Italian scientists have developed what they claim to be the first-ever biodegradable version of Velcro, which is soft and soluble. While it’s not strong enough to keep your shoes on, the material can be harmlessly attached to plants for environmental safeguard and monitoring, the controlled release of beneficial molecules into the plant’s vascular system, and the best part of all, it’ll dissolve after the job is done.
Barbara Mazzolai, the author of the study, explained:
Our studies always begin by observing nature, seeking to replicate the strategies employed by living creatures through low-environmental-impact robotic technologies. With this latest research project, we have further demonstrated that it is possible to create innovative solutions that not only have the aim of monitoring the health of our planet, in particular of plants but of doing so without altering it.
Swiss engineer George de Mestral conceived the original Velcro after observing the hook-like structures on the burrs from burdock plants that would get stuck on his pants and in his dog’s fur. This new eco-friendly form of Velcro also takes its cues from nature, specifically the Galium aparine, or “catchweed” plant.
Catchweed climbs over other plants through a parasitic anchoring system featuring micro-hooks on its leaves to pull itself up and on other plants as it grows, using them for structure and support in the process.
First, the Italian Institute of Technology scientists studied these hooks in fine detail. Next, they used a high-resolution 3D printer to reproduce them in biodegradable and soluble form, crafted out of raw materials made from a sugar-like substance called isomalt. After testing these artificial hooks, the team found them firmly attaching to different plant species and acting as a plaster that can be latched to their leaves to serve several purposes.
The ingenious part, though, is that these tiny hooks can connect to the leaf’s vascular system and can be used to release beneficial molecules and substances to the plant, such as pharmaceuticals, pesticides, and bactericides. And, since the isomalt is soluble, it can safely dissolve afterward.
Finally, the hooks were also able to be 3D printed with a photosensitive resin. Scientists can combine these with electronics and sensors for light, humidity, and temperature to create intelligent clips for wireless communication on plant health and status.
Isabella Fiorello, the project’s primary author, said:
These micro-hooks are versatile and have allowed us to create a range of applications, as well as to file a patent. For example, this form of anchoring can be exploited for in situ monitoring of the plant’s microclimate, such as temperature, humidity, and light, or for the controlled release of molecules into the plant’s vascular system.
The research was published on October 7, 2021, in the journal Communications Materials, while a demonstration of the technology is presented in the video below.
Another innovative version of Velcro that takes its cues from nature is the 3D-printed mushroom-inspired fastener that’s as strong as Velcro but doesn’t damage fabric. The material, developed by researchers at the Netherlands’ Wageningen University, could be applied to footpads for legged robots to firmly walk-up walls or across ceilings like geckos.
