Journal
SCIENCE
Volume 329, Issue 5991, Pages 528-531Publisher
AMER ASSOC ADVANCEMENT SCIENCE
DOI: 10.1126/science.1188936
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Funding
- NIH
- NSF
- Air Force Office of Science Research
- Directorate For Engineering
- Div Of Chem, Bioeng, Env, & Transp Sys [0828028] Funding Source: National Science Foundation
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Spiders and silkworms generate silk protein fibers that embody strength and beauty. Orb webs are fascinating feats of bioengineering in nature, displaying magnificent architectures while providing essential survival utility for spiders. The unusual combination of high strength and extensibility is a characteristic unavailable to date in synthetic materials yet is attained in nature with a relatively simple protein processed from water. This biological template suggests new directions to emulate in the pursuit of new high-performance, multifunctional materials generated with a green chemistry and processing approach. These bio-inspired and high-technology materials can lead to multifunctional material platforms that integrate with living systems for medical materials and a host of other applications.
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