Breakthrough in Silk Technology
researchers created a technology that shoots a fluid silk solution from a needle, which immediately solidifies into a fiber, capable of lifting objects over 80 times its weight.
The innovation comes from silk moth cocoons, processed into fibroin, and combined with additives like dopamine and chitosan to enhance strength and stickiness, mimicking spider silk properties.
Accidental Discovery and Applications
The breakthrough was accidental, observed when a web-like material formed in glassware cleaned with acetone, leading to the rapid solidification of silk fibroin.
Beyond web-slinging, the silk-based materials have potential applications in underwater glues, printable sensors, edible coatings, and sustainable microchip manufacturing.