Researchers at Tufts University’s Silklab have successfully developed a silk fiber inspired by Spider-Man’s web-slinging abilities, allowing objects to be caught and lifted. The breakthrough began in 2020 and has come a long way since, with the silk fiber now capable of catching objects from 30 to 35 centimeters away and lifting weights of around 15 to 20 grams.
The process involves shooting a combination of silk fibroin and dopamine through a coaxial needle, surrounded by acetone. As the acetone evaporates mid-air, the dopamine speeds up the substance’s solidifying process, turning the silk into sticky, strong fibers.
The team tested the fibers’ strength and adhesiveness by capturing and lifting objects like bolts, wood blocks, and lab tools. While Spider-Man enthusiasts may be eager to start swinging from buildings, the researchers are focused on real-world applications, such as retrieving objects lost underwater or aiding drones in remote environments.
Fiorenzo Omenetto, professor of engineering at Tufts University, believes that this material has incredible potential, given silk’s natural strength and ability to lift significant weights. However, questions remain about its ultimate capabilities, such as how much it can lift or whether it can remotely drag objects.
Omeneto is eager to collaborate with others to refine the material for real-world applications. He has already begun working on a solution to tag sharks using the fibers, which he believes is key to unlocking the silk fibers’ true potential.
Source: https://screenrant.com/spider-man-webbing-real-possible