Researchers discover "by accident" this self-healing glass (video)

Science sometimes stumbles upon unexpected discoveries that open new horizons. This is precisely what happened to a team of Israeli and American scientists who, while exploring the properties of certain peptides, developed a new form of self-assembling and self-healing glass. An innovation that could revolutionize many industrial sectors.


While studying short peptides, these researchers discovered that adding water to a dipeptide made up of two phenylalanine residues resulted in the formation of an amorphous supramolecular glass. This discovery was partially accidental as they were trying to use peptides as substitutes for traditional components of complex macromolecules.

Traditionally, the self-assembly of peptides leads to crystalline, non-transparent structures. However, this time, the process occurred at room temperature, allowing the water to evaporate and form a transparent glass. This unique glass possesses remarkable properties: it is not only self-assembling but also self-healing and adhesive while being extremely rigid and transparent.

The researchers also found that this new type of glass was as strong as traditional glass. It could therefore be used to manufacture windows and hydrophilic coatings. Additionally, its properties make it suitable for applications requiring high precision, such as optical lenses for various magnification uses.


The implications of this discovery are vast. The production of this glass requires very little energy compared to conventional glass, paving the way for environmentally friendly and economical industrial applications. The researchers hope that further testing will reveal even more potential uses for this innovative material.

Finally, the future prospects for this glass are promising, particularly in fields ranging from optics to the fabrication of adhesive and resistant surfaces. This discovery, detailed in Nature, could well mark the beginning of a new era for transparent materials.