Scientists from the University College of London have successfully created the thinnest “pasta” in the world, measuring only 372 nanometers, which is approximately 200 times thinner than a human hair. This groundbreaking material, known as nanonites, has potential applications in the field of medicine.
The high porosity of nanonites makes them ideal for developing wound dressings that can expedite the healing process. These bandages are designed to allow moisture passage while preventing bacteria infiltration. Additionally, nanonites can serve as a scaffold for bone tissue regeneration and as a method for drug delivery.
The development of nanonites involved the utilization of starch, an abundant and environmentally friendly resource. Unlike traditional methods of producing nanonites that require substantial energy and water for starch extraction and purification, the new technique offers a more sustainable approach. A mixture of flour and anticic acid is utilized in the manufacturing process to effectively break down the starch structures.
Nanonites are produced through electric spinning, a technology that involves stretching a combination of flour and liquid through a needle under the influence of an electric charge. The resulting fibers create a mat with a visible diameter of about 2 cm, although individual threads are too minuscule to be observed with conventional optical instruments.
Researchers highlight the similarity between nanonites and the extracellular matrix, a supportive molecule network in the human body, making them a promising candidate for tissue engineering applications. Despite their resemblance to pasta, nanonites cannot be cooked as they would disintegrate within seconds in boiling water.
This innovative work underscores the potential of nanomaterials derived from renewable sources in addressing medical challenges and advancing eco-friendly technologies.