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Volume 10
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Article

Anti-Weightlessness Physiological Protection for the Lower Limb Muscle System Based on Biomimetic Adhesive Force Stimulation

by
Yuanming Ji
1,
Zhili Li
2,*,
Peng Zou
2,
Chengyang Li
1,
Xipeng Wang
1,
Xiyue Yang
3,
Zhendong Dai
1 and
Keju Ji
1,*
1
Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Biomimetic Materials and Devices, Nanjing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Nanjing 210016, China
2
State Key Laboratory of Space Medicine, China Astronaut Research and Training Center, Beijing 100094, China
3
Electric and Information Engineering, Electric and Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, UK
*
Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Biomimetics 2025, 10(12), 800; https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10120800
Submission received: 22 October 2025 / Revised: 13 November 2025 / Accepted: 17 November 2025 / Published: 28 November 2025
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Adhesion and Friction in Biological and Bioinspired Systems)
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Abstract

With the advancement of crewed spaceflight, mitigating the physiological effects of microgravity, such as bone–muscle deterioration and movement instability, has become increasingly vital. Inspired by reptilian climbing mechanisms, this study presents a novel bio-inspired adhesive footwear characterized by low pre-load, strong adhesion, and controllable attachment–detachment capability. This study analyzes the adaptability of a multi-level variable modulus design to surfaces with varying curvatures and roughness. Experimental investigations were conducted to analyze the contact mechanics and interfacial mechanisms of biomimetic adhesive materials featuring microstructure arrays. Moreover, stepping exercises were performed by volunteers wearing the proposed footwear under simulated weightlessness to assess biomechanical performance. Interface contact stresses were measured using force-sensing array plates, enabling characterization of plantar adhesion under different detachment speeds and angles. Electromyographic signals from lower limb muscle groups during stepping exercises were analyzed to elucidate the mechanical stimulation patterns and effects induced by plantar adhesion forces. Results indicate that plantar adhesion forces ranging between 50 and 105 N effectively stimulate primary flexor muscles, including the biceps femoris and gastrocnemius. This biomimetic solution offers a flexible and convenient approach for stabilizing foot positioning and promoting musculoskeletal engagement in microgravity, improving astronauts’ mobility and operational performance in orbit.
Keywords: biomimetic adhesion; multi-level hierarchy; microstructure; microgravity countermeasure; van der Waals force; electromyography (EMG) signals biomimetic adhesion; multi-level hierarchy; microstructure; microgravity countermeasure; van der Waals force; electromyography (EMG) signals

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MDPI and ACS Style

Ji, Y.; Li, Z.; Zou, P.; Li, C.; Wang, X.; Yang, X.; Dai, Z.; Ji, K. Anti-Weightlessness Physiological Protection for the Lower Limb Muscle System Based on Biomimetic Adhesive Force Stimulation. Biomimetics 2025, 10, 800. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10120800

AMA Style

Ji Y, Li Z, Zou P, Li C, Wang X, Yang X, Dai Z, Ji K. Anti-Weightlessness Physiological Protection for the Lower Limb Muscle System Based on Biomimetic Adhesive Force Stimulation. Biomimetics. 2025; 10(12):800. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10120800

Chicago/Turabian Style

Ji, Yuanming, Zhili Li, Peng Zou, Chengyang Li, Xipeng Wang, Xiyue Yang, Zhendong Dai, and Keju Ji. 2025. "Anti-Weightlessness Physiological Protection for the Lower Limb Muscle System Based on Biomimetic Adhesive Force Stimulation" Biomimetics 10, no. 12: 800. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10120800

APA Style

Ji, Y., Li, Z., Zou, P., Li, C., Wang, X., Yang, X., Dai, Z., & Ji, K. (2025). Anti-Weightlessness Physiological Protection for the Lower Limb Muscle System Based on Biomimetic Adhesive Force Stimulation. Biomimetics, 10(12), 800. https://doi.org/10.3390/biomimetics10120800

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