Wyss researchers develop potential new medical material

The material is called Shrilk because it is composed of fibroin protein from silk and from chitin, which is commonly extracted from discarded shrimp shells.

Researchers at the Wyss Institute for Biologically Inspired Engineering at Harvard University, Boston, recently announced a breaktrough "new material that replicates the exceptional strength, toughness and versatility of one of nature’s more extraordinary substances—insect cuticle," a university news release reported Dec. 13.

The low-cost, biodegradable and biocompatible material, called “Shrilk,” is expected to replace plastics in consumer products as well as a variety of medical applications.


"Natural insect cuticle, such as that found in the rigid exoskeleton of a housefly or grasshopper, is uniquely suited to the challenge of providing protection without adding weight or bulk," according to the report. "As such, it can deflect external chemical and physical strains without damaging the insect’s internal components, while providing structure for the insect’s muscles and wings. It is so light that it doesn’t inhibit flight and so thin that it allows flexibility. Also remarkable is its ability to vary its properties, from rigid along the insect’s body segments and wings to elastic along its limb joints."


The research findings were recently published in the online issue of Advanced Materials. 

Insect cuticle consists of layers of chitin, a polysaccharide polymer and protein structured in a laminar, plywood-like manner, the researchers reported. By studying the complex mechanical and chemical interactions between these materials, the researchers were able to recreate the unique chemistry and laminar design in the lab. The thin, clear film has the same composition and structure as insect cuticle, and "is similar in strength and toughness to an aluminum alloy, but it is only half the weight."