Mechanical Characterization of Stick Insect Tarsal Attachment Fluid Using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM).

ABSTRACT: Most insects secrete special fluids from their tarsal pads which are essential for the function of their attachment systems. Previous studies investigated several physical and chemical characteristics of this pad fluid in different insect species. However, there is not much known about the mechanical properties of fluid from smooth adhesive pads. In this study, we used the stress-relaxation nanoindentation method to examine the viscoelastic properties of pad fluid from Sungaya aeta. Force-displacement and stress-relaxation curves on single fluid droplets were recorded with an atomic force microscope (AFM) and analyzed using Johnson-Kendall-Roberts (JKR) and generalized Maxwell models for determination of effective elastic modulus (E), work of adhesion (Δγ) and dynamic viscosity (η).

SUBMITTER: Becker M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12838817 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature