While the debate on whether bioplastics are thwarting global dependence of single-use plastics or simply a greenwashing scam, a new study released by Aalto University shows promise for burgeoning material discoveries that could potentially replace petroleum-based plastics. 

盡管有關生物塑料是在阻止全球范圍內對一次性塑料的依賴，還是僅僅是綠色清洗的騙局，但阿爾托大學發布的一項新研究表明，新興的材料發現有望有望取代石油基塑料

Aalto University and VTT researchers have developed a new biopolymer by gluing cellulose fibers from wood with the silk protein found in spider webs. This new materials rivals the strength of typical plastics, and could be used in place of plastic for future products. In addition to unparalleled strength, the advantage of this material is that it would be entirely biodegradable. 

阿爾托大學和VTT研究人員通過將木材中的纖維素纖維與蜘蛛網中發現的絲蛋白粘合在一起，開發了一種新型生物聚合物。這種新材料可以與典型的塑料媲美，并且可以代替塑料用于未來的產品。除了無與倫比的強度外，這種材料的優勢還在于它是完全可生物降解的。

For those aware of the arguably unethical process of silk harvesting need not worry as the silk proteins used in development are synthetic. Aalto University professor Markus Linder reports in a recent press release, "'Because we know the structure of the [spider web silk's] DNA, we can copy it and use this to manufacture silk protein molecules which are chemically similar to those found in spider web threads. The DNA has all this information contained in it'."

對于那些意識到可能不道德的絲綢收獲過程的人來說，不必擔心，因為開發中使用的絲綢蛋白是合成的。阿爾托大學教授馬庫斯·林德（Markus Linder）在最近的新聞稿中報告說：“因為我們知道[蜘蛛網絲] DNA的結構，所以我們可以將其復制并用于制造與蜘蛛網中化學成分相似的絲蛋白分子。 DNA中包含了所有這些信息?！?/p>

This study is just one of many demonstrating the potential for new materials to take the place of their more harmful counterparts in the future. Only time will tell which materials ultimately win out. 

這項研究只是表明未來有可能用新材料代替危害更大的同類產品的眾多研究之一。只有時間才能證明哪種材料最終勝出。