β Scribed by Kristina Spiess; Andreas Lammel; Thomas Scheibel
No coin nor oath required. For personal study only.
Due to their extraordinary mechanical and biochemical properties, silks have long been in focus of research. In vivo, fibers are formed from silk proteins, in vitro, however, a variety of materials can be produced in addition to fibers including capsules, particles, films, foams, and gels. The versatility of silk proteins, along with their biocompatibility, biodegradability, and potential for processing in aqueous solution under ambient conditions make silkβbased materials good candidates for biomedical applications such as drug delivery systems and scaffolds for tissue engineering. Here, we summarize recent progress in research employing recombinantly produced engineered spider silk proteins with a focus on the fundamentals of silk protein processing. We highlight recombinant spider silk films and particles as morphologies that represent model systems with adjustable material properties controlled by process parameters.
magnified image
π SIMILAR VOLUMES
## Abstract The outstanding mechanical properties of spider silks have motivated many researchers to establish biotechnological production techniques which are necessary to provide sufficient amounts of silk proteins for industrial applications. Based on recent developments in genetic engineering,
## Abstract Spiders and their silk are an excellent system for connecting the properties of biological materials to organismal ecology. Orbβweaving spiders spin sticky capture threads that are moderately strong but exceptionally extensible, resulting in fibers that can absorb remarkable amounts of
Although spider silk has been studied for a number of years the structures of the proteins involved have yet to be definitely determined. X-ray diffraction and solid-state nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) were used to study major ampullate (dragline) silk from Nephila clavipes. The silk was studied
## Abstract Spider silk is a fascinating material combining remarkable mechanical properties with low density and biodegradability. Because of these properties and historical descriptions of medical applications, spider silk has been proposed to be the ideal biomaterial. However, overcoming the obs