Scaling up and developing the production of artificial spider silk fibers
KEY POINTS- We are the first research group in the world to develop a method for spinning fibers from recombinant spider silk proteins using the same molecular mechanisms as the spiders.
- In several research projects, we are now scaling up the bacterial protein production and developing methods for spinning multifilaments that will later be used to make yarn and textiles.
Project overview
Participants
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Short summary
Background
We are the first research group in the world to develop a method for spinning fibers from recombinant spider silk proteins using the same molecular mechanisms as the spiders. Our spinning process is entirely water-based and requires no toxic chemicals or high temperatures. The proteins are produced by bacteria and purified using conventional methods.
Current research
In several research projects, we are now scaling up the bacterial protein production and developing methods for spinning multifilaments that will later be used to make yarn and textiles.
In addition to these applications, we have projects aimed at using the fibers for medical applications. Spider silk fibers have been shown to be well tolerated after implantation and can even mediate the regeneration of damaged nerves that would otherwise not heal.
In this project we will also develop the spinning method based on the knowledge we gain from our ongoing studies of how the spider thread glands work.