Textile-based implant materials

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. 

Starting from plain cotton-based products, medical textiles have seen rapid development over the last few decades. Nowadays, new biodegradable fibers have enabled the development of novel types of implants, and modem textile machines can produce three-dimensional spacer fabrics that give superior performance over traditional textile materials. These and many other advances have made medical textiles an essential element in modem disease management, and they are becoming more and more important with the increasing number of elderly people in the populations of developed countries. 

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