Secondary adhesion is a term used in biology to refer to the binding between two cells or tissues after initial contact has been made. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable is pronounced as /ˈsɛkəndɛri/, where the stress is on the second syllable. The second syllable, "adhesion," is pronounced as /ədˈhiʒən/. The word is commonly used in discussions of cell biology and tissue engineering, as secondary adhesion plays an important role in the formation of new tissue structures.
Secondary adhesion refers to the process by which two objects or substances adhere or stick together after the initial attachment has been disrupted or lost. It differs from primary adhesion, which refers to the initial joining or bonding between two surfaces or substances. Secondary adhesion occurs when a previously attached material loses its adhesion, either due to external forces or natural degradation, and then reattaches or clings to another surface.
This phenomenon usually occurs when there is a change in the conditions or environment surrounding the materials involved, prompting the formation of new adhesion bonds. Various factors can contribute to secondary adhesion, such as increased moisture, temperature, or pressure. For instance, when two materials initially bonded with an adhesive experience changes in humidity, they may release their original bond and form new adhesion as the moisture changes. Similarly, materials may re-adhere when exposed to high or low temperatures, causing changes in their physical properties.
Secondary adhesion is a common occurrence in many natural and manufactured objects. It can be observed in the field of biomaterials, where the attachment of cells and tissues can be disrupted and then reestablished in response to different environmental conditions. Additionally, in manufacturing processes, secondary adhesion can complicate the separation or removal of materials, affecting the efficiency and quality of the end product. Understanding the factors that contribute to secondary adhesion is important for designing and developing materials with desired adhesive properties.
The etymology of the word "secondary" derives from the Latin word "secundarius", which means "second", "following", or "subsequent". It is formed from the Latin root "secundus", meaning "second" or "after".
The term "adhesion" comes from the Latin word "adhaesio", which is derived from the verb "adhaerere", meaning "to stick" or "to adhere".
When combined, "secondary adhesion" refers to the process of sticking or adhering something as a secondary step or after an initial bond or attachment.