There's a fine line between play and science, and slime is hopping across it like a leprechaun. At the University of Guelph in Canada, a team of researchers has transformed this popular stress-relieving pastime into a cutting-edge material that can produce electricity. And that's not all: It could also speed up wound healing.
When Slime Gets Serious
Slime is no longer just a viral phenomenon on TikTok e YouTube. The researchers of theUniversity of Guelph in Ontario led by Erica Thoughts (Find the study here) have created an advanced version of this material that goes far beyond simple entertainment.
The new slime is a triumph of biocompatibility: composed of 90% water, contains oleic acids (fats) e fundamental amino acids of biological origin. It’s not exactly “electric slime,” but it does generate electricity when compressed or squeezed. The real “alchemy” happens at the microscopic level, where the material forms complex structures that can rearrange themselves into layers.
From dressings to the floor
The potential applications are astonishing. How bandage, this slime may speed up healing by attracting regenerative cells to the wound. For the targeted drug delivery, could release drugs in response to its structural changes. But it doesn't end there: imagine floors that generate green energy as you walk, similar to the Kinetic Dance Floor used in concerts of the Coldplay.
Among the most curious applications, however, there is the possibility of creating soft power banks to charge devices. It amuses me to think that one day we could charge our smartphones simply by squeezing a piece of slime. It's as if technology is becoming a child again, but with a much more pragmatic purpose.
The future is squishy
Of course, this is still early days. The current prototype has a slimy appearance that needs (at least, in my opinion) aesthetic refinement. Mass production is a significant challenge: developing efficient and cost-effective methods for large-scale fabrication will be crucial to commercial success.
What excites me most about this innovation is how it transforms something familiar into a potentially revolutionary tool. Slime could go from being a simple sensory toy to becoming a key component of future medicine and sustainable energy production.
I like to think that this is a perfect example of how science can draw inspiration from the most unexpected things. Maybe the next time you see a child playing with slime, you will remember that you are looking at not just a toy, but the possible ancestor of advanced technology. And who knows, maybe one day we will find ourselves charging our devices with the same material that we use today to relax and have fun.
