Scientists turn corn into spider silk-inspired plastic in sustainable materials breakthrough

Dutch and Chinese researchers turned corn protein into a plastic-like biopolymer using a spider silk-inspired process.

The material is strong, flexible, moisture-resistant, and biodegradable, according to lab tests.

It showed substantial soil decomposition within a month, highlighting its potential as a plant-based plastic alternative.

The breakthrough could help cut fossil-fuel plastic waste, pollution, and microplastics, especially in packaging.