Scientists Engineer Muscle-Inspired Protein Fibers Stronger Than Silk
Scientists at Washington University in St. Louis have created a new type of protein-based fiber inspired by natural muscle proteins. The breakthrough, led by researcher Fuzhong Zhang, uses synthetic biology to produce materials with exceptional strength and flexibility. These fibers could soon appear in industries ranging from medicine to textiles and agriculture.
The team designed the fibers by mimicking the structure of filamin, a protein found in muscle tissue. The resulting material demonstrates high tensile strength, toughness, and the ability to recover its shape after stretching. Unlike traditional protein-based materials like silk or collagen, these fibers resist moisture-induced swelling and contraction, improving their durability in different environments.
Production takes place in controlled bioreactors, allowing precise adjustments to the protein sequences. This method solves long-standing scalability issues while delivering a higher and more consistent protein yield. Researchers highlight that the fibers could replace less resilient materials in activewear, biomedical implants, and even agricultural tools.
The next phase involves scaling up production and testing the fibers in real-world applications. If successful, the technology may transform how industries manufacture high-performance, sustainable materials.
The new fibers combine the robustness of muscle proteins with the precision of synthetic biology. Their resistance to moisture and scalable production could make them a practical alternative to existing materials. Commercial and biomedical trials will determine their long-term impact on manufacturing and product design.
