Date: August 11, 2025
Link to original article: Science News: Golden Fabric from Clam Waste 

In a recent breakthrough, researchers at LBEM (Laboratory for Biological, Biomimetic, Eco-friendly Materials) have successfully reproduced an ancient “sea silk” fabric using clam waste material. This remarkable work revives a centuries-old textile tradition and suggests a new sustainable pathway for high-end materials.

The original sea silk, once used in the Mediterranean, was made from the byssus threads of giant clams (Pinna nobilis). However, because P. nobilis is endangered, traditional production has long been unfeasible. 

In LBEM’s approach, the team turned to Atrina pectinata, a closely related clam species widely farmed in Korea. Normally, the byssus threads of A. pectinata are discarded as waste. By harvesting and processing those threads, the researchers recreated golden fibers virtually indistinguishable from traditional sea silk. 

They also uncovered the structural basis for sea silk’s enduring golden sheen: instead of pigment, the color arises from organized proteins called photonins that form nanofibrils. Treatment with a mild citric acid bath removes masking iron ions and reveals the shimmering hue. 

This innovation proposes a sustainable upcycling route: a material that is both luxurious and environmentally mindful. Potential applications include new classes of structural color textiles or non-toxic golden pigments for cosmetics and fabrics. 

For the full coverage, see the original article: Scientists re-create a legendary golden fabric from clam waste (Science News)