Artificial mother-of-pearl created using bacteria
Wednesday, April 24, 2019 - 08:30
in Physics & Chemistry
A biologist invented an inexpensive and environmentally friendly method for making artificial nacre using an innovative component: bacteria. The artificial nacre is made of biologically produced materials and has the toughness of natural nacre, while also being stiff and, surprisingly, bendable. The method used to create the novel material could lead to new applications in medicine, engineering -- and even constructing buildings on the moon.