Scientists at Tufts University have developed a transformative fluid that solidifies into a strong, adhesive fibre capable of lifting objects many times their weight, mirroring the abilities of the comic book hero, Spider-Man.
The quest to emulate the robust fibres found in nature, like those produced by moths and spiders, has been ongoing for years. Despite numerous challenges, recent breakthroughs have emerged.
A recent study published in Advanced Functional Materials reveals that silk moth protein fibroin, combined with specific additives and propelled through a narrow needle, forms a durable, adhesive fibre.
Marco Lo Presti, a co-author, explained, “While cleaning glassware with acetone, I observed a web-like material forming at the bottom, which led to this discovery.”
Initially, the team found that fibroin solutions turned into semi-solid gels after long exposures to chemicals like ethanol or acetone.
The researchers noted that dopamine helps the silk protein transition from liquid to solid by removing water. When encased in acetone and ejected through a special needle, a thin stream of this solution instantly solidified into a sticky fibre that adhered to surfaces as the acetone evaporated.
Further enhancements were achieved by adding chitosan, a protein in insect exoskeletons, which increased the fibres’ strength by up to 200 times. The addition of borate buffer raised their stickiness by about 18 times.
The fibres’ thickness is adjustable, ranging from that of human hair to about half a millimetre, based on the needle used.
