Spider silk, an insect-trapping and egg-protecting material, is known for its incredible strength. It is also known for it’s elasticity, making it one of the most versatile substances in the world. According to recent research, spider silk is about five times stronger than steel of the same diameter. Scientists have now discovered why. It turns out that the way spider silk molecules self-assemble at the nano scale level is what gives the material its exceptional strength.
Important Applications
The silk produced by spiders has a wide range of applications, including use in body armor developed for the U.S. military, as well as in medical technology. Researchers have found that silk from a spider is bio-compatible, meaning it can be used in the human body without adverse effects. This has led to studies exploring the potential use of spider silk in medical implants. Artificial tendons and ligaments can utilize spider silk, due to its strength, elasticity, and bio-compatibility.
Antibacterial Properties
Moreover, the silk’s strength is not the only reason for its potential in medical technology. It also has unique antibacterial properties that make it resistant to common bacteria, such as Staphylococcus aureus. This makes it a promising material for use in wound dressings. It can also be used in other medical applications that require resistance to bacterial infections.
Versatility of Spider Silk
Despite the fact that only about half of all spiders spin webs, all spiders produce silk. The silk produced by spiders varies in strength, elasticity, and other properties depending on the species and the purpose of the silk. For instance, some spiders produce silk that is sticky and used for trapping prey, while others produce silk that is strong and used for building nests. With such versatility and potential for medical applications, spider silk is a truly remarkable material that has captured the interest of scientists and researchers around the world.
According to Science magazine, It is highly elastic, thinner than human hair, and lighter than cotton, but five times stronger than steel of the same diameter. The strength of spider silk can hold at extreme temperatures, which makes it even more impressive.
Spider Silk: A Unique and Valuable Substance
Spider silk has a wide range of uses. Ancient Greek soldiers, for instance, used cobwebs to reduce bleeding, and in the modern era, it has been used in various ways, including body armor developed for the U.S. military. Spiders that do not spin webs are as beneficial as those that do, given their ability to produce silk. Despite the general perception that spiders are scary creatures, spider silk is a unique and valuable substance that could be used to save lives.
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