Silk-inspired polymers and proteins

The biocompatibility and biodegradability of natural silk fibres and the benign conditions under which they (with impressive mechanical properties) are produced represent a biomimetic ideal. This ideal has inspired people in both academia and industry to prepare silk-mimetic polymers and proteins by chemical and/or biotechnological means. in the present paper, we aim to give an overview of the design principles of such silk-inspired polymers/proteins, their processing into various materials morphologies, their mechanical and biological properties, and, finally, their technical and biomedical applications.

Polymeric materials based on silk proteins

Silks are protein-based fibers made by arthropods for a variety of task-specific applications. In this article, we review the key features of silk proteins. This article initially focuses on the structure and function of silk proteins produced naturally by silkworms and spiders, followed by the biological and technical processing of silk proteins into a variety of morphologies (including capsules, fibers, films, foams, gels and spheres). Finally, we highlight the potential applications of silk-based materials. 

Production and Processing of Spider Silk Proteins

Natural spider silk fibers have impressive mechanical properties (outperforming many man-made fibers) and are, moreover, biocompatible, biodegradable, and produced under benign conditions (using water as a solvent at ambient temperature). The problems associated with harvesting natural spider silks inspired us to devise a method to produce spider silk-like proteins biotechnologically (the first subject tackled in this highlight); we subsequently discuss their processing into various materials morphologies, and some potential technical and biomedical applications.

Composite materials based on silk proteins

A number of animals have evolved to produce silk-based composite materials for a variety of task-specific applications. The review initially focuses on the composite structure of silk fibers produced naturally by silkworms and spiders, followed by the preparation and applications of man-made composite materials (including fibers, films, foams, gels and particulates) incorporating silk proteins in combination with other polymers (both natural and synthetic) and/or inorganic particles.