Liquid crystalline spinning of spider silk

Extended wet-spinning can modify spider silk properties

Contrary to expectation, we demonstrate that spider dragline silk spun experimentally under water displays greater stiffness and higher resilience compared to silk spun "naturally" into air. We suggest that this consequence of extended wet-spinning is due to increased molecular orientation resulting from extension of the mobile phase.

Processing Windows for Forming Silk Fibroin Biomaterials into a 3D Porous Matrix

In the present study we clarify phase diagrams related to silk fibroin processing into three-dimensional porous structures useful for biomaterials and for scaffolds in tissue engineering. All-aqueous and organic solvent (hexafluoroisopropanol) modes of processing are compared relative to solution concentration of silk protein polymer and size of porogen (NaCl particles). The results clarify the range of conditions under which these biomaterial matrices can be formed, with a broader range of pore sizes and smoother surface morphology generated from the organic solvent process. These structures are directly applicable to fundamental studies of protein-based biomaterial assembly as well as cell interactions and tissue formation with these systems.

Spider silks: recombinant synthesis, assembly, spinning, and engineering of synthetic proteins

Since thousands of years humans have utilized insect silks for their own benefit and comfort. The most famous example is the use of reeled silkworm silk from Bombyx mori to produce textiles. In contrast, despite the more promising properties of their silk, spiders have not been domesticated for large-scale or even industrial applications, since farming the spiders is not commercially viable due to their highly territorial and cannibalistic nature. Before spider silks can be copied or mimicked, not only the sequence of the underlying proteins but also their functions have to be resolved. Several attempts to recombinantly produce spider silks or spider silk mimics in various expression hosts have been reported previously. A new protein engineering approach, which combines synthetic repetitive silk sequences with authentic silk domains, reveals proteins that closely resemble silk proteins and that can be produced at high yields, which provides a basis for cost-efficient large scale production of spider silk-like proteins.

Further Investigation on Potassium-Induced Conformation Transition of Nephila Spidroin Film with Two-Dimensional Infrared Correlation Spectroscopy

We used two-dimensional (2D) correlation infrared spectroscopy to study further the potassium-induced conformation transition in Nephila spidroin films. It provided increased resolution and important new information on the sequence of events in the conformation transition process, showing that beta-sheet formed from the helical component before they formed from random coil. It also showed more evidence that formation of the 1691 cm(-1) (turn/bend) peak did not proceed with the same kinetics as the 1620 cm(-1) (antiparallel beta-sheet component) one, so we attribute the 1691 cm(-1) peak to turns which formed with different kinetics as the antiparallel beta-sheets. We present a single coherent and detailed hypothesis for the assembly and secondary structural transition of silk proteins in vivo and in vitro based on our findings and on evidence from other laboratories.

Secondary Structures and Conformational Changes in Flagelliform, Cylindrical, Major, and Minor Ampullate Silk Proteins. Temperature and Concentration Effects

Orb weaver spiders use exceptionally complex spinning processes to transform soluble silk proteins into solid fibers with specific functions and mechanical properties. In this study, to understand the nature of this transformation we investigated the structural changes of the soluble silk proteins from the major ampullate gland (web radial threads and spider safety line); flagelliform gland (web sticky spiral threads); minor ampullate gland (web auxiliary spiral threads); and cylindrical gland (egg sac silk). Using circular dichroism, we elucidated (i) the different structures and folds for the various silk proteins; (ii) irreversible temperature-induced transitions of the various silk structures toward beta-sheet-rich final states; and (iii) the role of protein concentration in silk storage and transport. We discuss the implication of these results in the spinning process and a possible mechanism for temperature-induced beta-sheet formation.

