Before its final molt into maturity, the white, bulbous silkworm cocoons itself in gossamer threads of raw silk. For centuries, humans have harvested this natural protein fiber to produce woven textiles such as charmeuse, chiffon, taffeta, and fine spun silk.
In the past 65 years, however, scientists have discovered applications for silk that go beyond clothing, upholstery, and industry.
Natural silk is a semi-crystalline biopolymer made chiefly of fibroin, a protein that forms β-sheets that are arranged in an unorganized, overall amorphous structure. Strong hydrogen bonding within this fibrous network contributes to the stability and strength of silk...
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