Scientists Create Sticky Threads That Can Catch Objects Like Spider-Man!

Inspired by the fictional superhero Spider-Man, scientists have developed sticky threads capable of catching objects mid-air. This breakthrough could revolutionize material handling and robotics.

an incredible scientific breakthrough

In a bid to bring science fiction into reality, researchers from Tufts University in the United States have successfully created a system that mimics Spider-Man’s iconic web-slinging ability. These sticky threads can capture objects in mid-air and hold up to 80 times their own weight.

This remarkable innovation, documented in the journal Advanced Functional Materials, is not just a whimsical nod to comic book fantasies but a potential game-changer for various industries, including materials handling and robotics.

the mechanics behind the magic

The process involves ejecting a liquid silk solution through a needle to form threads that solidify almost instantly. These threads are composed of silk fibroin, derived from silkworm cocoons. When exposed to an organic solvent like acetone, the silk forms a strong hydrogel.

The addition of dopamine expedites this process significantly. As the solution passes through a coaxial needle—one smaller needle inside a larger one—alongside acetone, it triggers rapid solidification.

• The diameter of these fibers can be adjusted by varying the needle size, ranging from human hair thickness to about one millimeter.

strengthening with chitosan

The researchers achieved even greater strength by incorporating chitosan, a derivative of chitin found in arthropods’ exoskeletons and fungi. This enhancement increased tensile strength two hundredfold.

• A borate buffer was also added to augment stickiness, making these threads 18 times tackier than before.

potential applications and future prospects

The implications for this discovery are vast. While current iterations may not allow humans to swing between skyscrapers like their comic book counterpart, they promise significant advancements in technology sectors requiring intricate object manipulation.

1. Robotics: Enhanced gripping mechanisms for delicate or heavy items.
2. Materials Handling: New ways to transport goods efficiently and safely.

Though spider silk remains much stronger, this research paves the way for future improvements that might rival or even surpass natural materials’ capabilities.