Lattice deformation and thermal stability of crystals in spider silk

The X-ray diffraction of dragline silks, produced by Nephila and Cyrtophora spiders, were measured by synchrotron radiation in their original states or in situ during stretching and heating. Nephila pilipes spiders construct a two-dimensional orb web that must be rebuilt in one or 2 days, but Cyrtophora spiders form a three-dimensional tent web that can exist for several weeks in a tropical forest. Diffraction patterns of N. pilipes and Cyrtophora draglines resemble each other. Crystals of two kinds are identified in these draglines; one is aligned parallel to the silk direction and another is less oriented. The less oriented crystal in Cyrtophora dragline is aligned better than that in N. pilipes dragline, which generates about three times stronger diffract intensity. Crystals in N. pilipes and C. moluccensis dragline silks have remarkable thermal stability. Equatorial reflections remain undiminished until 350 and 450 degrees C for N. pilipes and C. moluccensis, respectively. In contrast, the meridional reflections S and (002), which are parallel to the silk thread, disappear at a temperature less than 100 degrees C for C. moluccensis but remain for Nephila up to 100 degrees C. Meridional reflections S and (002) shift to a smaller angle during stretching, whereas equatorial reflections remain constant in a range 1.0-1.3 times the original length. The position of the S reflection shifts rapidly in the first 10% of elongation from the original length but remains constant during subsequent stretching, whereas the (002) reflection shifts rapidly during the first 5% elongation from the original length and continues to shift subsequently. In contrast, the features of N. pilipes dragline alter insignificantly during stretching. Examination of the composition of amino acids of the draglines of N. pilipes and C. moluccensis indicates that a dragline of N. pilipes contains more glycine, but much less alanine, than that of C. moluccensis.

Nanoscale Self-Assembly of Multiblock Copolymer Chains into Rods

Rodlike fibrous structures are increasingly found with biomacromolecules, e.g. silks, elastin, and collagen. Here we propose a multiblock copolymer model that can lead to these larger-scale structures. One component consists of highly regular blocks, whereas the blocks of another, incompatible component exhibit a wide range of lengths. Rods readily form when these lengths have a bimodal distribution and a well-defined periodicity along the chain. Orientation in a flowing liquid assists association of rods, as is likely in the spinning of silks, which have comparable repetitive sequences. The model suggests that rodlike structures should be available in similarly designed synthetic polymers. This route would be distinct from existing routes that employ rigid monomers, e.g. aramids.

Spider dragline silk proteins in transgenic tobacco leaves: accumulation and field production

Spider dragline silk is a unique biomaterial and represents nature's strongest known fibre. As it is almost as strong as many commercial synthetic fibres, it is suitable for use in many industrial and medical applications. The prerequisite for such a widespread use is the cost-effective production in sufficient quantities for commercial fibre manufacturing. Agricultural biotechnology and the production of recombinant dragline silk proteins in transgenic plants offer the potential for low-cost, large-scale production. The purpose of this work was to examine the feasibility of producing the two protein components of dragline silk (MaSp1 and MaSp2) from Nephila clavipes in transgenic tobacco. Two different promoters, the enhanced CaMV 35S promoter (Kay et al., 1987) and a new tobacco cryptic constitutive promoter, tCUP (Foster et al., 1999) were used, in conjunction with a plant secretory signal (PR1b), a translational enhancer (alfalfa mosaic virus, AMV) and an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) retention signal (KDEL), to express the MaSp1 and MaSp2 genes in the leaves of transgenic plants. Both genes expressed successfully and recombinant protein accumulated in transgenic plants grown in both greenhouse and field trials.

Molecular studies of a novel dragline silk from a nursery web spider, Euprosthenops sp. (Pisauridae)

Various spider species produce dragline silks with different mechanical properties. The primary structure of silk proteins is thought to contribute to the elasticity and strength of the fibres. Previously published work has demonstrated that the dragline silk of Euprosthenops sp. is stiffer then comparable silk of Nephila edulis, Araneus diadematus and Latrodectus mactans. Our studies of Euprosthenops dragline silk at the molecular level have revealed that nursery web spider fibroin has the highest polyalanine content among previously characterised silks and this is likely to contribute to the superior qualities of pisaurid dragline.

