Elastic modulus of tree frog adhesive toe pads

Barnes, W.J.P., Goodwyn, P.J.P., Nokhbatolfoghahai, M. and Gorb, S.N. (2011) Elastic modulus of tree frog adhesive toe pads. Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology, 197(10), pp. 969-978. (doi: 10.1007/s00359-011-0658-1)

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Abstract

Previous work using an atomic force microscope in nanoindenter mode indicated that the outer, 10- to 15-++m thick, keratinised layer of tree frog toe pads has a modulus of elasticity equivalent to silicone rubber (5GÇô15-áMPa) (Scholz et al. 2009), but gave no information on the physical properties of deeper structures. In this study, micro-indentation is used to measure the stiffness of whole toe pads of the tree frog, Litoria caerulea. We show here that tree frog toe pads are amongst the softest of biological structures (effective elastic modulus 4GÇô25-ákPa), and that they exhibit a gradient of stiffness, being stiffest on the outside. This stiffness gradient results from the presence of a dense network of capillaries lying beneath the pad epidermis, which probably has a shock absorbing function. Additionally, we compare the physical properties (elastic modulus, work of adhesion, pull-off force) of the toe pads of immature and adult frogs

Item Type:Articles
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Nokhbatolfoghahai, Dr Mohsen and Barnes, Dr William
Authors: Barnes, W.J.P., Goodwyn, P.J.P., Nokhbatolfoghahai, M., and Gorb, S.N.
College/School:College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Molecular Biosciences
Journal Name:Journal of Comparative Physiology A: Neuroethology, Sensory, Neural, and Behavioral Physiology
Publisher:Springer
ISSN:0340-7594
ISSN (Online):1432-1351

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