The human body has definitely not revealed all its mysteries. Researchers at the University of Limerick in Ireland have discovered that certain bodily fluids can produce electricity. Their works have been published in the journal Applied Physics Letters.
Towards an evolution of medical implants?
To come to this conclusion, these scientists looked at lysozyme, a protein that attacks and destroys the cell walls of bacteria. It is found in certain bodily secretions such as tears, saliva, breastmilkor the mucus, but also in the egg white. The researchers found that in the form of crystals, this protein could be manipulated to generate electricity. To do this, they squeezed the lysozyme between two glass plates: the protein then produced piezoelectricity. It is the ability of certain bodies to generate electricity under the action of mechanical stress.
A surprising discovery that rivals, according to the researchers, with quartz crystals, long known for their piezoelectric prowess. Lysozyme crystals could therefore have a role to play in scientific research. “This biological and non-toxic material could have many innovative applications such as anti-microbial coatings for medical implants,” concludes Aimee Stapleton, co-author of the study.
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