Humboldt Squids Inspire New, Environmentally Friendly Composite Materials

All squid species have protein-based teeth which are lightweight and tough. Scientists are looking to use this material to make products which are environmentally friendly as it’s an organic compound. They anticipate it being somewhat inexpensive to manufacture as the reactions involved in making squid teeth don’t require temperature extremes, exotic ingredients or harsh chemicals. The shells of clams and oysters, squid beaks, and exoskeletons of shrimp and lobsters are made of proteins and minerals in crystallized form. In the structures of shells and exoskeletons, crystals are the strength provider while the proteins acts as shock absorbers. It turns out that the circular teeth which are found in Humboldt Squids, don’t contain any crystals which was a big surprise to many scientists.

Through Biomimicry, biological adaptations have been playing an increasing role in helping designers, engineers, architects, and business leaders solve sustainable design and engineering challenges (see AskNature.org). In this case, scientists were intrigued by the architecture of the squids teeth, realizing the potential to use the same design in environmentally friendly composites. The basic principal is that the teeth are made from a mono-material with variations in the density and spacing of the pores at points in the structure of the teeth. At and near the base of the tooth, scientists found the pores to be closer together, making for a material which was softer and able to absorb the thrashing of the prey without breaking.

Via Discovery.com

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