Throwing a spiderweb like Spider-Man is becoming less and less science fiction. Researchers may have accidentally discovered a remarkable material based on silk.
This new material could transform various industries. Will it one day rival the famous spider silk, which is a thousand times stronger?
Inspired by spider silks, scientists from the Silklab laboratory at Tufts University in the United States have designed adhesive fibers. These fibers, although still in development, are already capable of lifting heavy objects.
The idea was born accidentally when a researcher, while cleaning a container with acetone, observed the formation of fibers resembling webs. This discovery prompted the team to refine the process.
The fibers are produced from silk fibroin, a protein. By mixing it with a solvent, it quickly transitions from a liquid to a solid state. The scientists then added dopamine to improve strength.
Chitosan, a derivative from insect exoskeletons, enabled a 200-fold increase in the fiber strength. In tests, the fibers lifted objects much heavier than themselves, such as a steel bolt or a scalpel.
This technology, still at its early stages, could have numerous applications. For example, it could allow the manipulation of delicate objects without direct contact or the ability to operate in inaccessible environments.
However, natural spider silk remains much stronger than this synthetic version. Despite this, researchers hope to continue improving these fibers to reach superior performance.
How does spider silk work?
Spider silk is a natural material produced by specialized glands located in the abdomen of spiders. When extruded, it quickly solidifies upon contact with the air, forming an extremely fine and lightweight thread.
This silk is remarkable for its strength and flexibility. It can withstand significant tensile forces while remaining elastic. This combination allows spiders to weave webs capable of trapping prey while absorbing impacts. Researchers are drawing inspiration from this to design materials with diverse applications.
Author of the article: Cédric DEPOND