There will be an electronic screen made of spider silk

Future electronic reading devices and LED displays can be made of silk, thanks to the breakthrough innovation of Taiwanese researchers.

Experts at Tsing Hua University have turned spider silk proteins into genetically modified goat milk into heat-sensitive membranes, which are often used in the manufacture of semiconductor displays. This material boosts transistor performance by up to 20 times.

In the future, there may be a reading device with components made of silk spider - Photo: AFP

Most thin-panel displays are now made from silicon and glass materials, which make the display hard. Some thin-film semiconductor materials made from organic materials have appeared on the market, such as the roll-on screen produced by Japan's Sony Corp. However, the price of this product is not cheap.

At the same time, natural silk has the right characteristics for making semiconductor films, at low cost. Even films made from natural silk help to enhance the transmission of electronic images. In addition, due to the fact that it is made from spider silk protein, the devices produced have high ductility and durability.

According to PC World magazine, Taiwanese scientists are discussing with companies about the commercialization of their innovations. It is expected that it will take at least 2-3 years for the new spider silk device to be available in the market.

Research by expert Hwang Jenn-Chang and his colleagues are featured in Advanced Materials .