Scientists at the Institute of Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) have engineered a novel biomaterial derived from chitosan, a substance sourced from shrimp shells. This material exhibits remarkable resistance to moisture, further demonstrating enhanced structural integrity upon exposure to water.
According to a statement released by the institute’s press office, the core of this innovation lies in integrating nickel into the structure of chitosan, which itself is a derivative of chitin, one of nature’s most abundant polymers. While most biomaterials typically suffer a loss of strength when saturated, this substance experiences the reverse effect: soaking in water boosts its strength by as much as 50%.
Javier Fernández, who spearheaded the research, commented that the findings demonstrate that materials need not be isolated from their surroundings, but can instead engage with them to improve their characteristics. In this innovative structure, water becomes integral to the internal system; nickel ions establish a flexible network of bonds that reconfigure under stress, thereby increasing durability.
The creators highlight that this method enables a zero-waste manufacturing process, as any surplus nickel released during processing is completely reintroduced into the system. Chitin is produced globally in massive quantities—estimated annually at up to 100 billion tons—a volume substantially exceeding current worldwide plastic output.
This material holds promise for applications across various sectors, including agriculture, fisheries, and packaging, particularly where biodegradable and moisture-resistant solutions are essential.
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