WISE NMR characterization of nanoscale heterogeneity and mobility in supercontracted Nephila clavipes spider dragline silk

The addition of water to spider dragline silk results in fiber contraction to 50% its initial length and significant changes to the mechanical properties of the silk. This event has been termed supercontraction. A decrease in strength and increase in elasticity have been reported when the silk is in contact with water. Two-dimensional wide-line separation (WISE) nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) is implemented to correlate (13)C chemical shifts with mobility by observing the corresponding (1)H line widths and line shapes in water-saturated spider dragline silk. The WISE NMR spectrum of the native silk exhibits (1)H line widths that are approximately 40 kHz for all carbon environments characteristic of a rigid organic system. In contrast, the water-saturated case displays a component of the (1)H line that is narrowed to approximately 5 kHz for the glycine C(alpha) and a newly resolved alanine helical environment while the alanine C(beta) corresponding to the beta-sheet conformation remains broad. These results indicate that water permeates the amorphous, glycine-rich matrix and not the crystalline, polyalanine beta-sheets. A delay time is added to the WISE NMR pulse sequence to monitor spin diffusion between the amorphous, mobile region and the crystalline domains. The time required for spin diffusion to reach spatial equilibrium is related to the length scale of the polyalanine crystallites. This technique is employed to measure crystalline domain sizes on the nanometer length scale in water-solvated spider dragline silk. These results provide further insight into the structure of spider silk and mechanism of supercontraction.

Solvent Removal during Synthetic and Nephila Fiber Spinning

The process by which spiders make their mechanically superior fiber involves removal of solvent (water) from a concentrated protein solution while the solution flows through a progressively narrowing spinning canal. Our aim was to determine a possible mechanism of spider water removal by using a computational model. To develop appropriate computational techniques for modeling of solvent removal during fiber spinning, a study was first performed using a synthetic solution. In particular, the effect of solvent removal during elongational flow (also exhibited in the spinning canal of the spider) on fiber mechanical properties was examined. The study establishes a model for solvent removal during dry spinning of synthetic fibers, assuming that internal diffusion governs solvent removal and that convective resistance is small. A variable internal solvent diffusion coefficient, dependent on solvent concentration, is also taken into account in the model. An experimental setup for dry (air) spinning was used to make fibers whose diameter was on the order of those made by spiders (approximately 1 microm). Two fibers of different thickness, corresponding to different spinning conditions, were numerically modeled for solvent removal and then mechanically tested. These tests showed that the thinner fiber, which lost more solvent under elongational flow, had 5-fold better mechanical properties (elastic modulus of 100 MPa and toughness of 15 MJ/m3) than the thicker fiber. Even though the mechanical properties were far from those of dragline spider silk (modulus of 10 GPa and toughness of 150 MJ/m3), the experimental methodology and numerical principles developed for the synthetic case proved to be valuable when establishing a model for the Nephila spinning process. In this model, an assumption of rapid convective water removal at the spinning canal wall was made, with internal diffusion of water through the fiber as the governing process. Then the diffusion coefficient of water through the initial spinning solution, obtained ex vivo from the Nephila clavipes major ampullate gland, was determined and incorporated into the numerical procedure, along with the wall boundary conditions and canal geometry. Also, a typical fiber reeling speed during web making, as well as the assumption of a dry exiting fiber, were included in the model. The results show that a cross-section of spinning solution (dope), which is initially 70% water, spends 19 s in the spinning canal in order to emerge dry. While the dope cross-section traverses the canal, its velocity increases from 0.37 mm/s at the entrance to 12.5 mm/s at the canal exit. The obtained results thus indicate that simple diffusion, along with the dry wall boundary condition, is a viable mechanism for water removal during typical Nephila fiber spinning.

