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Greco G, Schmuck B, Jalali SK, Pugno NM, Rising A. Influence of experimental methods on the mechanical properties of silk fibers: A systematic literature review and future road map. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:031301. [PMID: 38510706 PMCID: PMC10903380 DOI: 10.1063/5.0155552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Spider silk fibers are of scientific and industrial interest because of their extraordinary mechanical properties. These properties are normally determined by tensile tests, but the values obtained are dependent on the morphology of the fibers, the test conditions, and the methods by which stress and strain are calculated. Because of this, results from many studies are not directly comparable, which has led to widespread misconceptions in the field. Here, we critically review most of the reports from the past 50 years on spider silk mechanical performance and use artificial spider silk and native silks as models to highlight the effect that different experimental setups have on the fibers' mechanical properties. The results clearly illustrate the importance of carefully evaluating the tensile test methods when comparing the results from different studies. Finally, we suggest a protocol for how to perform tensile tests on silk and biobased fibers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - S. K. Jalali
- Laboratory for Bioinspired, Bionic, Nano, Meta, Materials & Mechanics, Department of Civil, Environmental and Mechanical Engineering, University of Trento, Via Mesiano, 77, 38123 Trento, Italy
| | | | - Anna Rising
- Authors to whom correspondence should be addressed: and
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2
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Wan HY, Chen YT, Li GT, Wu HC, Huang TC, Yang TI. Electroactive aniline tetramer-spider silks with conductive and electrochromic functionality. RSC Adv 2022; 12:21946-21956. [PMID: 36043065 PMCID: PMC9364158 DOI: 10.1039/d2ra01065h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Electroactive aniline tetramer-spider silk composite fibers with high conductivity and mechanical strength were developed using a dip coating method. The fabricated spider silk composite fibers retain the high mechanical strength (0.92 GPa) and unique reversible relaxation-contraction behavior of spider dragline silks. The aniline tetramer modified on the silk surface imparted electroactive properties to the composite fibers. The color of aniline tetramer/spider silk composite fibers could be controlled by applying different pH values and voltages. Furthermore, the composite fiber's resistivity could reach 186 Ω m which can conduct electrical current to light LEDs. This study could provide a valuable guideline for developing highly-conductive electrochromic spider silks for use in E-textiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Yu Wan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung-Yuan Christian University Taoyuan Taiwan +886 3 2654199 +886 3 2654149
| | - Yi-Ting Chen
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung-Yuan Christian University Taoyuan Taiwan +886 3 2654199 +886 3 2654149
| | - Guan-Ting Li
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung-Yuan Christian University Taoyuan Taiwan +886 3 2654199 +886 3 2654149
| | - Hsuan-Chen Wu
- Department of Biochemical Science and Technology, National Taiwan University Taipei Taiwan
| | - Tsao-Cheng Huang
- Technical Department Plastics Division, Formosa Plastics Corporation 814538 Kaohsiung Taiwan
| | - Ta-I Yang
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Chung-Yuan Christian University Taoyuan Taiwan +886 3 2654199 +886 3 2654149
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3
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Ramezaniaghdam M, Nahdi ND, Reski R. Recombinant Spider Silk: Promises and Bottlenecks. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:835637. [PMID: 35350182 PMCID: PMC8957953 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.835637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider silk threads have exceptional mechanical properties such as toughness, elasticity and low density, which reach maximum values compared to other fibre materials. They are superior even compared to Kevlar and steel. These extraordinary properties stem from long length and specific protein structures. Spider silk proteins can consist of more than 20,000 amino acids. Polypeptide stretches account for more than 90% of the whole protein, and these domains can be repeated more than a hundred times. Each repeat unit has a specific function resulting in the final properties of the silk. These properties make them attractive for innovative material development for medical or technical products as well as cosmetics. However, with livestock breeding of spiders it is not possible to reach high volumes of silk due to the cannibalistic behaviour of these animals. In order to obtain spider silk proteins (spidroins) on a large scale, recombinant production is attempted in various expression systems such as plants, bacteria, yeasts, insects, silkworms, mammalian cells and animals. For viable large-scale production, cost-effective and efficient production systems are needed. This review describes the different types of spider silk, their proteins and structures and discusses the production of these difficult-to-express proteins in different host organisms with an emphasis on plant systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ramezaniaghdam
