
| | - Daniele Canestrelli
- Department of Ecological and Biological Science, Tuscia University, Largo dell’Università s.n.c., 01100 Viterbo, Italy
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Ortega-Jimenez VM, Jusufi A, Brown CE, Zeng Y, Kumar S, Siddall R, Kim B, Challita EJ, Pavlik Z, Priess M, Umhofer T, Koh JS, Socha JJ, Dudley R, Bhamla MS. Air-to-land transitions: from wingless animals and plant seeds to shuttlecocks and bio-inspired robots. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2023; 18:051001. [PMID: 37552773 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/acdb1c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent observations of wingless animals, including jumping nematodes, springtails, insects, and wingless vertebrates like geckos, snakes, and salamanders, have shown that their adaptations and body morphing are essential for rapid self-righting and controlled landing. These skills can reduce the risk of physical damage during collision, minimize recoil during landing, and allow for a quick escape response to minimize predation risk. The size, mass distribution, and speed of an animal determine its self-righting method, with larger animals depending on the conservation of angular momentum and smaller animals primarily using aerodynamic forces. Many animals falling through the air, from nematodes to salamanders, adopt a skydiving posture while descending. Similarly, plant seeds such as dandelions and samaras are able to turn upright in mid-air using aerodynamic forces and produce high decelerations. These aerial capabilities allow for a wide dispersal range, low-impact collisions, and effective landing and settling. Recently, small robots that can right themselves for controlled landings have been designed based on principles of aerial maneuvering in animals. Further research into the effects of unsteady flows on self-righting and landing in small arthropods, particularly those exhibiting explosive catapulting, could reveal how morphological features, flow dynamics, and physical mechanisms contribute to effective mid-air control. More broadly, studying apterygote (wingless insects) landing could also provide insight into the origin of insect flight. These research efforts have the potential to lead to the bio-inspired design of aerial micro-vehicles, sports projectiles, parachutes, and impulsive robots that can land upright in unsteady flow conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor M Ortega-Jimenez
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, United States of America
| | - Ardian Jusufi
- Soft Kinetic Group, Engineering Sciences Department, Empa Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology, Ueberlandstrasse 129, Dübendorf 8600, Switzerland
- University of Zurich, Institutes for Neuroinformatics and Palaeontology, Winterthurerstrasse 190, Zurich 8057, Switzerland
- Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Christian E Brown
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Science Center 110, Tampa, FL 33620, United States of America
| | - Yu Zeng
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Science Center 110, Tampa, FL 33620, United States of America
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA 94720, United States of America
| | - Sunny Kumar
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States of America
| | - Robert Siddall
- Aerial Robotics Lab, Imperial College of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Baekgyeom Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, Gyeonggi-do 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Elio J Challita
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States of America
| | - Zoe Pavlik
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, United States of America
| | - Meredith Priess
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, United States of America
| | - Thomas Umhofer
- School of Biology and Ecology, University of Maine, Orono, ME 04469, United States of America
| | - Je-Sung Koh
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Ajou University, Gyeonggi-do 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - John J Socha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States of America
| | - Robert Dudley
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of South Florida, 4202 East Fowler Avenue, Science Center 110, Tampa, FL 33620, United States of America
- Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, Balboa, Panama
| | - M Saad Bhamla
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30318, United States of America
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Tan W, Zhang C, Wang R, Fu Y, Chen Q, Yang Y, Wang W, Zhang M, Xi N, Liu L. Uncover rock-climbing fish's secret of balancing tight adhesion and fast sliding for bioinspired robots. Natl Sci Rev 2023; 10:nwad183. [PMID: 37560444 PMCID: PMC10408705 DOI: 10.1093/nsr/nwad183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The underlying principle of the unique dynamic adaptive adhesion capability of a rock-climbing fish (Beaufortia kweichowensis) that can resist a pull-off force of 1000 times its weight while achieving simultaneous fast sliding (7.83 body lengths per second (BL/S)) remains a mystery in the literature. This adhesion-sliding ability has long been sought for underwater robots. However, strong surface adhesion and fast sliding appear to contradict each other due to the need for high surface contact stress. The skillfully balanced mechanism of the tight surface adhesion and fast sliding of the rock-climbing fish is disclosed in this work. The Stefan force (0.1 mN/mm2) generated by micro-setae on pectoral fins and ventral fins leads to a 70 N/m2 adhesion force by conforming the overall body of the fish to a surface to form a sealing chamber. The pull-off force is neutralized simultaneously due to the negative pressure caused by the volumetric change of the chamber. The rock-climbing fish's micro-setae hydrodynamic interaction and sealing suction cup work cohesively to contribute to low friction and high pull-off-force resistance and can therefore slide rapidly while clinging to the surface. Inspired by this unique mechanism, an underwater robot is developed with incorporated structures that mimic the functionality of the rock-climbing fish via a micro-setae array attached to a soft self-adaptive chamber, a setup which demonstrates superiority over conventional structures in terms of balancing tight underwater adhesion and fast sliding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjun Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chuang Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Ruiqian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yuanyuan Fu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Basic Medical College, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Qin Chen
- Chengdu Institute of Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chengdu 610042, China
| | - Yongliang Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Wenxue Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
| | - Mingjun Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Ning Xi
- Emerging Technologies Institute, Department of Industrial and Manufacturing Systems Engineering, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Lianqing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Robotics, Shenyang Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110016, China
- Institutes for Robotics and Intelligent Manufacturing, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenyang 110169, China
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6
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Burack J, Gorb SN, Büscher TH. Attachment Performance of Stick Insects (Phasmatodea) on Plant Leaves with Different Surface Characteristics. INSECTS 2022; 13:insects13100952. [PMID: 36292904 PMCID: PMC9604322 DOI: 10.3390/insects13100952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/16/2022] [Indexed: 05/25/2023]
Abstract