Exploring molecular and mechanical gradients in structural bioscaffolds

Most organisms consist of a functionally adaptive assemblage of hard and soft tissues. Despite the obvious advantages of reinforcing soft protoplasm with a hard scaffold, such composites can lead to tremendous mechanical stresses where the two meet. Although little is known about how nature relieves these stresses, it is generally agreed that fundamental insights about molecular adaptation at hard/soft interfaces could profoundly influence how we think about biomaterials. Based on two noncellular tissues, mussel byssus and polychaete jaws, recent studies suggest that one natural strategy to minimize interfacial stresses between adjoining stiff and soft tissue appears to be the creation of a "fuzzy" boundary, which avoids abrupt changes in mechanical properties. Instead there is a gradual mechanical change that accompanies the transcendence from stiff to soft and vice versa. In byssal threads, the biochemical medium for achieving such a gradual mechanical change involves the elegant use of collagen-based self-assembling block copolymers. There are three distinct diblock copolymer types in which one block is always collagenous, whereas the other can be either elastin-like (soft), amorphous polyglycine (intermediate), or silk-like (stiff). Gradients of these are made by an incrementally titrated expression of the three proteins in secretory cells the titration phenotype of which is linked to their location. Thus, reflecting exactly the composition of each thread, the distal cells secrete primarily the silk- and polyglycine-collagen diblocks, whereas the proximal cells secrete the elastin- and polyglycine-collagen diblocks. Those cells in between exhibit gradations of collagens with silk or elastin blocks. Spontaneous self-assembly appears to be by pH triggered metal binding by histidine (HIS)-rich sequences at both the amino and carboxy termini of the diblocks. In the polychaete jaws, HIS-rich sequences are expanded into a major block domain. Histidine predominates at over 20 mol % near the distal tip and diminishes to about 5 mol % near the proximal base. The abundance of histidine is directly correlated to transition metal content (Zn or Cu) as well as hardness determined by nanoindentation. EXAFS analyses of the jaws indicate that transition metals such as Zn are directly bound to histidine ligands and may serve as cross-linkers.

Construction of Silk Fiber Core in Lepidoptera

The formation and properties of lepidopteran silk fibers depend on amino acid repeats in the principal protein, heavy chain fibroin (H-fibroin). In H-fibroins of the "bombycoid" type, concatenations of alanine or of the GAGAGS crystalline motifs (1st tier repeats) and adjacent sequences breaking periodicity make 2nd tier repeats. Two to six such repeats comprise a 3rd tier assembly, and 12 assemblies, linked by an amorphous sequence, constitute the repetitive H-fibroin region. Heterogeneity in the repeat length and intercalation of amorphous regions prevent excessive crystallization. In the "pyraloid" H-fibroins, iterations of simple motifs are absent and assemblies of several complex motifs constitute highly regular repeats that are organized in about 12 highest order reiterations without specific spacers. Repeat homogeneity appears crucial for the alignment and interaction of the disjunct motifs that must be registered precisely to form crystallites; repeat heterogeneity is associated with decreased fiber strength. Both H-fibroin types are typically hydrophobic, and their secretion requires disulfide linkage to light chain fibroin and participation of another protein, P25. These auxiliary proteins are absent in saturniid moths with amphiphilic H-fibroin repeats. The selection at nucleic acid and protein levels and the availability of nutrients play roles in H-fibroin evolution.

Structural evolution of regenerated silk fibroin under shear: Combined wide- and small-angle x-ray scattering experiments using synchrotron radiation

The structural evolution of regenerated Bombyx mori silk fibroin during shearing with a Couette cell has been studied in situ by synchrotron radiation small- and wide-angle x-ray scattering techniques. An elongation of fibroin molecules was observed with increasing shear rate, followed by an aggregation phase. The aggregates were found to be amorphous with beta-conformation according to infrared spectroscopy. Scanning x-ray microdiffraction with a 5 microm beam on aggregated material, which had solidified in air, showed silk II reflections and a material with equatorial reflections close to the silk I structure reflections, but with strong differences in reflection intensities. This silk I type material shows up to two low-angle peaks suggesting the presence of water molecules that might be intercalated between hydrogen-bonded sheets.

Protein simple sequence conservation

Protein simple sequences, a subset of low-complexity sequences, are regions of sequence highly enriched in one or a few residue types. Simple sequences are exceedingly common, the average being more than one per protein sequence. Despite being so common, such sequences are not well-studied. The simple sequences that have been subjected to detailed study are often found to possess important functions. Here we present a survey of protein simple sequences, generally enriched in a single residue type, with the aim of studying their conservation. We find that the majority of such simple sequences are not conserved. However, conserved protein simple sequences are relatively common, with approximately 11% of the surveyed protein families possessing a conserved simple sequence. The data obtained in this study support the idea that simple sequences are conserved for functional reasons. Such functions can range from substrate binding, to mediating protein-protein interactions, to structural integrity. A perhaps surprising finding is that the residue enriching a conserved simple sequence is itself not necessarily conserved. Neither is the length of many of the highly conserved simple sequences. In the few cases where structural and functional data is available it is found that the conserved simple sequences are consistent with both local structure and function. The data presented support the idea that protein simple sequences can be conserved and have important roles in protein structure and function.

