Scientists Synthesize Ultra-Light and Strong Material Using DNA and Glass
By [News Organization]
Scientists from the Colombian University, the University of Connecticut, and the US National Energy Laboratory (DOE) in Brookheven have achieved a breakthrough in material science by successfully synthesizing a clean type of glass and covering it with specialized DNA particles. The resulting material not only surpassed the strength of steel but also demonstrated an incredible lightness. The study’s findings were recently published in the journal Cell Reports Physical Science.
Although DNA is widely known as the building blocks of life, its properties have also inspired experiments in the field of material science. In recent years, scientists have started to utilize DNA as an “origami” by assembling nanostructures from molecules that exhibit self-making capabilities. These nanostructures are then combined to form larger lattices.
A crucial step in the creation of this new material involved coating the DNA frame with a thin layer of glass, resulting in an ultra-light final product. At such a small scale, the glass becomes highly resistant to defects, providing incredible strength rarely observed in larger glass samples.
In order to assess the strength of the newly developed material, scientists utilized the technique known as “nanoindentation”. The results demonstrated that the DNA glass frame was four times stronger than steel, while being five times less dense!
This significant progress in material science opens up new possibilities. The team intends to explore the use of other materials, such as carbide ceramics, to create even more durable substances in the future.
Michaelson, the lead researcher of the project, has already achieved remarkable success in his career and eagerly anticipates the next phases of his research. “This is a tremendous opportunity to work in the Brookheven laboratory,” remarked Michaelson.