Burdock – the solution – the Velcro hedgehog zipper. This most famous bionic product is now used by millions of people. In 1948, the Swiss scientist George de Mestral discovered the principle of this zipper. Every time he returned from hunting with his dog, they were covered with a plant. This plant was burdock. De Mestral analyzed the mechanism of the spines under a microscope and copied them. This “invention of nature” was patented under the brand name VELCRO.

Burdock, like many other plants, produces seeds covered with tiny hooks. Passing animals help the plant disperse the seeds by transferring them. Although the idea itself is simple, it took Mestral 10 years to devise the manufacturing process that enabled the mass production of Velcro®.

There are hundreds of tiny “hooks” in a burdock. Developing the Velcro fastener proved difficult, but Mestral was determined. While “looped” fabrics could be made with relative ease, hook-and-loop textiles could not be created as quickly. Mestral eventually invented a device – based on sheared hair used in barbershops. Cotton was the most commercially available fabric at the time, but it was too weak and thin for the hook to provide any real gripping power. While experimenting with various textiles in Lyon, France, Mestral came across a nylon thread that accidentally got mixed into his fabrics. It was then that he discovered that nylon had ideal properties. After overcoming this obstacle, Mestral decided to call his revolutionary invention “velour” (velvet) and “crochet” (hook), hence the brand name.

Acceptable zipper, versatile use 

The Velcro fastener is certainly one of the best inventions, as it makes our lives easier in many areas. Its practicality is already evident in children's shoes and other clothing, eliminating the need for various cords and other unnecessary fastenings. It can be used as a home accessory and for various materials. 

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Summarized by AskNature.org and study materials.