Treating an open wound or surgical incision with stitches can potentially cause a variety of side effects: infection, scarring, or dehiscence (the reopening of a wound). In a prototype currently under development, a new form of wound treatment externally and internally acts like a bandage, combining knowledge of gecko adhesion and a sugar-based glue. Created by Professor Robert Langer and Jeff Carp of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, this gecko-inspired adhesive is biodegradable, biocompatible (does not cause inflammation), and flexible for tissue and muscle movement (Dougherty). As a result, the nanoscale adhesive suggests a promising future for simplifying surgeries and implementing easier recovery for patients through a chemically supported design. A gecko's ability to climb a vertical surface is based solely on the geometric composition of the hairs on each toe. In a grid pattern, each toe contains microscopic hairs called bristles. These silks, once again enlarged, divide into triangular-shaped hairs called spatulas at the tips. Millions of spatulas come into close contact with the surface, as each hair fits into the “ridges” and “peaks” of the molecular landscape. Both on the surface and in the gecko's hair, protons and electrons move continuously within the molecules. However, once extremely close, an induced dipole occurs and the molecules become partially negative or positive. These attractions, when amplified by the millions of other spoonbills in contact with the surface, create stability for the gecko to climb the wall. By moving its feet parallel to the surface, the gecko is able to easily stick to the surface, then quickly detach its feet by moving perpendicularly away from the surface - or to... middle of paper... ellar and Anne M. Peattie. "Mechanisms of Adhesion in Geckos". Comp.Integr. Biology 42.1081-1090 (2002): 1-10. Network. 23 May 2011. .2. Dougherty, Elizabeth. “MIT creates gecko-inspired eye patch.” MIT. 18 February 2008. Web.23 May 2011. .3. “Gecko-Inspired Bandage Can Heal Surgical Incisions.” TFOT - The future of things.Web. May 23, 2011. .4. Highfield, Roger. "Gecko Inspired Waterproof Adhesive Bandage - Telegraph."Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph Online, Daily Telegraph and Sunday Telegraph - Telegraph. February 18, 2008. Web. May 23 2011. .