In this project, velvet worm slime is used as an inspiration to formulate a high strength bio-polymeric material. We study the chemical composition and morphology of the nanostructures present in the velvet worm slime with the aim of modeling the bio-fabrication mechanism. It is these nanostructures which are present in the slime which allow it to achieve properties such as self-healing behavior, mechano-responsiveness and ease of molding.

Our story:

Bug-hunting worm provides template for polymeric materials (2020)

A worm that spits on its prey to immobilize it could inspire new biodegradable polymeric materials. Researchers from AMI’s BioNanomaterials group have been investigating the unique properties of the slime projected by the carnivorous velvet worm.  

Wurm auf Insektenjagd bietet Inspiration für polymere Materialien (2020)

Ein Wurm, der auf seine Beute spuckt, um sie einzufangen, könnte die Entwicklung von neuen biologisch abbaubaren Polymermaterialien inspirieren. Forscherinnen der AMI-Gruppe BioNanomaterialien haben die einzigartigen Eigenschaften des Schleims untersucht, den der fleischfressende Samtwurm produziert.