Graphene-fed silkworms produce super-strong, electrically conductive silk

Scientists may have found another use for silk. Previously, the natural protein fiber was predominantly used in the textile industry. Researchers have now observed that the properties of silk can be manipulated if silkworm larvae are fed a new-age diet consisting of graphene and carbon nanotubes. 

Silk, known for its beauty and strength is made from silkworm larvae. The offspring of silk moths spins thread made from protein that is produced in their salivary glands. When this new fodder--made from latticed carbon atoms--is fed to silkworms, it causes silk to become stronger and as well as giving it the ability to conduct electricity.

Scientists sprayed the water-based solution containing graphene or carbon nanotubes onto the silk worms’ natural diet of mulberry leaves. After that, the silkworm soon started producing this new and exalted silk. What’s interesting is that only 0.2 percent (by weight) of foreign material was used in the solution to get these groundbreaking results. 

According to the study, led by Yingying Zhang from Tsinghua University, the super-strong silk can withstand 50 percent more stress before breaking compared to ordinary silk. The research team also tested the material’s conductivity after it was carbonized at 1,050°C or 1,922°F. It was further observed that the silk fibers had a normal crystal structure.

It has long been known that the miracle material known as graphene could have numerous possible applications, including in electronics, healthcare, robotics and more. But combining it with biology to obtain a unique outcome is quite surprising--previous attempts to enhance silk, involved adding chemicals to silk after it has was spun. 

The new material could open the gateways to a world of possibilities. Scientists hope that it could be used to create a new generation of wearable electronics, stronger smart fabrics, and even medical implants.