British researchers have achieved a groundbreaking feat: producing spaghetti so thin it is invisible to the naked eye. These pasta-like threads, measuring just 372 nanometers in diameter, offer potential applications far beyond the culinary world. Though inedible, this innovation opens doors to advances in medicine and other industries.
By Sadie Watkins
A Revolutionary Pasta Alternative
A team at University College London has crafted the thinnest spaghetti ever created using a process called electrospinning. This technique involves pushing a mixture of flour and liquid through tiny metal openings to produce ultra-thin fibers. While resembling traditional spaghetti, these fibers are far smaller—so small that they cannot be seen without specialized equipment. Measuring just 372 nanometers in thickness, these threads are thinner than the wavelength of visible light.
Too Delicate for the Dinner Table
Despite their pasta-like origin, these nanofibers are not suitable for culinary purposes. As Gareth Williams, one of the lead researchers, explained to Phys.org, the fibers would dissolve almost instantly if cooked. Their fragility makes them impractical as food, but their unique properties hold promise for other uses. Rather than being served on plates, this innovation may contribute to fields such as biotechnology and materials science.
Promising Applications in Medicine
The ultra-thin fibers could play a significant role in medical advancements. Researchers believe they could be woven into wound dressings that block bacteria while still allowing moisture to pass through, promoting faster healing. These nanofibers might also aid in bone regeneration or serve as scaffolding for other medical applications. While the technology to create fully functional wound dressings from these fibers is not yet available, the work represents an essential first step toward that goal.
Simplifying Production
Currently, similar fibers are derived from purified plant materials, a costly and complex process. Producing these threads directly from flour offers a much simpler and more efficient alternative. If scaled up, this method could significantly lower production costs, paving the way for broader use in medical treatments and possibly other industries.
The creation of ultra-thin spaghetti demonstrates how even small-scale innovations can have substantial impacts across various fields.
Based on information from www.futurezone.at and own research.