Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania has developed a blend of yeast and bacteria that is able to repair cut or damaged in any other way clothing designed for hazardous environments.
Material to be restored, dipped in several solutions for the formation of the layer of polyelectrolyte — matter consisting of positively and negatively charged polymers. The mixture also includes urease — enzymes contained in yeast and bacteria and catalyzes the decomposition of urea to ammonia and carbon dioxide. They neutralize toxic substances which can get damaged protective suit.
Tests showed that the pieces of fabric are firmly bonded to each other. The polyelectrolyte has properties similar to those that have proteins detected in the composition of the surrounding squid sucker ring teeth.
In the future, the researchers plan to test how a coating withstands the processing of detergent.