Herbivorous insects and plants exemplify a longstanding antagonistic coevolution, resulting in the development of a variety of adaptations on both sides. Some plant surfaces evolved features that negatively influence the performance of the attachment systems of insects, which adapted accordingly as a response. Stick insects (Phasmatodea) have a well-adapted attachment system with paired claws, pretarsal arolium and tarsal euplantulae. We measured the attachment ability of Medauroidea extradentata with smooth surface on the euplantulae and Sungaya inexpectata with nubby microstructures of the euplantulae on different plant substrates, and their pull-off and traction forces were determined. These species represent the two most common euplantulae microstructures, which are also the main difference between their respective attachment systems. The measurements were performed on selected plant leaves with different properties (smooth, trichome-covered, hydrophilic and covered with crystalline waxes) representing different types among the high diversity of plant surfaces. Wax-crystal-covered substrates with fine roughness revealed the lowest, whereas strongly structured substrates showed the highest attachment ability of the Phasmatodea species studied. Removal of the claws caused lower attachment due to loss of mechanical interlocking. Interestingly, the two species showed significant differences without claws on wax-crystal-covered leaves, where the individuals with nubby euplantulae revealed stronger attachment. Long-lasting effects of the leaves on the attachment ability were briefly investigated, but not confirmed.
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Keeffe R, Blackburn DC. Diversity and function of the fused anuran radioulna. J Anat 2022; 241:1026-1038. [PMID: 35962544 PMCID: PMC9482697 DOI: 10.1111/joa.13737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
In tetrapods, fusion between elements of the appendicular skeleton is thought to facilitate rapid movements during running, flying, and jumping. Although such fusion is widespread, frogs stand out because adults of all living species exhibit fusion of the zeugopod elements (radius and ulna, tibia and fibula), regardless of jumping ability or locomotor mode. To better understand what drives the maintenance of limb bone fusion in frogs, we use finite element modeling methods to assess the functional consequences of fusion in the anuran radioulna, the forearm bone of frogs that is important to both locomotion and mating behavior (amplexus). Using CT scans of museum specimens, measurement tools, and mesh‐editing software, we evaluated how different degrees of fusion between the radius and ulna affect the von Mises stress and bending resistance of the radioulna in three loading scenarios: landing, amplexus, and long‐axis loading conditions. We find that the semi‐fused state observed in the radioulna exhibits less von Mises stress and more resistance to bending than unfused or completely fused models in all three scenarios. Our results suggest that radioulna morphology is optimized to minimize von Mises stress across different loading regimes while also minimizing volume. We contextualize our findings in an evaluation of the diversity of anuran radioulnae, which reveals unique, permanent pronation of the radioulna in frogs and substantial variation in wall thickness. This work provides new insight into the functional consequences of limb bone fusion in anuran evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Keeffe
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - David C Blackburn
- Department of Biology, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA.,Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida, USA
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8
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Essner RL, Pereira REE, Blackburn DC, Singh AL, Stanley EL, Moura MO, Confetti AE, Pie MR. Semicircular canal size constrains vestibular function in miniaturized frogs. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabn1104. [PMID: 35704574 PMCID: PMC9200278 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abn1104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Miniaturization has evolved repeatedly in frogs in the moist leaf litter environments of rainforests worldwide. Miniaturized frogs are among the world's smallest vertebrates and exhibit an array of enigmatic features. One area where miniaturization has predictable consequences is the vestibular system, which acts as a gyroscope, providing sensory information about movement and orientation. We investigated the vestibular system of pumpkin toadlets, Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae), a clade of miniaturized frogs from Brazil. The semicircular canals of miniaturized frogs are the smallest recorded for adult vertebrates, resulting in low sensitivity to angular acceleration due to insufficient displacement of endolymph. This translates into a lack of postural control during jumping in Brachycephalus and represents a physical constraint resulting from Poiseuille's law, which governs movement of fluids within tubes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard L. Essner
- Department of Biological Sciences, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville , Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | - Rudá E. E. Pereira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - David C. Blackburn
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, , Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Amber L. Singh
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, , Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Edward L. Stanley
- Florida Museum of Natural History, University of Florida, , Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Mauricio O. Moura
- Departamento de Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
- Mater Natura—Instituto de Estudos Ambientais, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - André E. Confetti
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Zoologia, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Marcio R. Pie
- Department of Biology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, Lancashire, UK
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Abdala V, Ponssa ML, Fratani J, Manzano A. The role of hand, feet, and digits during landing in anurans. ZOOL ANZ 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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10
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Jumping with adhesion: landing surface incline alters impact force and body kinematics in crested geckos. Sci Rep 2021; 11:23043. [PMID: 34845262 PMCID: PMC8630229 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-02033-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Arboreal habitats are characterized by a complex three-dimensional array of branches that vary in numerous characteristics, including incline, compliance, roughness, and diameter. Gaps must often be crossed, and this is frequently accomplished by leaping. Geckos bearing an adhesive system often jump in arboreal habitats, although few studies have examined their jumping biomechanics. We investigated the biomechanics of landing on smooth surfaces in crested geckos, Correlophus ciliatus, asking whether the incline of the landing platform alters impact forces and mid-air body movements. Using high-speed videography, we examined jumps from a horizontal take-off platform to horizontal, 45° and 90° landing platforms. Take-off velocity was greatest when geckos were jumping to a horizontal platform. Geckos did not modulate their body orientation in the air. Body curvature during landing, and landing duration, were greatest on the vertical platform. Together, these significantly reduced the impact force on the vertical platform. When landing on a smooth vertical surface, the geckos must engage the adhesive system to prevent slipping and falling. In contrast, landing on a horizontal surface requires no adhesion, but incurs high impact forces. Despite a lack of mid-air modulation, geckos appear robust to changing landing conditions.
