Abstract:
Methods for forming useful films using recombinant spider silk protein are discussed. In one embodiment, the method involves dissolving silk protein in a sufficient quantity to form a film suspended in a solvent. The solution is then mixed with a compound selected from water, acids, imidazole crosslinking agents, antibiotics, nanoparticles, surfactants and combinations thereof. Solubilisation of the protein in the solution is effected by microwave exposure. Once solubilized the microwave treated solution is poured onto a suitable substrate and dried in order to result in the final film, the protein may be plant, mammal or bacterially derived.
Abstract:
Spider silks and other natural silks are proteinaceous fibers composed largely of non-essential amino acids. Orb-web spinning spiders have as many as seven sets of highly specialized glands that produce up to seven different types of silk. Each silk protein has a different amino acid composition, mechanical property, and function. The physical properties of a silk fiber are influenced by the amino acid sequence, spinning mechanism, and environmental conditions in which they are produced. The present invention provides composition and methods for producing fibers comprising spider silk and synthetic polymers from electrospinning processes. Synthetic fiber blends and methods for preparing such fibers with spider silk proteins and synthetic and polymers are disclosed.
Abstract:
A method for solubilizing recombinant spider silk proteins in an aqueous solutions, where the method includes mixing recombinant spider silk proteins with water to form a mixture and heating the mixture in a closed vessel to form a solution.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the fields of molecular biology and plant biology. Specifically, the invention is directed to the methods for expressing spider silk proteins in plants and the synthesis and purification of spider silk proteins therefrom.
Abstract:
A method of producing synthetic spider silk, including: transforming Escherichia coli with an expression vector; fermenting the transformed E. coli in a culture medium; inducing spider silk protein expression in the cultured E. coli; extracting the spider silk; and purifying the spider silk. Related vectors and genetically modified cells are also disclosed.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to the fields of molecular biology and plant biology. Specifically, the invention is directed to the methods for expressing spider silk proteins in plants and the synthesis and purification of spider silk proteins therefrom.