A Re-peelable Adhesive Tape Inspired by Octopus Suckers

A re-peelable and reusable elastic tape that adheres with micro-suckers

Most of the medical adhesive sheets available in the market are designed to provide a very light and thin film to cover the wound. The adhesive strength of the sheets may not be sufficient to form a solid interface between the tapes and the skin. Medical adhesives with high tackiness are difficult to remove and may result in pain and damage to the skin. The ideal tapes are reusable for several months and can be cleaned daily with water.

Radiograph of a post-stroke patient who suffers from shoulder joint subluxation

Electromicroscopy of the micro-suckers (left: lateral view; middle: top view)

Acting as an “artificial muscle”, the contraction feature of the re-peelable adhesive tape keeps the injured joint in a normal position

Special Features and Advantages

The adhesive elastic tape containing an elastic polymer with biomimetic micro-pattern is re-peelable and reusable.
The micro-pattern is inspired by an octopus’s suckers which can achieve a good adhesion to the substrate by Van der Waal’s force. The removal of the micro suckers is easy and requires little effort.

Applications

External fixation of subluxed joint and control of the range of motion of the injured joint
Partial replacement of the function of injured muscle
Progressive correction of extreme deformities, such as clubfeet
Ability to adhere a device to the skin

Award & Patent

Gold Medal – 42nd International Exhibition of Inventions of Geneva, Switzerland (April 2014)

Patent Application No:

201310023241.3(PRC)

Principal Investigator

Dr Xia GUO

Department of Rehabilitation Sciences

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