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Langowski JKA, Dodou D, van Assenbergh P, van Leeuwen JL. Design of Tree-Frog-Inspired Adhesives. Integr Comp Biol 2020; 60:906-918. [PMID: 32413122 PMCID: PMC7751017 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icaa037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The adhesive toe pads of tree frogs have inspired the design of various so-called ‘smooth’ synthetic adhesives for wet environments. However, these adhesives do not reach the attachment performance of their biological models in terms of contact formation, maintenance of attachment, and detachment. In tree frogs, attachment is facilitated by an interconnected ensemble of superficial and internal morphological components, which together form a functional unit. To help bridging the gap between biological and bioinspired adhesives, in this review, we (1) provide an overview of the functional components of tree frog toe pads, (2) investigate which of these components (and attachment mechanisms implemented therein) have already been transferred into synthetic adhesives, and (3) highlight functional analogies between existing synthetic adhesives and tree frogs regarding the fundamental mechanisms of attachment. We found that most existing tree-frog-inspired adhesives mimic the micropatterned surface of the ventral epidermis of frog pads. Geometrical and material properties differ between these synthetic adhesives and their biological model, which indicates similarity in appearance rather than function. Important internal functional components such as fiber-reinforcement and muscle fibers for attachment control have not been considered in the design of tree-frog-inspired adhesives. Experimental work on tree-frog-inspired adhesives suggests that the micropatterning of adhesives with low-aspect-ratio pillars enables crack arresting and the drainage of interstitial liquids, which both facilitate the generation of van der Waals forces. Our analysis of experimental work on tree-frog-inspired adhesives indicates that interstitial liquids such as the mucus secreted by tree frogs play a role in detachment. Based on these findings, we provide suggestions for the future design of biomimetic adhesives. Specifically, we propose to implement internal fiber-reinforcements inspired by the fibrous structures in frog pads to create mechanically reinforced soft adhesives for high-load applications. Contractile components may stimulate the design of actuated synthetic adhesives with fine-tunable control of attachment strength. An integrative approach is needed for the design of tree-frog-inspired adhesives that are functionally analogous with their biological paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian K A Langowski
- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, De Elst 1, Wageningen, 6708 WD, The Netherlands
| | - Dimitra Dodou
- Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
| | - Peter van Assenbergh
- Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD, The Netherlands
| | - Johan L van Leeuwen
- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, De Elst 1, Wageningen, 6708 WD, The Netherlands
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12
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Engelkes K, Kath L, Kleinteich T, Hammel JU, Beerlink A, Haas A. Ecomorphology of the pectoral girdle in anurans (Amphibia, Anura): Shape diversity and biomechanical considerations. Ecol Evol 2020; 10:11467-11487. [PMID: 33144978 PMCID: PMC7593145 DOI: 10.1002/ece3.6784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Frogs and toads (Lissamphibia: Anura) show a diversity of locomotor modes that allow them to inhabit a wide range of habitats. The different locomotor modes are likely to be linked to anatomical specializations of the skeleton within the typical frog Bauplan. While such anatomical adaptations of the hind limbs and the pelvic girdle are comparably well understood, the pectoral girdle received much less attention in the past. We tested for locomotor-mode-related shape differences in the pectoral girdle bones of 64 anuran species by means of micro-computed-tomography-based geometric morphometrics. The pectoral girdles of selected species were analyzed with regard to the effects of shape differences on muscle moment arms across the shoulder joint and stress dissipation within the coracoid. Phylogenetic relationships, size, and locomotor behavior have an effect on the shape of the pectoral girdle in anurans, but there are differences in the relative impact of these factors between the bones of this skeletal unit. Remarkable shape diversity has been observed within locomotor groups indicating many-to-one mapping of form onto function. Significant shape differences have mainly been related to the overall pectoral girdle geometry and the shape of the coracoid. Most prominent shape differences have been found between burrowing and nonburrowing species with headfirst and backward burrowing species significantly differing from one another and from the other locomotor groups. The pectoral girdle shapes of burrowing species have generally larger moment arms for (simulated) humerus retractor muscles across the shoulder joint, which might be an adaptation to the burrowing behavior. The mechanisms of how the moment arms were enlarged differed between species and were associated with differences in the reaction of the coracoid to simulated loading by physiologically relevant forces.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolin Engelkes
- Center of Natural History (CeNak)Universität HamburgHamburgGermany
| | - Lena Kath
- Center of Natural History (CeNak)Universität HamburgHamburgGermany
| | | | - Jörg U. Hammel
- Institute of Materials ResearchHelmholtz‐Zentrum GeesthachtGeesthachtGermany
- Institut für Zoologie und Evolutionsforschung mit Phyletischem Museum, Ernst‐Hackel‐Haus und BiologiedidaktikFriedrich‐Schiller‐Universität JenaJenaGermany
| | | | - Alexander Haas
- Center of Natural History (CeNak)Universität HamburgHamburgGermany
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13
