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Pennsylvania State University Scientists are working on developing self-mending cloth. The goal is for clothing to repair itself. Let’s say you cut your jeans or tear a blouse. No need to get to a tailor- the material would take care of it for you. Scientists confirmed that the process is relatively simple.

Clothing was dipped numerous times into a series of liquids to close the tears up. Melik C. Demirel of Penn State stated that this is the first time self-healing textiles will be released. Currently their research has only applied to pre-made fabrics and not to raw threads.

The coating placed on textiles is referred to as a polyelectrolyte coating that is created from a mixture of bacteria and yeast. They each have positively- and negatively-charged polymers that are akin to human nail and hair proteins, and squid teeth rings. Though researchers dipped entire pieces of clothing into the substance to give it the mending quality, the substance can be spot treated if needed.

CNN Money reporters stated that dripping the mixture over a tear, adding warm water, and holding the tear together for a few seconds would allow it to heal itself. The Penn State team noted that all a consumer needs to fix tears is water, which makes it surprisingly inexpensive. Demirel stated that this would be invaluable to fashion designers who use expensive natural fibers such as silk and wool. They would be able to use this to create self-healing fabrics.

Though the mix is meant for everyday use, some are stating that this could be an advantage for soldiers, or those working in professions that are dangerous. The immediate coating treatment could protect them from serious toxic substances or chemicals burns. It also could aid in biological attacks.