Spider Silk Protein Refolding Is Controlled by Changing pH

Spidroins, the major silk proteins making up the spider's dragline silk, originate in two distinct tissue layers (A and B) in the spider's major ampullate gland. Formation of the complex thread from spidroins occurs in the lumen of the duct connected to the gland. Using pH-sensitive microelectrode probes, we showed that the spidroins traveling through the gland and duct experience a monotonic decrease in pH from 7.2 to 6.3. In addition, circular dichroism spectroscopy of material extracted from the gland showed a structural refolding concomitant with position in the gland and post-extraction changes in pH. We demonstrate that lowering the pH in vitro causes a dramatic conformational change in the protein from the A zone, converting it irreversibly from a coil to a predominantly beta-sheet structure. Furthermore, amino acid analyses have indicated that there are at least two distinct, though similar, proteins secreted in the A and B zones suggesting a potential factor in the progressive acidification as well as a pH sensitivity of the folding of spidroins in the gland. Thus, we provide, for the first time, a quantitative map of the pH value and position correlated with molecular structural folding in the silk gland characterizing the crucial role that pH plays in spider silk formation.

Modeling of Mechanical Properties and Structural Design of Spider Web

With a unique combination of strength and toughness among materials, spider silk is the model for engineering materials. This paper presents the stress-strain behavior of Nephila clavipes spider silk under tension, transverse compression, and torsional deformation obtained by a battery of micro testing equipment. The experimental results showed significantly higher toughness than the state-of-the-art fibers in tension and in transverse compression. Higher shear modulus was also observed for the spider silk comparing to other liquid crystalline fibers such as aramid fibers. On the basis of the experimental results finite element analysis is used to simulate static and dynamic properties of spider web and to explore the role of both material properties and architectural design in its structural integrity and mechanical performance.

X-ray Evidence for a “Super”-Secondary Structure in Silk Fibers

X-ray studies on degummed B. mori silk fibers and on hydrogels prepared under a variety of conditions reveal moderately small angle reflections. These reflections are often highly oriented and are correlated to silk II lattice reflections. A superstructure can explain these features. Silk fibroin hydrogels were monitored as they dried to form the silk II structure. The silk II wide angle and moderately small angle patterns obtained from dried hydrogels and silk fibers are identical. The "superstructure" reflections at moderately small angle (3-7 nm) were first to appear, followed by the "intersheet" spacing, and then the remainder of the silk II wide angle scattering pattern. Thus, any superstructure hypothesized for the hydrogels (and for Silk II in fibers) must be both stable in a highly hydrated environment and must convert to silk II with little large scale diffusion. A folded structure, similar to amyloids and cross-beta-sheets but with much longer beta-strand stems, is proposed for silk II in fibers.

Structural Conformation of Spidroin in Solution: A Synchrotron Radiation Circular Dichroism Study

Spider silk is made and spun in a complex process that tightly controls the conversion from soluble protein to insoluble fiber. The mechanical properties of the silk fiber are modulated to suit the needs of the spider by various factors in the animal's spinning process. In the major ampullate (MA) gland, the silk proteins are secreted and stored in the lumen of the ampulla. A particular structural fold and functional activity is determined by the spidroins' amino acid sequences as well as the gland's environment. The transition from this liquid stage to the solid fiber is thought to involve the conversion of a predominantly unordered structure to a structure rich in beta-sheet as well as the extraction of water. Circular dichroism provides a quick and versatile method for examining the secondary structure of silk solutions and studying the effects of various conditions. Here we present the relatively novel technique of synchrotron radiation based circular dichroism as a tool for investigating biomolecular structures. Specifically we analyze, in a series of example studies on structural transitions induced in liquid silk, the type of information accessible from this technique and any artifacts that might arise in studying self-assembling systems.

NMR Characterization of Native Liquid Spider Dragline Silk from Nephila edulis

Solid spider dragline silk is well-known for its mechanical properties. Nonetheless a detailed picture of the spinning process is lacking. Here we report NMR studies on the liquid silk within the wide sac of the major ampullate (m.a.) gland from the spider Nephila edulis. The resolution in the NMR spectra is shown to be significantly improved by the application of magic-angle spinning (MAS). From the narrow width of the resonance lines and the chemical shifts observed, it is concluded that the silk protein within the wide sac of the m.a. gland is dynamically disordered throughout the molecule in the sense that each amino acid of a given type senses an identical environment, on average. The NMR data obtained are consistent with an isotropic liquid phase.