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Büscher TH, Becker M, Gorb SN. Attachment performance of stick insects (Phasmatodea) on convex substrates. J Exp Biol 2020; 223:jeb226514. [PMID: 32723763 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.226514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Phasmatodea (stick and leaf insects) are herbivorous insects well camouflaged on plant substrates as a result of cryptic masquerade. Also, their close association with plants has allowed them to adapt to different substrate geometries and surface topographies of the plants they imitate. Stick insects are gaining increasing attention in attachment- and locomotion-focused research. However, most studies experimentally investigating stick insect attachment have been performed either on single attachment pads or on flat surfaces. In contrast, curved surfaces, especially twigs or stems of plants, are dominant substrates for phytophagous insects, but not much is known about the influence of curvature on their attachment. In this study, by combining analysis of tarsal usage with mechanical traction and pull-off force measurements, we investigated the attachment performance on curved substrates with different diameters in two species of stick insects with different tarsal lengths. We provide the first quantitative data for forces generated by stick insects on convex curved substrates and show that the curvature significantly influences attachment ability in both species. Within the studied range of substrate curvatures, traction force decreases and pull-off force increases with increasing curvature. Shorter tarsi demonstrate reduced forces; however, tarsus length only has an influence for diameters thinner than the tarsal length. The attachment force generally depends on the number of tarsi/tarsomeres in contact, tarsus/leg orientation and body posture on the surface. Pull-off force is also influenced by the tibiotarsal angle, with higher pull-off force for lower angles, while traction force is mainly influenced by load, i.e. adduction force.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thies H Büscher
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Martin Becker
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Stanislav N Gorb
- Department of Functional Morphology and Biomechanics, Institute of Zoology, Kiel University, Am Botanischen Garten 9, 24118 Kiel, Germany
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14
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Graham M, Socha JJ. Going the distance: The biomechanics of gap-crossing behaviors. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2020; 333:60-73. [PMID: 31111626 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2018] [Revised: 02/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The discontinuity of the canopy habitat is one of the principle differences between the terrestrial and arboreal environments. An animal's ability to cross gaps-to move from one support to another across an empty space-is influenced by both the physical structure of the gap and the animal's locomotor capabilities. In this review, we discuss the range of behaviors animals use to cross gaps. Focusing on the biomechanics of these behaviors, we suggest broad categorizations that facilitate comparisons between taxa. We also discuss the importance of gap distance in determining crossing behavior, and suggest several mechanical characteristics that may influence behavior choice, including the degree to which a behavior is dynamic, and whether or not the behavior is airborne. Overall, gap crossing is an important aspect of arboreal locomotion that deserves further in-depth attention, particularly given the ubiquity of gaps in the arboreal habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mal Graham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
| | - John J Socha
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Mechanics, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Virginia
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15
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McKnight DT, Nordine J, Jerrett B, Murray M, Murray P, Moss R, Northey M, Simard N, Alford RA, Schwarzkopf L. Do morphological adaptations for gliding in frogs influence clinging and jumping? J Zool (1987) 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/jzo.12725] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- D. T. McKnight
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - J. Nordine
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - B. Jerrett
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - M. Murray
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - P. Murray
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - R. Moss
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - M. Northey
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - N. Simard
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - R. A. Alford
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
| | - L. Schwarzkopf
- College of Science and Engineering James Cook University Townsville QLD Australia
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16
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Soliz M, Tulli MJ, Abdala V. Relationship between myological variables and different take‐off and landing behaviours in frogs. ACTA ZOOL-STOCKHOLM 2019. [DOI: 10.1111/azo.12292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Soliz
- Facultad de Ciencias Naturales Cátedra Vertebrados CONICET‐Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa) Salta Argentina
| | - María J. Tulli
- Instituto de Herpetología, Fundación Miguel Lillo UEL‐CONICET Tucumán Argentina
| | - Virginia Abdala
- Cátedra de Biología General, Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, UNT Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN), UNT‐CONICET Tucumán Argentina
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17
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Langowski JKA, Rummenie A, Pieters RPM, Kovalev A, Gorb SN, van Leeuwen JL. Estimating the maximum attachment performance of tree frogs on rough substrates. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2019; 14:025001. [PMID: 30706849 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/aafc37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Tree frogs can attach to smooth and rough substrates using their adhesive toe pads. We present the results of an experimental investigation of tree frog attachment to rough substrates, and of the role of mechanical interlocking between superficial toe pad structures and substrate asperities in the tree frog species Litoria caerulea and Hyla cinerea. Using a rotation platform setup, we quantified the adhesive and frictional attachment performance of whole frogs clinging to smooth, micro-, and macrorough substrates. The transparent substrates enabled quantification of the instantaneous contact area during detachment by using frustrated total internal reflection. A linear mixed-effects model shows that the adhesive performance of the pads does not differ significantly with roughness (for nominal roughness levels of 0-15 µm) in both species. This indicates that mechanical interlocking does not contribute to the attachment of whole animals. Our results show that the adhesion performance of tree frogs is higher than reported previously, emphasising the biomimetic potential of tree frog attachment. Overall, our findings contribute to a better understanding of the complex interplay of attachment mechanisms in the toe pads of tree frogs, which may promote future designs of tree-frog-inspired adhesives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian K A Langowski
- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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18
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Langowski JKA, Dodou D, Kamperman M, van Leeuwen JL. Tree frog attachment: mechanisms, challenges, and perspectives. Front Zool 2018; 15:32. [PMID: 30154908 PMCID: PMC6107968 DOI: 10.1186/s12983-018-0273-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Tree frogs have the remarkable ability to attach to smooth, rough, dry, and wet surfaces using their versatile toe pads. Tree frog attachment involves the secretion of mucus into the pad-substrate gap, requiring adaptations towards mucus drainage and pad lubrication. Here, we present an overview of tree frog attachment, with focus on (i) the morphology and material of the toe pad; (ii) the functional demands on the toe pad arising from ecology, lifestyle, and phylogenetics; (iii) experimental data of attachment performance such as adhesion and friction forces; and (iv) potential perspectives on future developments in the field. By revisiting reported data and observations, we discuss the involved mechanisms of attachment and propose new hypotheses for further research. Among others, we address the following questions: Do capillary and hydrodynamic forces explain the strong friction of the toe pads directly, or indirectly by promoting dry attachment mechanisms? If friction primarily relies on van der Waals (vdW) forces instead, how much do these forces contribute to adhesion in the wet environment tree frogs live in and what role does the mucus play? We show that both pad morphology and measured attachment performance suggest the coaction of several attachment mechanisms (e.g. capillary and hydrodynamic adhesion, mechanical interlocking, and vdW forces) with situation-dependent relative importance. Current analytical models of capillary and hydrodynamic adhesion, caused by the secreted mucus and by environmental liquids, do not capture the contributions of these mechanisms in a comprehensive and accurate way. We argue that the soft pad material and a hierarchical surface pattern on the ventral pad surface enhance the effective contact area and facilitate gap-closure by macro- to nanoscopic drainage of interstitial liquids, which may give rise to a significant contribution of vdW interactions to tree frog attachment. Increasing the comprehension of the complex mechanism of tree frog attachment contributes to a better understanding of other biological attachment systems (e.g. in geckos and insects) and is expected to stimulate the development of a wide array of bioinspired adhesive applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian K. A. Langowski
- Experimental Zoology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, De Elst 1, Wageningen, 6708 WD The Netherlands
| | - Dimitra Dodou
- Department of BioMechanical Engineering, Faculty of Mechanical, Maritime and Materials Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, Delft, 2628 CD The Netherlands
| | - Marleen Kamperman
- Physical Chemistry and Soft Matter, Department of Agrotechnology and Food Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, Stippeneng 4, Wageningen, 6708 WE The Netherlands
| | - Johan L. van Leeuwen
- Experimental Zoology Group, Department of Animal Sciences, Wageningen University & Research, De Elst 1, Wageningen, 6708 WD The Netherlands
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19
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Langowski JKA, Schipper H, Blij A, van den Berg FT, Gussekloo SWS, van Leeuwen JL. Force-transmitting structures in the digital pads of the tree frog Hyla cinerea: a functional interpretation. J Anat 2018; 233:478-495. [PMID: 30123974 PMCID: PMC6131963 DOI: 10.1111/joa.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The morphology of the digital pads of tree frogs is adapted towards attachment, allowing these animals to attach to various substrates and to explore their arboreal habitat. Previous descriptions and functional interpretations of the pad morphology mostly focussed on the surface of the ventral epidermis, and little is known about the internal pad morphology and its functional relevance in attachment. In this study, we combine histology and synchrotron micro‐computer‐tomography to obtain a comprehensive 3‐D morphological characterisation of the digital pads (in particular of the internal structures involved in the transmission of attachment forces from the ventral pad surface towards the phalanges) of the tree frog Hyla cinerea. A collagenous septum runs from the distal tip of the distal phalanx to the ventral cutis and compartmentalises the subcutaneous pad volume into a distal lymph space and a proximal space, which contains mucus glands opening via long ducts to the ventral pad surface. A collagen layer connects the ventral basement membrane via interphalangeal ligaments with the middle phalanx. The collagen fibres forming this layer curve around the transverse pad‐axis and form laterally separated ridges below the gland space. The topological optimisation of a shear‐loaded pad model using finite element analysis (FEA) shows that the curved collagen fibres are oriented along the trajectories of the maximum principal stresses, and the optimisation also results in ridge‐formation, suggesting that the collagen layer is adapted towards a high stiffness during shear loading. We also show that the collagen layer is strong, with an estimated tensile strength of 2.0–6.5 N. Together with longitudinally skewed tonofibrils in the superficial epidermis, these features support our hypothesis that the digital pads of tree frogs are primarily adapted towards the generation and transmission of friction rather than adhesion forces. Moreover, we generate (based on a simplified FEA model and predictions from analytical models) the hypothesis that dorsodistal pulling on the collagen septum facilitates proximal peeling of the pad and that the septum is an adaptation towards detachment rather than attachment. Lastly, by using immunohistochemistry, we (re‐)discovered bundles of smooth muscle fibres in the digital pads of tree frogs. We hypothesise that these fibres allow the control of (i) contact stresses at the pad–substrate interface and peeling, (ii) mucus secretion, (iii) shock‐absorbing properties of the pad, and (iv) the macroscopic contact geometry of the ventral pad surface. Further work is needed to conclude on the role of the muscular structures in tree frog attachment. Overall, our study contributes to the functional understanding of tree frog attachment, hence offering novel perspectives on the ecology, phylogeny and evolution of anurans, as well as the design of tree‐frog‐inspired adhesives for technological applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian K A Langowski
- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Henk Schipper
- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Anne Blij
- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank T van den Berg
- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sander W S Gussekloo
- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Johan L van Leeuwen
- Experimental Zoology Group, Wageningen University & Research, Wageningen, The Netherlands
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20
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Santini L, Benítez-López A, Ficetola GF, Huijbregts MAJ. Length-mass allometries in amphibians. Integr Zool 2018; 13:36-45. [PMID: 28493499 DOI: 10.1111/1749-4877.12268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Body mass is rarely recorded in amphibians, and other body measurements (e.g. snout to vent length, SVL) are generally collected instead. However, length measurements, when used as proxies of body mass in comparative analyses, are problematic if different taxa and morphotypes are included. We developed allometric relationships to derive body mass from SVL measurements. We fitted phylogenetic generalized least square models for frogs (Anura) and salamanders (Caudata) and for several families separately. We tested whether allometric relationships differed between species with different habitat preferences and between morphs in salamanders. Models were fitted with SVL-mass measurements for 88 frog and 42 salamander species. We assessed the predictive performance of the models by cross-validation. Overall, the models showed high explained variance and low forecasting errors. Models differed among semi-aquatic, terrestrial and arboreal frogs, and between paedomorphic and non-paedomorphic salamanders. Body mass estimates derived from our models allow for comparability of studies on multiple taxa and can be used for testing theories built upon evolutionary and ecological processes which are directly related to body mass.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Santini
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Ana Benítez-López
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Gentile Francesco Ficetola
- Department of Bioscience, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.,Alpine Ecology Laboratory, Grenoble Alpes University, Grenoble, France
| | - Mark A J Huijbregts
- Department of Environmental Science, Institute for Wetland and Water Research, Faculty of Science, Radboud University, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.,PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency, The Hague, the Netherlands
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21
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Abdala V, Ponssa ML, Tulli MJ, Fabre AC, Herrel A. Frog tendon structure and its relationship with locomotor modes. J Morphol 2018; 279:895-903. [PMID: 29570838 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 02/14/2018] [Accepted: 02/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Tendon collagen fibrils are the basic force-transmitting units of the tendon. Yet, surprisingly little is known about the diversity in tendon anatomy and ultrastructure, and the possible relationships between this diversity and locomotor modes utilized. Our main objectives were to investigate: (a) the ultra-structural anatomy of the tendons in the digits of frogs; (b) the diversity of collagen fibril diameters across frogs with different locomotor modes; (c) the relationship between morphology, as expressed by the morphology of collagen fibrils and tendons, and locomotor modes. To assess the relationship between morphology and the locomotor modes of the sampled taxa we performed a principal component analysis considering body length, fibrillar cross sectional area (CSA) and tendon CSA. A MANOVA showed that differences between species with different locomotor modes were significant with collagen fibril diameter being the discriminating factor. Overall, our data related the greatest collagen fibril diameter to the most demanding locomotor modes, conversely, the smallest collagen fibril CSA and the highest tendon CSA were observed in animals showing a hopping locomotion requiring likely little absorption of landing forces given the short jump distances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Abdala
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical UNT-CONICET, Cátedra de Biología General. Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - María Laura Ponssa
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo, Fundación Miguel Lillo-CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - María José Tulli
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo, Fundación Miguel Lillo-CONICET, Tucumán, Argentina
| | - Anne-Claire Fabre
- Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, 55 rue Buffon, Bat Anatomie Comparee, CP 55, Paris Cedex 5, 75005, France
| | - Anthony Herrel
- Département d'Ecologie et de Gestion de la Biodiversité, 55 rue Buffon, Bat Anatomie Comparee, CP 55, Paris Cedex 5, 75005, France
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22
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Hill IDC, Dong B, Barnes WJP, Ji A, Endlein T. The biomechanics of tree frogs climbing curved surfaces: a gripping problem. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:jeb.168179. [PMID: 29361584 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.168179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2017] [Accepted: 01/12/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The adhesive mechanisms of climbing animals have become an important research topic because of their biomimetic implications. We examined the climbing abilities of hylid tree frogs on vertical cylinders of differing diameter and surface roughness to investigate the relative roles of adduction forces (gripping) and adhesion. Tree frogs adhere using their toe pads and subarticular tubercles, the adhesive joint being fluid-filled. Our hypothesis was that on an effectively flat surface (adduction forces on the largest 120 mm diameter cylinder were insufficient to allow climbing), adhesion would effectively be the only means by which tree frogs could climb, but on the 44 and 13 mm diameter cylinders, frogs could additionally utilise adduction forces by gripping the cylinder either with their limbs outstretched or by grasping around the cylinder with their digits, respectively. The frogs' performance would also depend on whether the surfaces were smooth (easy to adhere to) or rough (relatively non-adhesive). Our findings showed that climbing performance was highest on the narrowest smooth cylinder. Frogs climbed faster, frequently using a 'walking trot' gait rather than the 'lateral sequence walk' used on other cylinders. Using an optical technique to visualise substrate contact during climbing on smooth surfaces, we also observed an increasing engagement of the subarticular tubercles on the narrower cylinders. Finally, on the rough substrate, frogs were unable to climb the largest diameter cylinder, but were able to climb the narrowest one slowly. These results support our hypotheses and have relevance for the design of climbing robots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iain D C Hill
