Erhan and ARS chemist Zengshe Liu developed the hydrogel in studies at ARS's National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria. Their invention dovetails with the Center's mission of developing new, value-added uses for corn, soybeans, and other Midwest crops, which will benefit farmers, processors, and consumers. A key focus of the Center is to explore options to reduce the myriad uses of petroleum, which include making fuel and polymers like plastic.