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS at FIT – Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Nadia D. Nahdi
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Ralf Reski
- Plant Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence livMatS at FIT – Freiburg Center for Interactive Materials and Bioinspired Technologies, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- *Correspondence: Ralf Reski,
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4
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Cohen N, Eisenbach CD. Humidity-Driven Supercontraction and Twist in Spider Silk. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2022; 128:098101. [PMID: 35302814 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.128.098101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Spider silk is a protein material that exhibits extraordinary and nontrivial properties such as the ability to soften, decrease in length (i.e., supercontract), and twist upon exposure to high humidity. These behaviors stem from a unique microstructure in combination with a transition from glassy to rubbery as a result of humidity-driven diffusion of water. In this Letter we propose four length scales that govern the mechanical response of the silk during this transition. In addition, we develop a model that describes the microstructural evolution of the spider silk thread and explains the response due to the diffusion of water molecules. The merit of the model is demonstrated through an excellent agreement to experimental findings. The insights from this Letter can be used as a microstructural design guide to enable the development of new materials with unique spiderlike properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noy Cohen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Claus D Eisenbach
- Materials Research Laboratory, University of California, Santa Barbara, California 93106, USA and Institute for Polymer Chemistry, University of Stuttgart, D-70569 Stuttgart, Germany
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5
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Ng L, Elgar MA, Stuart-Fox D. From Bioinspired to Bioinformed: Benefits of Greater Engagement From Biologists. Front Ecol Evol 2021. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2021.790270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioinspiration and biomimetics is a rapidly growing field where insights from biology are used to solve current design challenges. Nature provides an abundance of inspiration to draw upon, yet biological information is under-exploited due to a concerning lack of engagement from biologists. To assess the extent of this problem, we surveyed the current state of the field using the Web of Science database and found that only 41% of publications on bioinspired or biomimetic research included an author affiliated with a biology-related department or organisation. In addition, most publications focus exclusively on a limited range of popular model species. Considering these findings, we highlight key reasons why greater engagement from biologists will enable new and significant insights from natural selection and the diversity of life. Likewise, biologists are missing unique opportunities to study biological phenomena from the perspective of other disciplines, particularly engineering. We discuss the importance of striving toward a bioinformed approach, as current limitations in the field can only be overcome with a greater understanding of the ecological and evolutionary contexts behind each bioinspired/biomimetic solution.
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Kono N, Ohtoshi R, Malay AD, Mori M, Masunaga H, Yoshida Y, Nakamura H, Numata K, Arakawa K. Darwin's bark spider shares a spidroin repertoire with Caerostris extrusa but achieves extraordinary silk toughness through gene expression. Open Biol 2021; 11:210242. [PMID: 34932907 PMCID: PMC8692038 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.210242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Spider silk is a protein-based material whose toughness suggests possible novel applications. A particularly fascinating example of silk toughness is provided by Darwin's bark spider (Caerostris darwini) found in Madagascar. This spider produces extraordinarily tough silk, with an average toughness of 350 MJ m-1 and over 50% extensibility, and can build river-bridging webs with a size of 2.8 m2. Recent studies have suggested that specific spidroins expressed in C. darwini are responsible for the mechanical properties of its silk. Therefore, a more comprehensive investigation of spidroin sequences, silk thread protein contents and phylogenetic conservation among closely related species is required. Here, we conducted genomic, transcriptomic and proteomic analyses of C. darwini and its close relative Caerostris extrusa. A variety of spidroins and low-molecular-weight proteins were found in the dragline silk of these species; all of the genes encoding these proteins were conserved in both genomes, but their genes were more expressed in C. darwini. The potential to produce very tough silk is common in the genus Caerostris, and our results may suggest the existence of plasticity allowing silk mechanical properties to be changed by optimizing related gene expression in response to the environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuaki Kono
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 403-1 Nihonkoku, Daihouji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Rintaro Ohtoshi
