——— Jenny Wang ****

3.1 Choose Your Protein

I chose and developed strong interest in spider silk as it was mentioned during HTGAA in-class discussion that spider silk can be applied as a type of biomaterial for design purpose. I specifically focused on E-textile research for my Week#1 homework, therefore would like to know more about this biomaterial.

Spider silk is a remarkable material that has evolved over millions of years to serve various functions, such as building webs, protecting eggs, and even as a safety line for spiders. Here’s why it’s interesting:

• Strength and Flexibility: Spider silk is stronger than steel by weight and more flexible than rubber, making it one of the toughest natural materials known.
• Biocompatibility: It is biocompatible, meaning it can be used in medical applications like sutures or tissue engineering.
• Sustainability: Spider silk is a biodegradable and renewable material, making it an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic fibers.
• Research Applications: Scientists are studying spider silk to create synthetic versions for use in textiles, medicine, and even bulletproof vests.

Spidroin-1 (MaSp1) and Spidroin-2 (MaSp2) are two major types of spider silk proteins that make up the dragline silk of spiders. Dragline silk is the strongest type of silk spiders produce, used for the outer rim and spokes of webs, as well as for safety lines. They are similar in function.

Spiders Use Both Spidroin-1 (MaSp1) & Spidroin-2 (MaSp2) :

Spiders combine MaSp1 and MaSp2 in dragline silk to achieve a balance of strength and elasticity. This combination allows the silk to:

• Absorb energy (e.g., from flying prey).
• Resist breaking under tension.
• Maintain structural integrity in various environmental conditions.

Spidroin-1 (MaSp1) Sequence Organism: Araneus bicentenarius (Giant lichen orbweaver)

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