Researchers have discovered that the defensive slime exuded by hagfish may be a source of high-performance protein fibers that could replace petrochemical-based polymers, such as nylon and plastic fibers, and fabrics woven from them. (Source: Wikimedia Commons/Peter Southwood)
This could indeed be a valuable discovery, although it appears that quite a bit of process development will be needed. Possibly the best part may be the independence from petro-chemical feedstock requirements, although we were not told just what the feedstock does come from.
There should be quite a range of applications for the final product, though.
As for the name, why not call then "armor-fish", which has a much better ring to it.
The video of the self-asembing fibers was eye-opening and looked promising. I like the fact that this product could potentially displace some petro-chemical based polymers.
I like this development but it needs to be renamed before it hits the public.
Slime fish silk isn't appealing. I don't see any benefit yet. If it can be as strong as spider silk in the future, that would be great. It's too early to have an opinion or comment.
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