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New Biodegradable Material Strengthens in Water: Zero-Waste Innovation

2/26/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Researchers from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia and Singapore University of Technology developed a biodegradable chitosan-nickel material that strengthens when wet.
The design is nickel-enhanced and draws inspiration from sandworm fangs.
Tests show the material resists water and endures 50% more stress after immersion.
The manufacturing process is zero-waste.
The study was published in Nature Communications.

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Story summary

Researchers from the Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia and Singapore University of Technology developed a biodegradable chitosan-nickel material that strengthens when wet.
The design is nickel-enhanced and draws inspiration from sandworm fangs.
Tests show the material resists water and endures 50% more stress after immersion.
The manufacturing process is zero-waste.
The study was published in Nature Communications.