It all has to do with a material called chitin.
In their latest work, the research team explored the adaptability and molecular changes of chitinous materials in response to environmental changes.
“We’ve demonstrated that even after being extracted from natural sources, chitinous polymers retain their natural ability to link different forces, molecular organization, and water content to generate mechanical movement and produce electricity without the need for an external power source or control system,” said Assoc Prof Fernandez.The researchers sourced chitinous polymers from discarded shrimp shells to create films that are about 130.5 micrometers thick.
The research team then assembled these new films in a mechanical hand that could be controlled through environmental changes and biochemical processes. The end result was a gripping hand with a force equivalent to 18 kilograms—more than half the average grip strength of an adult. In another demonstration, the team showed that the response of the material to humidity changes could be used to harvest energy from environmental changes and convert it into electricity.
“Chitin is used for many complex functions in nature, from making the wings of insects to forming the hard protective shells of molluscs, and has direct engineering application. Our ability to understand and use chitin in its native form is critical to enable new engineering applications and develop them within a paradigm of ecological integration and low energy,” concluded
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
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