A team of scientists fromGuelph Universityin Canada, developed a innovative slime capable of generating electricity through mechanical pressure. To lead the project is the professor Erica Pensiniflanked by professors Alejandro G. Marangoni, Aicheng Chen And Stefano Gregori. Published on the platform Scientirectthis study describes a viscous material with a revolutionary potential in areas such as sustainable energythe medicine And even the advanced robotics.
The heart of innovation lies in the properties piezoelectric of the slime: once subjected to compression, it is able to generate electric current. This makes it particularly interesting for integration into surfaces such as floors, where it can convert the mechanical energy of electricity steps. Think also suggests the use of the material in shoes sunto analyze people’s walk in real time.
Not only that: thanks to its sensitivity to pressure, it could be used in the construction of a synthetic skin for robot, capable of perceiving the human touch. A concrete application could consist in teaching a robot to detect a patient’s wrist.
We used the Canadian Light Source, a powerful synchrotron, to observe the crystalline structure of the material. We discovered that, by applying an electric field, it is possible to modify it.
During the studies, the researchers observed that the slime has one highly dynamic structure at a microscopic level. It can take on hexagonal forms, organize itself in layers similar to those of one lasagnaor adapt as one sponge. This versatility was documented thanks to the analysis conducted at the Canadian Light Sourcea national research center located at the University of Saskatchewan, used by scientists from all over the world to study innovative materials in the agriculture, health and environment sectors.
A biogel compatible with the human body and useful in the administration of drugs
Another extraordinary aspect of this slime is his natural composition: it is formed 90% from waterfall, oleic acid (a component present in olive oil) e amino acids. This makes it highly compatible with the human bodyopening the doors to potential uses in the medical field.
Professor Pensini underlines the goal of the project:
I wanted to create a totally harmless material, which I could apply on my skin without fear. The slime could also be used to distribute drugs in a targeted way or to accelerate cicatrization through intelligent patches.
Our body naturally produces small electrical fields that attract cells to a wound. If we could amplify this effect, we could stimulate faster healing.
Currently, thoughts is personally testing the material, applying it on the hands as a regenerating conditionerwith the aim of perfecting it further for clinical use.
