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Innovative Self-Healing Squid Proteins Revolutionize Robotics

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Chapter 1: Introduction to Self-Healing Materials

Recent advancements in material science have led to the discovery of proteins derived from genetically modified squid that possess the remarkable ability to self-heal and biodegrade rapidly.

Squid proteins and their applications in self-healing materials

The squid species Loligo vulgaris, found in European waters, has proteins in its suction cups that can self-repair.

What do leading organizations like the U.S. military, SpaceX, and Amazon share? They all utilize robots to automate tasks, sidestepping the limitations of human error, sleep, and nourishment. Unlike humans, robots are built from durable materials, yet they are susceptible to damage, particularly in demanding environments.

Section 1.1: The Shift to Soft Robotics

Traditionally, robots have been constructed from hard metals to safeguard sensitive parts. However, there is a growing trend toward soft robotics, which utilize flexible materials found in nature. These soft robots are generally lighter and more adaptable, making them particularly well-suited for unpredictable environments and interactions with humans.

For instance, last year, researchers from the University of Southern California unveiled a lightweight, insect-like robot named the Bee+, which weighs just 95 milligrams. The Bee+ can perch, land, navigate pathways, and avoid obstacles, showcasing the potential of soft robotics.

Subsection 1.1.1: Challenges in Soft Robotics

The vulnerability of soft robots raises a crucial question: what happens if they sustain damage? The ideal solution is for these robots to possess self-healing capabilities. While some progress has been made with materials that exhibit self-repair, many existing solutions are heavy, require toxic catalysts, or take an excessively long time to heal.

Chapter 2: Breakthrough Discoveries

A groundbreaking study published in Nature Materials has addressed many of these limitations by introducing a lightweight, protein-based biomaterial that can self-repair within a second. The inspiration for this innovative material came from an unexpected source: the squid, specifically captured off the coast of Spain.

“I went fishing near my hometown and collected some of this intriguing material,” stated Abdon Pena-Francesch, the study's lead author. “After experimenting with it, we realized its unique properties.”

Section 2.1: Understanding the Protein Structure

Pena-Francesch, a post-doctoral researcher at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems, has been exploring this protein for years. Sourced from Loligo vulgaris, this protein is essential for the squid's suction capabilities.

However, extracting the protein and applying it to soft robotics is a complex endeavor. The research team, comprising engineers from Penn State University and the Max Planck Institute, first needed to analyze the protein at a molecular level to determine which amino acids contribute to its self-healing properties.

To achieve this, the researchers sequenced materials from the suction cups of various squid species, gradually assembling a library of protein sequences for experimentation.

Section 2.2: Testing the Self-Healing Properties

After assessing each protein's characteristics such as flexibility and strength, the team identified the key “building blocks” responsible for optimal performance. By refining the natural sequences, they developed a ‘master sequence’ that was lightweight, robust, and capable of rapid healing.

They subjected the engineered material to various tests. In one experiment, they coated a thin film with synthetic proteins and then scratched it using laser etching. By heating the film, the researchers could repair the scratch in just two seconds. Another test involved puncturing a 50-micron thick protein film, which also healed perfectly with only one second of localized heating.

In a final assessment, the team sliced the protein material in half and observed complete healing within a second, restoring its elastic properties and achieving a post-healing strength of up to 23 MPa, which exceeds that of aluminum.

Section 2.3: Biodegradability and Future Applications

Since the synthetic biomaterial is protein-based, it also biodegrades effectively. The researchers demonstrated that it could fully decompose in a low pH solution within five minutes. This on-demand degradation could be particularly useful for medical implants, eliminating the need for surgical removal.

However, the material does have limitations; it needs hydration to function, which may restrict its use in long-term outdoor applications. Moreover, a method for heating the damaged area must be established. Future iterations of soft robots could autonomously reach a designated “heating room” for self-repair after extensive usage.

The potential applications for this innovative self-healing, biodegradable material are significant. As noted by the U.S. Army, which funded the study, the technology may be utilized for repairing devices subjected to repetitive movements, including robotic machinery, prosthetic limbs, ventilators, and personal protective equipment.

Reference:

Pena-Francesch, A., Jung, H., Demirel, M.C., and Sitti, M. “Biosynthetic self-healing materials for soft machines” Nature Materials. Published online July 27, 2020.

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