University College London scientists have created a nanofiber dubbed the world’s thinnest spaghetti, measuring just 372 nanometers across—200 times thinner than a human hair. Made using electrospinning, a technique that pulls threads of flour and liquid through an electrically charged needle, the breakthrough highlights how such materials could revolutionize medicine and industrial design.
Nanofibers like these have promising applications, from porous bandages that aid healing to scaffolds for tissue and bone regeneration. Unlike pure starch-based nanofibers, the team used white flour and formic acid, developing a simpler and potentially more sustainable method. Future research will examine the fibers’ durability, cell interactions, and scalability for broader use.
This innovative “nanopasta” underscores how humble ingredients like flour can inspire cutting-edge advancements in science and health.
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