Think Like A Scientist

Through the use of computer models that simulated the molecular structure of spider silk, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering research scientists at Massachusetts Institute of Technology have found that spider silk could make ordinary materials stronger than steel. Spider silk is made of proteins, these proteins form into thin flat crystals called beta-sheets that are connected to each other by weak hydrogen bonds.  A key property of spider silk is its combination of strength and ductility its ability to to bend or stretch without breaking. The size of the crystals was critical in determining the strength of the silk. Additionally, the geometry of the crystals allowed the hydrogen bonds to work cooperatively, shielding each other against external forces. Professor Markus Buehler, who led the research team wrote in the journal Nature Materials “The application of our findings to the design of synthetic materials could provide us with new material concepts based on inexpensive, abundant constituents.” For further reading see the following article in Science Daily. This is another classic example of how man could imitate nature’s models, systems, and processes in the design of innovative new products. Check out the book, Biomimicry: Innovations Inspired by Nature by Janine M. Benyus.