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A breakthrough discovery at the University of Guelph is turning heads in the field of energy. A team of researchers, led by Associate Professor Erica Pensini, has developed a remarkable slime-like material that generates electricity when it’s compressed. This innovative material could reshape several industries, from energy harvesting to robotics.
The team’s research, conducted using the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan, uncovered the material’s unique ability to transform under different conditions. When pressure is applied, it generates an electric current, making it potentially ideal for use in flooring systems. Imagine walking across a floor that produces clean energy from every step, or shoe insoles that not only power devices but also monitor your steps.
According to Interesting Engineering, the slime-like material can morph into a range of forms, including sponge-like, stacked layers, or a hexagonal pattern, depending on the conditions it faces. This adaptability could enable its use in targeted drug delivery systems, where an electric field could trigger the release of encapsulated pharmaceutical compounds.
The composition of the material is another point of interest. Made up of 90% water, along with oleic acid and amino acids, it is entirely biocompatible. It’s safe enough to be applied to the skin, Pensini explained, adding that the team aimed to create a substance both functional and harmless.
Beyond energy generation and medical applications, the material also shows promise in wound healing. Pensini suggests that it could be used in bandages that amplify the body’s natural electric fields to accelerate healing. Our natural movements and breathing could activate the bandage, enhancing its effectiveness, she noted.
Though still in the prototype phase, the potential applications of this slime-like material are vast. As further tests are conducted, the technology could usher in new methods for energy harvesting, offering a glimpse into the future of medical innovation and robotics.
