Sargassum covered beach
Flexible Conductors from Brown Algae for Green Electronics
Researchers recently published about novel conductors in Advanced Sustainable Systems. What makes these conductors so novel is they are made from brown algae or kelps.
Alginate from brown seaweeds are are used to make a flexible sodium alginate film. Ultrathin gold layers are then added to the alginate film. The resulting foils are thin, easy to handle, and shape, while showing good conductive properties.
The researchers believe this novel use of sodium alginate conductors is a “very promising candidate to be employed in green electronics, thanks to the reduced energy consumption required for their fabrication, the absence of toxic components or chemicals that are derived from oil, and the possibility to disassemble the devices at the end of their life in environmentally friendly conditions.”
The research can be viewed here
Novel use of alginate from brown seaweeds transports macrophages into damaged tissues
Sodium alginate and human stem cells used to 3D-print tissues
Researchers at Penn State University found sodium alginate from seaweed can be used to “print” human tissues. Alginate mixed with human stem cells can be 3D-printed into tiny particles that create breathable tissues.
Currently the technology is limited to small strands, however, the researchers are confidant they will be able to create larger tissue patches in the future. The researchers believe these tissues could be used for bone and cartilage surgery , such as knee restoration, cartilage defects, and osteoarthritis.
Seaweed smart material stronger than steel
Researchers at Brown University discovered a way to make a new smart material mixing alginate with graphene oxide. The new material can be 3D printed and is stronger than steel. Read more about this new amazing material here.