Coming, Clothes That Can Mend Themselves

                Coating made from squid proteins may help clothes that could fix their own rips. The coating may not only lead to self healing clothes, but also help create garments tailored for protection against chemical and biological warfare and that can repair themselves. The researchers investigated molecules from the suction cups on squid tentacles for use in self-repairing films. They focused on proteins from razor-sharp, tooth-like structures around the openings of these suction cups that help squids latch onto its prey. Previous research suggested proteins from these “squid ring teeth” are tough and elastic under both wet and dry conditions. When a fabric covered in this coating is soaked in water, the proteins diffuse towards holes and tears in the coating, linking segments of coating and fabric together to make repairs. Researchers were surprised at the rapidity of the healing process and the strength of the healed materials.