gecko's

Researchers are developing adhesives that draw inspiration from the nanofibres in the hairs on a gecko's footthat allow the lizards to cling upside down on inclined surfaces.

Nanotechnology in everyday life 2011

Kellar Autumn, probably the leading researcher on gecko's feet, says they are strong, as well:

Archive 2008-01-01 Heather McDougal 2008

The bottoms of a gecko's feet are, in fact covered with millions of tiny foot-hairs on each toe, called setae, each about as long as the width of two human hairs (about 100 millionths of a meter).

Gecko Feet: Natural Marvel Heather McDougal 2008

One source I was perusing posited that there could be a Van der Waals force element, like gecko's feet.

A Rule of Thumb Heather McDougal 2008

If you look at a gecko's foot, they have these weird flaps on them that look suspiciously like long, narrow suction cups.

Gecko Feet: Natural Marvel Heather McDougal 2008

One source I was perusing posited that there could be a Van der Waals force element, like gecko's feet.

Archive 2008-10-01 Heather McDougal 2008

The bottoms of a gecko's feet are, in fact covered with millions of tiny foot-hairs on each toe, called setae, each about as long as the width of two human hairs (about 100 millionths of a meter).

Archive 2008-01-01 Heather McDougal 2008

Because the same force applies between dirt particles and the surfaces the geckos walk on, the dirt prefers to stick to the relatively large and attractive surface rather than the tiny spatulae on the gecko's feet.

Archive 2008-01-01 Heather McDougal 2008

The tape is designed to be as easily-removed as a gecko's foot, so the tape does not get damaged and can be used over and over.

Gecko Feet: Natural Marvel Heather McDougal 2008

So when a gecko's feet get dirty, all they have to do is walk a few steps and they are clean again.

Archive 2008-01-01 Heather McDougal 2008