Amyloid fibrillogenesis of silkmoth chorion protein peptide-analogues via a liquid-crystalline intermediate phase

Chorion, the major component of silkmoth eggshell, consists of the A and B classes of low-molecular weight structural proteins. Chorion protects the oocyte and the developing embryo from environmental hazards and this is due to the extraordinary physical and chemical properties of its constituent proteins. We have shown previously [FEBS Lett. 479 (2000) 141; 499 (2001) 268] that peptide-analogues of the A and B classes of chorion proteins form amyloid fibrils under a variety of conditions, which led us to propose that silkmoth chorion is a natural, protective amyloid. In this work, we present data showing conclusively that, the first main step of amyloid-like fibrillogenesis of chorion peptides is the formation of nuclei of liquid crystalline nature, which is reminiscent of spider-silk formation. We show that these liquid-crystalline nuclei (spherulites) 'collapse'/deteriorate to form amyloid fibrils in a spectacular manner, important, it seems, for chorion morphogenesis and amyloid fibrillogenesis in general. The molecular 'switch' causing this spectacular transformation is, most probably, a conformational transition to the structure of chorion peptides, from a left-handed parallel beta-helix to an antiparallel beta-pleated sheet. Apparently, these peptides were suitably designed to play this role, after millions of years of molecular evolution.

Optical Spectroscopy To Investigate the Structure of Regenerated Bombyx mori Silk Fibroin in Solution

Fluorescence and circular dichroism spectroscopy were used to monitor the conformational transition of regenerated Bombyx mori silk fibroin (RSF) in aqueous solutions under different conditions. According to the analysis of fluorescence spectra using anilinonaphthalene-8-sulfonic acid magnesium salt (ANS) as an external probe, the destruction of the hydrophobic core prior to the secondary structure change suggests that this collapse may initiate the conformational transition from random coil to beta-sheet for RSF. The temperature dependence of the structural changes of RSF, detected by both fluorescence spectroscopy and circular dichroism, shows a reversible process upon heating and recooling, with the midpoint around 45 degrees C. The results also indicate that most of the tryptophan (Trp) residues contained in silk fibroin are concentrated on the surface of the unfolded protein. However, they will change their location in the highly ordered structure (e.g., becoming more homogeneous) with the conformational transition of silk fibroin. Moreover, our studies also suggest that the presence of water plays a crucial role during the structure changes of fibroin.

Mapping domain structures in silks from insects and spiders related to protein assembly

The exceptional solubility in vivo (20-30%, w/v) of the silk proteins of insects and spiders is dictated by both the need to produce solid fibres with a high packing fraction and the high mesogen concentration required for lyotropic liquid crystalline spinning. A further design requirement for silk proteins is a strong predominance of hydrophobic amino acid residues to provide for the hydrophobic interactions, water exclusion, and beta-crystallite formation required to produce strong insoluble threads. Thus, the domain structure of silk proteins needs to enable nanoscale phase separation to achieve high solubility of hydrophobic proteins in aqueous solutions. Additionally, silk proteins need to avoid premature precipitation as beta-sheets during storage and processing. Here we use mapping of domain types, sizes and distributions in silks to identify consistent design features that have evolved to meet these requirements. We show that silk proteins consist of conspicuously hydrophilic terminal domains flanking a very long central portion constructed from hydrophobic blocks separated by hydrophilic ones, discussing the domain structure in detail. The general rules of construction for silk proteins based on our observations should give a useful guide to the way in which Nature has solved the problem of processing hydrophobic proteins in water and how this can be copied industrially. Following these rules may also help in obtaining adequate expression, soluble products and controllable conformational switches in the production of genetically engineered or chemically synthesized silk analogues. Thus these insights have implications for structural biology and relevance to fundamental and applied questions in material science and engineering.

Synthesis of a silk-inspired peptide–oligothiophene conjugate

The first example of an oligothiophene-peptide conjugate, which was obtained by solid-phase acylation of a resin-bound silk-inspired oligopeptide sequence with a carboxylic acid functionalized regioregular tetra(3-hexylthiophene) derivative, is reported.

Sequence variability of proteins evolutionarily constrained by solution-thermodynamic function

Focusing on silk fibroin and hemoglobin molecules as templates, we model protein homolog dispersal across sequence-fitness landscapes determined by solution thermodynamics. Landscapes are constructed by inspecting an idealized theoretical phase topology associated with sequence length and hydrophobic-polar composition, comprising liquid-liquid phase separation, gelation and liquid crystalline self-assembly. We then calculate the distribution of homologs in sequence space as steady states of a simple mutation-selection dynamics. The results are consistent with Swiss-Prot bioinformatic data.

Copper in the silk formation process ofBombyx morisilkworm

Evidence is presented here that cupric ions play a part in the natural spinning of Bombyx mori silk. Proton induced X-ray emission studies revealed that the copper content increased from the posterior part to the anterior part of silk gland, and then further increased in the silk fiber. Spectrophotometric analysis demonstrated that cupric ions formed coordination complexes with silk fibroin chains while Raman spectroscopy indicated that they induced a conformation transition from random coil/helix to beta-sheet. Taken together these findings indicate that copper could play a role in the natural spinning process in silkworms.

Smart and genetically engineered biomaterials and drug delivery systems

The design, synthesis, and properties of novel stimuli-sensitive and genetically engineered biomaterials and drug delivery systems are reviewed. Two approaches to their engineering are presented. One approach is to improve the traditional methods of synthesis, as demonstrated by the example of controlled copolymerization of alpha-amino acid N-carboxyanhydrides. The other approach, discussed in more detail, uses genetic engineering methods. The design of hybrid hydrogel systems whose components derive from at least two distinct classes of molecules, e.g., synthetic macromolecules and protein domains, is assessed. The design of self-assembling block copolymers is discussed in detail. Finally, the pharmaceutics related applications of these materials are presented.

Mechanism of silk processing in insects and spiders

Silk spinning by insects and spiders leads to the formation of fibres that exhibit high strength and toughness. The lack of understanding of the protein processing in silk glands has prevented the recapitulation of these properties in vitro from reconstituted or genetically engineered silks. Here we report the identification of emulsion formation and micellar structures from aqueous solutions of reconstituted silkworm silk fibroin as a first step in the process to control water and protein-protein interactions. The sizes (100-200 nm diameter) of these structures could be predicted from hydrophobicity plots of silk protein primary sequence. These micelles subsequently aggregated into larger 'globules' and gel-like states as the concentration of silk fibroin increased, while maintaining solubility owing to the hydrophilic regions of the protein interspersed among the larger hydrophobic regions. Upon physical shearing or stretching structural transitions, increased birefringence and morphological alignment were demonstrated, indicating that this process mimics the behaviour of similar native silk proteins in vivo. Final morphological features of these silk materials are similar to those observed in native silkworm fibres.

Upgraded expression of 5S rRNA preludes the production of fibroin by spider glands

We have developed the large ampullate glands of the orb-web spider Nephila clavipes as a model system in which to study the production of a tissue-specific secretory protein. Through simple manipulations, the glands' fibroin production can be practically abolished and subsequently elicited into high levels of synthesis through a mechanical stimulus applied to the organism. The tissue specific responses evoked by the stimulus can be monitored through time-course studies. The latter have revealed an orchestrated series of tissue and time specific macromolecular syntheses, which optimize the glandular tissues with components of the protein synthesis machinery. This work shows the upgraded accumulation of 5S rRNA in the glands as response to the stimulus within the earliest of the prelude events. Further enquiries on this accumulation must be conducted at the level of differential gene expressions, a chore we have initiated. A DNA fragment containing a single copy 5S rRNA gene has been isolated, cloned, sequenced, and transcribed in a cell-free system. We enclose a discussion on the similarity between the genomic organization of this gene to that of a 5S rRNA gene of Bombyx mori. Our studies have revealed a considerable number of similarities in the silk production strategies of Nephila clavipes and the silkworm Bombyx mori, some of them rather unusual.

