Australia is home to a unique food product known as Vegemite—a dark, savory spread often referred to by Chinese people as "Australian stinky tofu." Though it may not sound appealing at first, Vegemite is a staple in many Australian households and is regarded as the country's national food. Recently, this humble ingredient has caught the attention of scientists, who have discovered an unexpected use for it: as a conductive material for 3D printing.
At the ARC Centre of Excellence for Electromaterials Science (ACES), Professor Marc in het Panhuis led an intriguing research project that uncovered this surprising property. While studying soft robotics and biomaterials, the team was searching for edible materials suitable for 3D printing. During their search, one researcher stumbled upon the perfect candidate right on his breakfast table—Vegemite.
"This discovery shows that Vegemite is highly suitable for 3D printing edible electronics," said the professor. "Its moisture content makes it soft and easy to extrude through a 3D printer, and its salt content gives it electrical conductivity."
The key factor here is its ability to conduct electricity. Researchers were particularly interested in how Vegemite could be used to transfer electrical current. The process is surprisingly simple: just load the spread into a syringe, extrude it into thin lines, and use it to create circuits connecting an LED to a battery. According to Professor in het Panhuis, the water and ionic components in Vegemite are enough to power a small LED.
In a live demonstration, the professor showcased the practicality of the idea. He printed Vegemite onto a slice of bread, even spelling out the word "WOW." Then, he completed a basic circuit using the bread as a base, successfully lighting up an LED. This experiment proved that with a bit of creativity, everyday items can become part of innovative technology.
While eating a light-up sandwich might still be a stretch, the potential applications of this discovery are exciting. From wearable electronics to biodegradable circuits, Vegemite’s unique properties open up new possibilities in the field of sustainable and edible electronics.
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