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Ali D. Malay
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - Masaru Mori
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 403-1 Nihonkoku, Daihouji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Hiroyasu Masunaga
- Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute, 1-1-1, Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan,RIKEN SPring-8 Center, 1-1-1 Kouto, Sayo-cho, Sayo-gun, Hyogo 679-5198, Japan
| | - Yuki Yoshida
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 403-1 Nihonkoku, Daihouji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Nakamura
- Spiber Inc., 234-1 Mizukami, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
| | - Keiji Numata
- RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan,Department of Material Chemistry, Kyoto University, Kyotodaigaku-Katsura, Nishikyo-ku, Kyoto 615-8510, Japan
| | - Kazuharu Arakawa
- Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Keio University, 403-1 Nihonkoku, Daihouji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0017, Japan,Systems Biology Program, Graduate School of Media and Governance, Keio University, 5322 Endo, Fujisawa, Kanagawa 252-0882, Japan
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Kelly SP, Huang KP, Liao CP, Khasanah RAN, Chien FSS, Hu JS, Wu CL, Tso IM. Mechanical and structural properties of major ampullate silk from spiders fed carbon nanomaterials. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0241829. [PMID: 33166360 PMCID: PMC7652353 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0241829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 10/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The dragline silk of spiders is of particular interest to science due to its unique properties that make it an exceptional biomaterial that has both high tensile strength and elasticity. To improve these natural fibers, researchers have begun to try infusing metals and carbon nanomaterials to improve mechanical properties of spider silk. The objective of this study was to incorporate carbon nanomaterials into the silk of an orb-weaving spider, Nephila pilipes, by feeding them solutions containing graphene and carbon nanotubes. Spiders were collected from the field and in the lab were fed solutions by pipette containing either graphene sheets or nanotubes. Major ampullate silk was collected and a tensile tester was used to determine mechanical properties for pre- and post-treatment samples. Raman spectroscopy was then used to test for the presence of nanomaterials in silk samples. There was no apparent incorporation of carbon nanomaterials in the silk fibers that could be detected with Raman spectroscopy and there were no significant improvements in mechanical properties. This study represents an example for the importance of attempting to replicate previously published research. Researchers should be encouraged to continue to do these types of investigations in order to build a strong consensus and solid foundation for how to go forward with these new methods for creating novel biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean P. Kelly
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Kun-Ping Huang
- Mechanical and Mechatronics Systems Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | | | | | | | - Jwu-Sheng Hu
- Mechanical and Mechatronics Systems Research Laboratories, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Lin Wu
- Center for Measurement Standards, Industrial Technology Research Institute, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - I-Min Tso
- Department of Life Science, Tunghai University, Taichung, Taiwan
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Hybrid Spider Silk with Inorganic Nanomaterials. NANOMATERIALS 2020; 10:nano10091853. [PMID: 32947954 PMCID: PMC7559941 DOI: 10.3390/nano10091853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2020] [Revised: 09/09/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
High-performance functional biomaterials are becoming increasingly requested. Numerous natural and artificial polymers have already demonstrated their ability to serve as a basis for bio-composites. Spider silk offers a unique combination of desirable aspects such as biocompatibility, extraordinary mechanical properties, and tunable biodegradability, which are superior to those of most natural and engineered materials. Modifying spider silk with various inorganic nanomaterials with specific properties has led to the development of the hybrid materials with improved functionality. The purpose of using these inorganic nanomaterials is primarily due to their chemical nature, enhanced by large surface areas and quantum size phenomena. Functional properties of nanoparticles can be implemented to macro-scale components to produce silk-based hybrid materials, while spider silk fibers can serve as a matrix to combine the benefits of the functional components. Therefore, it is not surprising that hybrid materials based on spider silk and inorganic nanomaterials are considered extremely promising for potentially attractive applications in various fields, from optics and photonics to tissue regeneration. This review summarizes and discusses evidence of the use of various kinds of inorganic compounds in spider silk modification intended for a multitude of applications. It also provides an insight into approaches for obtaining hybrid silk-based materials via 3D printing.
