Squid Have Tiny Teeth in Their Suckers − Scientists Could Use Their Unique Properties to Make Self-Healing Materials

Squid teeth could be the newest model for self-repairing medical devices. The serrated teeth inside the suction cups on squid tentacles are composed of structural proteins, making them resistant to compression yet flexible and able to conform to the shape of their prey. U-M scientists are researching these unique natural structures for various projects, from robots to bio-based alternatives to single-use plastic. Materials science and engineering professor Abdon Pena-Francesch comments on the research for The Conversation.