Squid teeth have inspired the design of a new type of super-strong plastic that self-heals. Engineers at the University of Pennsylvania have been studying the ring teeth of cephalopods, like squid and octopus, which heal themselves in water.
The scientists unlocked the genetic code that enables the teeth to heal when broken. They then artificially engineered the necessary proteins and transformed those proteins into a plastic by using solvent.
Tests on the material have been subsequently carried out, where the new plastic was cut in half and fused back together using water and heat. Initial results suggest that the material continues to be just as strong and durable as before being broken.
Source: Super-strong plastic is inspired by squid teeth
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