New Glue from Ivy

Romans 8:39
“Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

All of us have seen ivy clinging to the sides of houses and trees, but did you know that these climbing plants can withstand the force of hurricane and tornado-force winds? What gives them such sticking power? Well, an article at the Engineering360 website points out that scientists are now learning that ivy “might hold the key to manufacturing stronger adhesives, more durable paints and even cosmetics with better staying power.”

According to Mingjun Zhang, biomedical engineering professor at Ohio State University, “When climbing, ivy secretes … tiny nanoparticles, which make initial surface contact. Due to their high uniformity and low viscosity, they can attach to large areas on various surfaces.” Then after the moisture evaporates, a chemical bond forms.

Zhang and his research team have used the nanoparticles to reconstruct a simple glue that mimics ivy adhesive. Ultimately, he is interested in creating bio-adhesives that can aid in repairing wounds.

Since ivy is also a pest plant that can be destructive to buildings and bridges, Zhang hopes that his team will also come up with an approach to keep ivy from attaching itself to structures.

Though most types of glue lose their stickiness over time, there is one kind of “glue” that is guaranteed to work forever. We find it in the Bible, where it says that nothing can separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus, our Lord.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for loving me with a love that will endure forever. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.

Author: Steven J. Schwartz
Ref: John Simpson, “Chemistry Behind Ivy’s Powerful Grasp Could Yield Stronger Adhesives,” Engineering360, 6/16/16. Photo: Climbing ivy. (PD)

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