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The first biodegradable velcro is inspired by plants

2021-11-22T15:16:13.522Z


Made the first biodegradable velcro inspired by climbing plants. Replicates the micro-hooks found under the leaves of Galium aparine, the 'hand-holding plant' (ANSA)


Made the first biodegradable velcro inspired by climbing plants.

It replicates the micro-hooks found under the leaves of Galium aparine, the 'hand-holding plant', and can have applications in various fields, from bio-compatible patch to intelligent sensor to be integrated on plants.

The new device described in Nature Communications Materials was developed in Italy by a research group of the Italian Institute of Technology (Iit) led by Barbara Mazzolai.

"Our studies always start from the observation of nature, trying to replicate the strategies of living beings in robotic technologies with low environmental impact", explained Mazzolai, Associate Director for Robotics of the IIT and head of the Bioinspired Soft Robotics Lab. plants are one of the great muses of the Italian research group who, after having somehow artificially replicated their root development and growth, have now concentrated on the 'prehensile' characteristics of these plants of the Rubiaceae family capable of anchoring themselves to many materials. To guarantee this ability are the micro hooks present on the leaves that have been analyzed in detail and replicated with a high resolution 3d print.To identify the best solution, researchers tested various very resistant materials with characteristics adaptable to the type of desired application, such as photosensitive materials and biodegradable materials based on isomalt, a substance similar to sugar. "With this latest research - added Mazzolai - we have further shown that it is possible to create innovative solutions that not only have the objective of monitoring the state of well-being of our planet, in particular plants, but that do so without altering it"."With this latest research - added Mazzolai - we have further shown that it is possible to create innovative solutions that not only have the objective of monitoring the state of well-being of our planet, in particular plants, but that do so without altering it"."With this latest research - added Mazzolai - we have further shown that it is possible to create innovative solutions that not only have the objective of monitoring the state of well-being of our planet, in particular plants, but that do so without altering it".

"The use of these micro-hooks - added Isabella Fiorello, first author of the study - is versatile and has allowed us to devise various applications, as well as the filing of a patent": the micro-hooks can in fact be used to adhere patches and at the same time be a sort of mini needles for drug delivery, ideal for treating plant diseases, or once integrated on electronic devices used to distribute sensors in natural environments.

Source: ansa

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