Spider silk biomedical applications

The novel mechanical and visual features of silk fibers from silkworms and spiders have driven interest in this family of structural protein fibers for centuries. The ability to manipulate silkworms for domesticated production of silk fiber, the opportunity to exploit spider silks via genetic engineering, and future options to mimic the novel features of this family of protein fibers using synthetic approaches, continues to drive strong interest in these protein fibers. With growing applicabihty of these fibers in biomedical and consumer product applications, this interest is likely to continue to expand. 

Interest in silk-based proteins, particularly those inspired by silkworm and spider silks, is fueled in large part by the extraordinary mechanical properties exhibited by these materials as well as by the continued commercial use of silkworm silks in textiles. Certain forms of spider silks have remarkable combinations of strength and elasticity that could be beneficial for a broad range of applications, from biomedical implants to industrial ropes and cables. We refer to the contribution by Kaplan for more in-depth discussion of the properties and synthesis of silk proteins. 

Rising A, et al. (2011) Spider Silk Proteins Recent Advances in Recombinant Production, Structure-Fimction Relationships and Biomedical Applications. Cell. mol. life sd. 68 p. 169-84. 

Rising, A., Widhe, M., Johansson, J., Hedham-mar, M. Spider silk proteins recent advances in recombinant production, structure-function relationships and biomedical applications. Cell Mol. 

But in addition to toughness spider silks seem to be bio-compatible [6], as well as being decorated for function [75], making them excellent biomedical materials. Accordingly, it seems that today much effort is spent looking for ways to develop spider silks for this application. 

Spider-web silk is ca. five times stronger than steel by weight, and almost as elastic as nylon. Fibers comprised of the synthetic silk were demonstrated to be stronger than Kevlar, and may be useful for biomedical applications such as artificial tendons and ligaments and surgery sutures, as well as lightweight body armor for military applications. 

Silk materials are envisaged for various biomedical, cosmetic, and technical applications. These applications have been mainly based on silkworm silk [59, 103, 104]. Since spider and insect silks have several features in common, the established applications for silkworm silks are also conceivable for spider silk, bearing in mind that spider silk might provide additional outstanding properties. 

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