• Chitosan‑nickel composite derived from shrimp shells shows waterproof, water‑strengthening properties. • Incorporating nickel into chitosan creates a sustainable, biodegradable material surpassing conventional plastics. • The material’s strength increases when wet, challenging the plastic paradigm of isolation. • Developed by IBEC, the biomaterial leverages environmental water for mechanical performance. • Potential applications include eco‑friendly packaging, medical devices, and water‑rich environments.
Article Summaries:
- A new study led by the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia (IBEC) has unveiled the first biomaterial that is not only waterproof but actually becomes stronger in contact with water. The material is produced by the incorporation of nickel into the structure of chitosan, a chitinous polymer obtained from discarded shrimp shells. The development of this new biomaterial marks a departure from the plastic-age mindset of making materials that must isolate from their environment to perform well. Instead, it shows how sustainable materials can connect and leverage their environment, using their
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