Squids catch and hold food using tentacles, which can regenerate if lost or damaged. Researchers at Penn State University have already developed soft robotic components from self-healing polymers.
The findings were described in Nature Materials. Stephanie McElhinny, a biochemistry program manager at the US Army Research Office, told the Army Times a prototype for the self-healing materials could be ready in 5-8 years, with real-life military applications potentially ready in 10-15 years.
In addition to clothing and robotics, the material could also be used for ventilators, personal protective equipment, or prosthetic legs.