Bio-inspired dry adhesion
Dry adhesion is achieved with micro-patterned polymer interfaces that mimic the reversible grip of insect, spider, and gecko toe pads. Adhesion arises from van der Waals forces amplified by hairy surface structures, enabling strong, repeatable attachment without glue. Our group develops mathematical and computational models to optimize the geometry, chemistry, and mechanics of these biomimetic adhesives.
AI-driven design
AI-guided design of fibrillar adhesives builds on our mathematical and computational models by introducing machine learning to discover optimal geometries. Instead of exploring shapes and patterns through trial-and-error, we train AI algorithms on large datasets of adhesion performance to identify the subtle interplay of fiber spacing, aspect ratio, and orientation. This approach enables us to predict and program the “perfect” design of dry adhesives—structures that maximize grip when needed, yet release effortlessly. By combining biomechanics with AI, we accelerate innovation in biomimetic adhesion, bridging natural principles and engineered solutions.


Selected papers
M Shojaeifard, M Ferraresso, A Lucantonio, M Bacca (2025). Machine learning-based optimal design of fibrillar adhesives. Journal of the Royal Society Interface 22 (223), 20240636
Z Tong, FH Benvidi, M Bacca (2023). Multi-material topology optimization of adhesive backing layers via J-integral and strain energy minimizations. Journal of Applied Mechanics 90 (11), 111002-1
A Kong, M Bacca (2022). A self-adhesion criterion for slanted micropillars. Extreme Mechanics Letters 52, 101663
D Sameoto, H Khungura, FH Benvidi, A Asad, T Liang, M Bacca (2022). Space applications for gecko-inspired adhesives. Biomimicry for Aerospace, 423-458
H Khungura, M Bacca (2021). The role of interfacial curvature in controlling the detachment strength of bioinspired fibrillar adhesives. Mechanics of Materials 160, 103914
FH Benvidi, M Bacca (2021). Theoretical limits in detachment strength for axisymmetric bi-material adhesives. Journal of Applied Mechanics 88 (12), 121007
H Khungura, M Bacca (2020). Optimal load sharing in bioinspired fibrillar adhesives: Asymptotic solution. Journal of Applied Mechanics 88 (3), 031004
JA Booth, M Bacca, RM McMeeking, KL Foster (2018). Benefit of Backing‐Layer Compliance in Fibrillar Adhesive Patches—Resistance to Peel Propagation in the Presence of Interfacial Misalignment. Advanced materials interfaces 5 (15), 1800272
M Bacca, JA Booth, KL Turner, RM McMeeking (2016). Load sharing in bioinspired fibrillar adhesives with backing layer interactions and interfacial misalignment. Journal of the Mechanics and Physics of Solids 96, 428-444