Synthesis of novel biomaterials in plants

Metabolic engineering of plants allows the possibility of using crops for the synthesis of novel polymers having useful material properties. Strong and flexible protein-based polymers, which are based on the structure of silk and elastin have been synthesized in transgenic plants. A wide range of polyhydroxyalkanoates having properties ranging from stiff plastics to soft elastomers and glues have been synthesized in various compartments of plants, such as the cytoplasm, plastid and peroxisome. These plant biomaterials could replace, in part, the synthetic plastics, fibers and elastomers produced from petroleum, thus offering the advantage of renewability, sustainability and biodegradability.

Liquid crystal fibers of bent-core molecules

Although the liquid-crystal research is well established in science, there are newly emerging exciting systems, that deserve extensive basic studies. One of these areas is the research of the bent-shaped molecules (so-called "banana liquid crystals"), which have delicate chirality and polarity properties. In this paper we show that these materials also have very unusual rheological features, such as the formation of stable fluid fibers and bridges. Under electric fields, these objects present striking mechanical effects, such as horizontal and transversal vibrations. Studies indicate that the research of banana-liquid-crystal fibers may lead to new type of artificial muscle systems.

Molecular nanosprings in spider capture-silk threads

Spider capture silk is a natural material that outperforms almost any synthetic material in its combination of strength and elasticity. The structure of this remarkable material is still largely unknown, because spider-silk proteins have not been crystallized. Capture silk is the sticky spiral in the webs of orb-weaving spiders. Here we are investigating specifically the capture spiral threads from Araneus, an ecribellate orb-weaving spider. The major protein of these threads is flagelliform protein, a variety of silk fibroin. We present models for molecular and supramolecular structures of flagelliform protein, derived from amino acid sequences, force spectroscopy (molecular pulling) and stretching of bulk capture web. Pulling on molecules in capture-silk fibres from Araneus has revealed rupture peaks due to sacrificial bonds, characteristic of other self-healing biomaterials. The overall force changes are exponential for both capture-silk molecules and intact strands of capture silk.

From EST sequence to spider silk spinning: identification and molecular characterisation of Nephila senegalensis major ampullate gland peroxidase NsPox

Spider dragline silk is renowned as one of the toughest materials of its kind. In nature, spider silks are spun out of aqueous solutions under environmental conditions. This is in contrast to production of most synthetic fibres, where hazardous solvents, high temperatures and pressure are used. In order to identify some of the chemical processes involved in spider silk spinning, we have produced a collection of cDNA sequences from specific regions of Nephila senegalensis major ampullate gland. We examined in detail the sequence and expression of a putative Nephila senegalensis peroxidase gene (NsPox) from our EST collection. NsPox encodes a protein with similarity to Drosophila melanogaster and Aedes aegypti peroxidases. Northern analysis and in situ localisation experiments revealed that NsPox is expressed in major and minor ampullate glands of the spider where the main components of the dragline silk are produced. We suggest that NsPox plays a role in dragline silk fibre formation and/or processing.

Comparative architecture of silks, fibrous proteins and their encoding genes in insects and spiders

The known silk fibroins and fibrous glues are thought to be encoded by members of the same gene family. All silk fibroins sequenced to date contain regions of long-range order (crystalline regions) and/or short-range order (non-crystalline regions). All of the sequenced fibroin silks (Flag or silk from flagelliform gland in spiders; Fhc or heavy chain fibroin silks produced by Lepidoptera larvae) are made up of hierarchically organized, repetitive arrays of amino acids. Fhc fibroin genes are characterized by a similar molecular genetic architecture of two exons and one intron, but the organization and size of these units differs. The Flag, Ser (sericin gene) and BR (Balbiani ring genes; both fibrous proteins) genes are made up of multiple exons and introns. Sequences coding for crystalline and non-crystalline protein domains are integrated in the repetitive regions of Fhc and MA exons, but not in the protein glues Ser1 and BR-1. Genetic 'hot-spots' promote recombination errors in Fhc, MA, and Flag. Codon bias, structural constraint, point mutations, and shortened coding arrays may be alternative means of stabilizing precursor mRNA transcripts. Differential regulation of gene expression and selective splicing of the mRNA transcript may allow rapid adaptation of silk functional properties to different physical environments.