Introduction In recent years, materials scientists have been turning to nature for inspiration, using biological elements to design advanced materials. By mimicking the molecular structure and functional motifs of biological elements, it is possible to create materials with a wide range of capabilities. A recent report in Science Advances outlines a flexible biomimetic thermal sensing polymer (BTS) that is designed to replicate the ion transport dynamics of pectin, a component of plant cell walls. The team, comprised of researchers from the California Institute of Technology and Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology in the U.S. and South Korea, has crafted a promising material. What Pectin Does Pectin is a naturally occurring polysaccharide that is found in the cell walls of plants. It acts with other components to create a stiff but flexible wall that can expand and contract in response to changes in the cell's environment. It acts as a protective barrier, keeping potentially harmful substances out while allowing important ions, such as calcium and magnesium, to move freely into and out of the cell. Pectin also helps to regulate the amount of water that is allowed to enter and exit the cell. What BTS Does The BTS polymer created by the research team is designed to mimic these ion transport dynamics in a man-made material. The BTS is composed of a hard, solvated network of nanometer-sized polymer chains in a matrix of viscous liquid. This creates a material that is both flexible and strong, and is capable of dynamically responding to changes in temperature. When the temperature is increased, the polymer expands and becomes more hydrophilic, allowing for the passage of ions. When the temperature is decreased, the polymer contracts and becomes more hydrophobic, preventing the passage of ions. This behavior is similar to that of pectin, giving the BTS a wide range of potential applications. Potential Applications The most immediate application of the BTS polymer is in the field of thermal sensing. The ability to respond to changes in temperature makes the BTS ideal for temperature-sensing applications, such as in thermometers or temperature-sensing clothing. The material could also be used in energy storage devices, as the temperature-dependence of the material could allow for the capture and storage of energy from changing temperatures. The BTS could find applications in electronics, such as in thermal switches that are capable of turning devices on and off in response to temperature changes. The material could also be used in the medical field, as the dynamic and flexible nature of the material could allow for precision control of the delivery of drugs or other materials within the body. Conclusion The BTS polymer developed by the California Institute of Technology and Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology research teams is an impressive example of biomimetics. By mimicking the ion transport dynamics of pectin, the team has created a flexible and thermally sensitive material that has a wide range of potential applications. From temperature-sensing clothing to medical drug delivery systems, the possibilities of the BTS material are limited only by the imagination.
https://www.lifetechnology.com/blogs/life-technology-science-news/designing-advanced-bts-materials-for-temperature-and-long-wave-infrared-sensing
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