Revolutionary Spider-Man Web Shooter Technology Developed by Tufts University Scientists: A Leap Towards Reality

Among the different fantasies are comics and movies Spider-Man inspiration, the ability to move between skyscrapers is one of the most attractive.

This possibility, which fills the imagination of many, is now closer to being a reality, thanks to the work of scientists at Tufts University, in the United States.

Researchers at this institution have managed to develop an innovative technology for web slinging.

The lab-created adhesive fiber is able to solidify quickly after being fired, becoming rope-like, able to adhere to objects and support great pressure.

The magazine contained details of the invention Advanced action ingredients and not only impresses the fans of the arachnid hero, but also opens technological possibilities.

The adhesive material is capable of supporting objects up to 80 times heavier than itself, such as steel screws and large glasses.

Spider-Man from the comics was responsible for creating his own web slinger – Image: reproduction

How was the real web slinger created?

Tufts University’s adhesive fiber is not made with traditional spiders, but with silkworms, Bombyx mori. From the cocoon of this larva, scientists extract fibroin, a protein that is not soluble in water and is essential for the creation of the material.

Such a liquid solution, together with components such as dopamine, changes into a solid fiber when it comes into contact with air. The technique imitates natural webs spidersknown for its special hardness, elasticity and adhesive properties.

Inspiration from the world of superheroes

The research had an interesting start. Marco Lo Presti, one of the scientists involved, noticed the formation of a web-like substance in the fibroin vessel.

Based on this observation, he improved the solution with chitosan, a crustacean compound, which increased the strength of the fibers 200 times.

The adhesive capacity increased 18 times by using a saline buffer solution, ensuring stability at the pH of the solution.

With these advances, the development of a Spider-Man web shooter could be closer to becoming a reality.

Despite progress, natural webs are still better against, being a thousand times stronger than their synthetic equivalents.

A science there is a long way to go, but the effort continues to inspire promising technological innovations.