The Super Rubber of Insects’ Bodies

Function

We use our muscles to produce energy when we exercise, but half of this energy is wasted as heat, leaving only about 50% of our generated energy available to expend. Fleas, however, can use 97% of their stored energy when they jump. Even the aptly named bouncy ball can only retain at most 80% of its kinetic energy in one rebound. The secret behind the flea’s ability is the elastic protein called resilin, which fleas have around the base of their legs. By using not only their muscles but also this resilin, fleas can release their stored energy in a mere millisecond and leap over one hundred times their own height. Resilin also exists in bees, which are estimated to flap their wings over five hundred million times in their lifetime. The resilin at the hinges of their wings allows them to continuously flap their wings without any abrasion.

Functional Classification

Resouce/Energy/Information Collection & Storage:
Storage power

Environmental Solution Classification

Related Literature

Synthesis and properties of crosslinked recombinant pro-resilin

Technical Application

Products and Services

Type of Business

Proposals of Applied Technology

A radically new, long-lived highly elastic material could be produced to replace existing rubber and springs. This is particularly promising for the creation of body parts that repeatedly change shape, like the heart or intervertebral discs. Another possibility is the creation of new toys.

Proposals of Applied Industry

Related Life Style