- Centre for Cell Engineering, University of Glasgow, Joseph Black Building, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Benzheng Dong
- Institute of Bioinspired Structure and Surface Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 29 Yudao Street, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - W Jon P Barnes
- Centre for Cell Engineering, University of Glasgow, Joseph Black Building, University Avenue, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Aihong Ji
- Institute of Bioinspired Structure and Surface Engineering, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 29 Yudao Street, Nanjing 210016, China
| | - Thomas Endlein
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Heisenbergstraβe 3, 70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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23
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Kamada K, Tachibanagi R, Nakagawa H. Strategy of landing behavior of the tree frog Hyla japonica. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY. PART A, ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY 2017. [PMID: 29532620 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Toads on the ground control landing behavior by a simple strategy in which they extend their elbows at roughly the same time after take-off and continue extending them at the same velocity until they land. However, this simple strategy does not work well in much more complicated arboreal habitat. We analyzed properties of jumping and timing of forelimb extension of the tree frog, Hyla japonica, to demonstrate how the arboreal species land safely. The results showed that distance, duration, and velocity of jump were not affected by explicit optic flow information, whereas the all three parameters decreased significantly in the blindfolded animals. This suggests that the frogs do not use optic flow information during flight but need visual information to plan a jump to reach the destination appropriately. Many animals generate prelanding behavior when time-to-contact reaches a threshold value. However, the results showed that a significant positive correlation was found between jump duration and time-to-contact both in normal and blindfolded animals. The slopes and the intercepts of the linear regression lines were about 0.8 and about 50 msec, respectively, in both cases. These suggest that, without any visual inputs, the animal can make the decision for prelanding forelimb extension at 20% of jump duration and start extending the forelimb after a motor delay of about 50 msec as in the normal condition. This strategy enables the tree frog to always maintain 80% of the jump duration to prepare for landing in their complex habitat.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koushun Kamada
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Ryousuke Tachibanagi
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
| | - Hideki Nakagawa
- Department of Bioscience and Bioinformatics, Kyushu Institute of Technology, Iizuka, Fukuoka 820-8502, Japan
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24
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Xue L, Sanz B, Luo A, Turner KT, Wang X, Tan D, Zhang R, Du H, Steinhart M, Mijangos C, Guttmann M, Kappl M, del Campo A. Hybrid Surface Patterns Mimicking the Design of the Adhesive Toe Pad of Tree Frog. ACS NANO 2017; 11:9711-9719. [PMID: 28885831 PMCID: PMC5656980 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.7b04994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Biological materials achieve directional reinforcement with oriented assemblies of anisotropic building blocks. One such example is the nanocomposite structure of keratinized epithelium on the toe pad of tree frogs, in which hexagonal arrays of (soft) epithelial cells are crossed by densely packed and oriented (hard) keratin nanofibrils. Here, a method is established to fabricate arrays of tree-frog-inspired composite micropatterns composed of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) micropillars embedded with polystyrene (PS) nanopillars. Adhesive and frictional studies of these synthetic materials reveal a benefit of the hierarchical and anisotropic design for both adhesion and friction, in particular, at high matrix-fiber interfacial strengths. The presence of PS nanopillars alters the stress distribution at the contact interface of micropillars and therefore enhances the adhesion and friction of the composite micropattern. The results suggest a design principle for bioinspired structural adhesives, especially for wet environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longjian Xue
- The Institute
of Technological Science and School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, South Donghu Road 8, Wuhan 430072, China
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- E-mail for L.X.:
| | - Belén Sanz
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- Instituto
de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Aoyi Luo
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 220 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, United States
| | - Kevin T. Turner
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering and Applied Mechanics, University of Pennsylvania, 220 S. 33rd Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104-6315, United States
| | - Xin Wang
- The Institute
of Technological Science and School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, South Donghu Road 8, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Di Tan
- The Institute
of Technological Science and School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, South Donghu Road 8, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- The Institute
of Technological Science and School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, South Donghu Road 8, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Hang Du
- The Institute
of Technological Science and School of Power and Mechanical Engineering, Wuhan University, South Donghu Road 8, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Martin Steinhart
- Institut
für Chemie neuer Materialien, Universität
Osnabrück, Barbarastr.
