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Novel advancements in hydrogels

By Maja Bosanac
9 July 2013

hydrogel-double-network-1Hydrogels are gelatinous substances with several biomedical applications, including cartilage repair, implants for minimally invasive surgery and drug delivery. Most hydrogels are weak, brittle, and of low mechanical strength. They also exhibit limited extensibility, recoverability, and poor toughness. On the other hand, double-network hydrogels exhibit high mechanical strength, excellent recoverable properties, and a unique, free-shapeable… »

Bionics»

Understanding self cleaning abilities of gecko’s foot hair

By Damir Beciri
21 June 2012

geckoWe already published several articles about gecko biomimicry, whose feet and their adhesive properties inspired researchers to develop similar surfaces, as well as a mass production technique to create the surface. Although it addresses the same subject, this article describes recently published results from University of Akron (UA) where researchers examined self-cleaning and reusability of… »

Bionics| Tech»

Spider web inspires new medical materials

By Damir Beciri
One Comment17 February 2012

orb-spider-webWe already published several articles about studies where spiders served as inspiration for biomimicry and analysis, but the new study by the researchers from the University of Akron developed the new biocompatible synthetic material similar to a specific kind of silk spun by orb spiders. The material could be used as new kinds of medical… »

Bionics| Tech»

Spider silk glue biomimicry could lead to better performing adhesives

By Damir Beciri
3 Comments23 July 2011

ua-blackledge-sahni-dhinojawala-spider-silk-glueA team of researchers from the University of Akron (UA) has observed two species of spiders in order to develop stimuli-resistant and stimuli-sensitive materials. The research shows that the sticky glue that coats the silk threads orb-weaving spiders spin has a different structure, property makeup and response to humidity than glues produced by their evolutionary… »