Renewable energy can be stored as heat in sand.
Silica, meanwhile, is making energy savings possible in the cold chain network. Certainly for the transportation of vaccinations, enzymes and even DNA.
Knowing that biologically active molecules in medical substances are thermally unstable and prone to decomposition when temperatures fluctuate, a UK-based startup has developed a new solution: to encase the biomolecules in a wafer-thin protective layer made from silica.
Allowing the agents to be transported and stored at temperatures from -80° to 50°C without using the cold chain.
Once the biologics have been administered, the protective layer can be broken down naturally. Silica, specifically, is biocompatible.
Alternatively, vaccines can be locally printed. Camels have also inspired new cooling methods.
