The New Jersey Institute of Technology's
Electronic Theses & Dissertations Project

Title:	Using a bio-inspired model to understand the evolution of the remora adhesive disk
Author:	Gamel, Kaelyn Mykel
View Online:	njit-etd2017-068 (viii, 27 pages ~ 3.1 MB pdf)
Department:	Federated Biological Sciences Department of NJIT and Rutgers-Newark
Degree:	Master of Science
Program:	Biology
Document Type:	Thesis
Advisory Committee:	Flammang-Lockyer, Brooke Elizabeth (Committee chair) Ware, Jessica Lee (Committee member) Garnier, Simon J. (Committee member)
Date:	2017-05
Keywords:	Echenidae Remora Adhesive disk
Availability:	Unrestricted
Abstract:	Manmade adhesives often fail on wet, compliant surfaces, which can result in poor performance when attaching sensors in medical, defense, and research situations. However, a number of fishes have evolved adhesive discs that allow adhesion to surfaces under challenging wetted conditions. A remarkable evolutionary advancement is found in the family of echenidae, colloquially known as the remora. In particular, the remora fishes have the ability to attach to wet, compliant bodies under high shear conditions for extended periods of time. This research addresses the lack of underwater adhesives by using remora adhesion as a bioinspired model. Evolution has taken part on this family of species, allowing them to have a biologically advanced suction cup (adhesive disk), which is dorsally located. This adhesive disk includes a complex and integrated bone and muscle structure that enhances the adhesion of the remora on rough surfaces. Manmade adhesives often fail on wet, compliant surfaces, which can result in poor performance when attaching sensors in medical, defense, and research situations. However, a number of fishes have evolved adhesive discs that allow adhesion to surfaces under challenging wetted conditions. A remarkable evolutionary advancement is found in the family of echenidae, colloquially known as the remora. In particular, the remora fishes have the ability to attach to wet, compliant bodies under high shear conditions for extended periods of time. This research addresses the lack of underwater adhesives by using remora adhesion as a bioinspired model. Evolution has taken part on this family of species, allowing them to have a biologically advanced suction cup (adhesive disk), which is dorsally located. This adhesive disk includes a complex and integrated bone and muscle structure that enhances the adhesion of the remora on rough surfaces.