Chinese and Dutch scientists turn corn to sustainable plastic, inspired by spider silk

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Innovative scientists in China and the Netherlands have developed a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics using corn protein, inspired by the structure of spider silk. This breakthrough biopolymer could help reduce reliance on fossil fuels in plastic production.

Scientists from China and the Netherlands have created a corn protein-based biopolymer with a process inspired by spider silk that could offer a sustainable alternative to plastics based on fossil fuel. “Plant-derived biopolymers may become sustainable alternatives to fossil-based polymers, yet their poor material performance has so far limited their adoption,” the team said in a paper published in the peer-reviewed journal Nature Communications on May 11. The scientists, inspired by how spiders...