Chinese scientists have developed a method to manually spin silk from silkworms that can make it 70 percent tougher compared to the silk spun by spiders, according to South China Morning Post.
According to the scientists, their "artificial superstrong silkwork silk" is durable and safe for surgical stitches, bone scaffolds, and tendon regeneration. They can also be used for mesh or films used to deliver medicines and even in lightweight clothing.
A Better Alternative to Spider Silk?
Although silk spun by spiders is much stronger, spiders are more territorial and aggressive to be farmed. Additionally, genetically engineering spider DNA is difficult to scale and costly. Therefore, silkworms may be a better alternative.
The scientists used common silkworms that were obtained from farms to create stronger and stiffer spider silks. They first boiled silk from a common silkworm in a bath of chemicals to dissolve the glue around the core fiber that interferes with spinning and minimizes the degradation of silk proteins.
Following this, the scientists used zinc, iron, and sugars to solidify the silk, resulting in thinner silkworm silk, and similar to the size of spider silk.
The study shows promising results in producing produce profitable, high-performance silk-based materials on a large scale. Artificial silkworm is much cheaper to produce on an industrial scale compared to spider silk made in the lab.
Currently, they are developing the second-gen of high-performance silk and optimizing the automated spinning process that will improve yield and reduce production costs. To further the study, the scientists are seeking funds to produce the development of various types of new silk-based biomaterials with plans to launch high-strength and eco-friendly silk-based textile products in the next coming years.
Also Read: Silkworms Eat Graphene, Produce Tougher, Electrically Conductive Super Silk
Silkworm Silk in Healthcare
Silkworm silk has been used by the Chinese in medicine for thousands of years. It is said to be an effective healer due to its strength and pliability. Silkworm silk is mostly used in sutures and dressings. Biomedical applications of silkworms are on the rise and have been used in the treatment of tumors, small wounds, and burns, as well as certain eye diseases.
More importantly, silkworms can be bred and cultivated just like other silkworms and can produce large volumes of silk, unlike spiders. Hence, it is a more viable option for medical applications as well as making stronger, revolutionary applications. This is a big step for the researchers who are looking for a solution to produce stronger silk and are also proposing medical applications using silkworm silk.
Whatever the future of silk technology will unfold, it is evident that this versatile material will continue to be an essential part of our lives.
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Written by April Fowell
