Imagine a world where a slimy substance can generate electricity just by being squeezed. Well, that world is now a reality thanks to researchers at the University of Guelph in Canada! This groundbreaking goo, made from natural ingredients, has the potential to completely transform various industries, from medicine to green energy production.
The research team put this slime to the test at the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan, where they uncovered its remarkable properties. This material has the ability to form different structures at the microscopic level, allowing it to take on the characteristics of a sponge, lasagna layers, or hexagonal columns.
Lead researcher Erica Pensini revealed that the material’s crystalline structure can be manipulated by applying an electric field, thanks to the advanced capabilities of the synchrotron microscope.
The potential applications of this slime are truly limitless. It could be incorporated into flooring to generate clean energy from the pressure of footsteps, used in insoles to analyze walking patterns, or even utilized as synthetic skin on robots to enhance their tactile sensitivity.
Furthermore, the material’s capacity to change structures could revolutionize targeted drug delivery within the body. Imagine a scenario where it could release medication in response to an applied electric field.
But that’s not all! This miraculous slime could also function as a healing bandage by leveraging the body’s natural electric fields to expedite the healing process.
Crafted from natural elements like water, oleic acid, and amino acids, this slime is perfectly safe for human use. Pensini is even planning to test it as a hand salve after a rock climbing session.
While the potential applications of this slime are undeniably exciting, further testing is necessary before it can be widely implemented. Pensini’s fearless spirit will lead her as she delves into the possibilities of this groundbreaking material. The research findings have been published in the esteemed Journal of Molecular Liquids, heralding a new era of innovative applications.