Reviving an Ancient Textile: The Recreation of Sea Silk
Researchers at POSTECH in South Korea, led by Professors Dong Soo Hwang and Jimin Choi, have achieved a major breakthrough by successfully recreating the fabled material known as sea silk. Using the bivalve mollusk Atrina pectinata, the team produced a fiber historically derived from the byssus threads of the endangered Pinna nobilis. Their findings were published in the journal Advanced Materials.
Historically, sea silk was harvested from the Pinna nobilis mollusk, with one of the most famous examples being the Christian relic known as the Holy Face of Manoppello. However, due to ocean pollution and the species' endangered status, the European Union has completely banned the harvesting of Pinna nobilis. To address this, the scientists turned to Atrina pectinata, a mollusk widely cultivated in local coastal waters for the food industry. The byssus threads of Atrina pectinata possess physical and chemical properties nearly identical to their Mediterranean counterpart, making them a viable substitute.
Structural Coloration and New Possibilities
The color of the sea silk created by the researchers is produced through structural coloration rather than chemical pigments. During the study, they discovered microscopic layered spherical proteins, which they named 'photonin.' This structural effect is achieved through the fiber's unique architecture, allowing the color to remain stable for centuries.
This research opens up new possibilities for replicating sea silk without relying on endangered species, thereby contributing to the preservation of marine ecosystems. The achievement is significant not only for science but also for industry, as it could reduce dependence on natural resources that are under threat. Furthermore, the use of Atrina pectinata may stimulate sustainable production in regions where these mollusks are farmed, fostering economic development for local communities.