Scientists discover natural slime to potentially develop fibers

Researchers from McGill University have uncovered a breakthrough in sustainable material design by studying the unique slime produced by velvet worms. Their research reveals how a protein structure enables the slime to change from liquid to fiber and back again. This discovery could lead to the development of recyclable, eco-friendly fibers and bioplastics.

“Nature has already figured out a way to make materials that are both strong and recyclable,” said Matthew Harrington, a chemistry professor and Canada Research Chair in green chemistry, who led the study. “By decoding the molecular structure of velvet worm slime, we’re now one step closer to replicating that efficiency for the materials we use every day.”

Velvet worms, which resemble small caterpillars and live in moist forests of the southern hemisphere, use their slime to trap prey. When sprayed, the slime quickly solidifies into fibers as tough as nylon, then later dissolves in water and can be reused. Until now, scientists did not fully understand how this transformation could reverse.

Unlike traditional plastics and synthetic fibers made from petroleum and requiring high energy and chemical processes to recycle, velvet worms produce strong fibers using simple movements like pulling and stretching. Their materials are made from renewable sources and can be reused without creating toxic waste.

“Obviously, a plastic bottle that dissolves in water would have limited use, but by adjusting the chemistry of this binding mechanism, we can get around this issue,” Harrington explained.