7, 49069 Osnabrück, Germany
| | - Carmen Mijangos
- Instituto
de Ciencia y Tecnología de Polímeros, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Juan de la Cierva 3, 28006 Madrid, Spain
| | - Markus Guttmann
- Institute
of Microstructure Technology, Karlsruhe
Institute of Technology, Hermann-von-Helmholtz-Platz 1, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Michael Kappl
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Aránzazu del Campo
- Max-Planck-Institut
für Polymerforschung, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
- INM
− Leibniz Institute for New Materials, Campus D2 2, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- Chemistry
Department, Saarland University, 66123 Saarbrücken, Germany
- E-mail for A.d.C.:
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25
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Soliz M, Tulli MJ, Abdala V. Osteological postcranial traits in hylid anurans indicate a morphological continuum between swimming and jumping locomotor modes. J Morphol 2017; 278:403-417. [DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2016] [Revised: 12/09/2016] [Accepted: 12/22/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mónica Soliz
- CONICET-Universidad Nacional de Salta (UNSa); Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Cátedra Vertebrados; Salta Argentina
| | - Maria J. Tulli
- Unidad Ejecutora Lillo (UEL)-CONICET-Instituto de Herpetología; Fundación Miguel Lillo; Tucumán Argentina
| | - Virginia Abdala
- Instituto de Biodiversidad Neotropical (IBN)-CONICET; Universidad Nacional de Tucumán (UNT), Facultad de Ciencias Naturales, Cátedra Biología General; Tucumán Argentina
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26
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Crawford N, Endlein T, Pham JT, Riehle M, Barnes WJP. When the going gets rough - studying the effect of surface roughness on the adhesive abilities of tree frogs. BEILSTEIN JOURNAL OF NANOTECHNOLOGY 2016; 7:2116-2131. [PMID: 28144558 PMCID: PMC5238669 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.7.201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/30/2016] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Tree frogs need to adhere to surfaces of various roughnesses in their natural habitats; these include bark, leaves and rocks. Rough surfaces can alter the effectiveness of their toe pads, due to factors such as a change of real contact area and abrasion of the pad epithelium. Here, we tested the effect of surface roughness on the attachment abilities of the tree frog Litoria caerulea. This was done by testing shear and adhesive forces on artificial surfaces with controlled roughness, both on single toe pads and whole animal scales. It was shown that frogs can stick 2-3 times better on small scale roughnesses (3-6 µm asperities), producing higher adhesive and frictional forces, but relatively poorly on the larger scale roughnesses tested (58.5-562.5 µm asperities). Our experiments suggested that, on such surfaces, the pads secrete insufficient fluid to fill the space under the pad, leaving air pockets that would significantly reduce the Laplace pressure component of capillarity. Therefore, we measured how well the adhesive toe pad would conform to spherical asperities of known sizes using interference reflection microscopy. Based on experiments where the conformation of the pad to individual asperities was examined microscopically, our calculations indicate that the pad epithelium has a low elastic modulus, making it highly deformable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niall Crawford
- Centre for Cell Engineering, Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - Thomas Endlein
- Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, Stuttgart, Germany
| | | | - Mathis Riehle
- Centre for Cell Engineering, Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
| | - W Jon P Barnes
- Centre for Cell Engineering, Institute of Molecular Cell and Systems Biology, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
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27
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Gilman C. The pendulous, belly-flopping landing acrobatics of tree frogs. J Exp Biol 2016. [DOI: 10.1242/jeb.130260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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28
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Nakano M, Saino T. Light and electron microscopic analyses of the high deformability of adhesive toe pads in White's tree frog, Litoria caerulea. J Morphol 2016; 277:1509-1516. [PMID: 27553505 DOI: 10.1002/jmor.20592] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/02/2016] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
White's tree frog (Litoria caerulea) has large, adhesive toe pads that are among the softest of all known biological structures. To explore the morphological basis for the physical properties of the toe pads, the internal microstructure of the toe pads in L. caerulea was examined using both light and transmission electron microscopy. Three design elements that are distinct from other areas of skin were observed. First, the keratinocytes comprising the adhesive surface of the toe pad all contained keratin filament bundles (tonofibrils) exhibiting structural anisotropy. Specifically, the curved conformation of the hierarchical (branching) tonofibrils was characterized by the formation of anastomoses consisting of tonofibrils beneath the adhesive cell surface and stem keratin filament bundles concentrated in the lower-middle part of the dorsal-side of adhesive cells. Second, the cytoplasm of keratinocytes in the most superficial cell layer contained glycoproteins (stained by periodic acid/Schiff reagent) that are considered to confer high viscoelasticity. Third, the dermis contained large lymph spaces interspersed with elastic fibers and collagen fibers, which were relatively sparsely distributed compared to the dorsal skin of the toe pads. The profiles of these structures were easily deformed by the slight application of pressure. These findings reaffirmed that the unique internal architecture of the toe pads in L. caerulea contributed to their remarkable softness and high deformability, which in turn increased the contact area and provided improved adaptability to the local topography of natural surfaces. J. Morphol. 277:1509-1516, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masato Nakano
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Nishitokuta, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan.
| | - Tomoyuki Saino
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Anatomy, Nishitokuta, Yahaba-cho, Shiwa-gun, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, 028-3694, Japan
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29
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Kappl M, Kaveh F, Barnes WJP. Nanoscale friction and adhesion of tree frog toe pads. BIOINSPIRATION & BIOMIMETICS 2016; 11:035003. [PMID: 27165465 DOI: 10.1088/1748-3190/11/3/035003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Tree frogs have become an object of interest in biomimetics due to their ability to cling to wet and slippery surfaces. In this study, we have investigated the adhesion and friction behavior of toe pads of White's tree frog (Litoria caerulea) using atomic force microscopy (AFM) in an aqueous medium. Facilitating special types of AFM probes with radii of ∼400 nm and ∼13 μm, we were able to sense the frictional response without damaging the delicate nanopillar structures of the epithelial cells. While we observed no significant adhesion between both types of probes and toe pads in wet conditions, frictional forces under such conditions were very pronounced and friction coefficients amounted between 0.3 and 1.1 for the sliding friction between probes and the epithelial cell surfaces.
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