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Kong N, Wan F, Dai W, Wu P, Su C, Peng C, Zheng K, Chen X, Ling S, Gong J, Yao Y. A Cuboid Spider Silk: Structure–Function Relationship and Polypeptide Signature. Macromol Rapid Commun 2020; 41:e1900583. [DOI: 10.1002/marc.201900583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Na Kong
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech University 393 Middle Huaxia Road Pudong Shanghai 201210 China
| | - Fengju Wan
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech University 393 Middle Huaxia Road Pudong Shanghai 201210 China
| | - Wentao Dai
- Shanghai Center for Bioinformation Technology & Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Pharmaceutical TranslationShanghai Industrial Technology Institute 1278 Keyuan Road Shanghai 201203 China
| | - Ping Wu
- National Facility for Protein Science in ShanghaiZhangjiang Lab Shanghai 201210 China
- Shanghai Science Research CenterChinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201204 China
| | - Chen Su
- National Facility for Protein Science in ShanghaiZhangjiang Lab Shanghai 201210 China
- Shanghai Science Research CenterChinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201204 China
| | - Chao Peng
- National Facility for Protein Science in ShanghaiZhangjiang Lab Shanghai 201210 China
- Shanghai Science Research CenterChinese Academy of Sciences Shanghai 201204 China
| | - Ke Zheng
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech University 393 Middle Huaxia Road Pudong Shanghai 201210 China
| | - Xuexin Chen
- Institute of Insect ScienceCollege of Agriculture and BiotechnologyZhejiang University 310058 Hangzhou China
| | - Shengjie Ling
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech University 393 Middle Huaxia Road Pudong Shanghai 201210 China
| | - Jinkang Gong
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech University 393 Middle Huaxia Road Pudong Shanghai 201210 China
| | - Yuan Yao
- School of Physical Science and TechnologyShanghaiTech University 393 Middle Huaxia Road Pudong Shanghai 201210 China
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Wang Z, Cang Y, Kremer F, Thomas EL, Fytas G. Determination of the Complete Elasticity of Nephila pilipes Spider Silk. Biomacromolecules 2020; 21:1179-1185. [PMID: 31935074 PMCID: PMC7307882 DOI: 10.1021/acs.biomac.9b01607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
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Spider silks are
remarkable materials designed by nature to have
extraordinary elasticity. Their elasticity, however, remains poorly
understood, as typical stress–strain experiments only allow
access to the axial Young’s modulus. In this work, micro-Brillouin
light spectroscopy (micro-BLS), a noncontact, nondestructive technique,
is utilized to probe the direction-dependent phonon propagation in
the Nephila pilipes spider silk and
hence solve its full elasticity. To the best of our knowledge, this
is the first demonstration on the determination of the anisotropic
Young’s moduli, shear moduli, and Poisson’s ratios of
a single spider fiber. The axial and lateral Young’s moduli
are found to be 20.9 ± 0.8 and 9.2 ± 0.3 GPa, respectively,
and the anisotropy of the Young’s moduli further increases
upon stretching. In contrast, the shear moduli and Poisson’s
ratios exhibit very weak anisotropy and are robust to stretching.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuyuan Wang
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Yu Cang
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany
| | - Friedrich Kremer
- Institute of Experimental Physics I, University of Leipzig, Linnéstr. 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Edwin L Thomas
- Department of Materials Science and Nano-Engineering, Rice University, Houston, Texas 77030, United States
| | - George Fytas
- Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128 Mainz, Germany.,Institute of Electronic Structure and Laser, F.O.R.T.H, 70013 Heraklion, Greece
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Ability makes a thief: vision, learning, and swift escape help kleptoparasitic hover wasps not to fall prey to their spider hosts. Behav Ecol Sociobiol 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s00265-019-2767-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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