An extensive microscopical study has shown a strong inverse scaling effect in biological attachment devices: splitting up the contact into finer subcontacts increases adhesion. This principle is widely spread in the construction of natural adhesive systems and may also be transferred into the design of industrial adhesives (figure: artificial polymeric probe employing contact splitting principle)

Multidisciplinary study of biological friction mechanisms will help in understanding the biomechanics of attachment organs. In addition, the results of such studies will also be useful for micro mechanics and the material science of composite materials. (figure: SEM picture of polymeric microfilaments)

Plant hooks have been previously used as prototypes for "hook-and-loop fasteners". However, there are many biological micro-fastening systems which have not been previously studied experimentally. Detailed information about these devices may provide new ideas for novel microfastening systems (figure: SEM picture of the velcro fastener)

Friction, adhesion and mechanical properties of a surface make up its haptic property. Our studies may contribute to the engineering and design of haptic surfaces that create a particular sense of touch (figure: SEM picture of the polymeric "soft-touch" surface)

A further possible area of application is in pest control. Insect adhesive pads are often precisely adapted to attach to a particular response surface of the host plant. Changes of the structure of the host plant surface could prevent attachment of particular insects to the surface.