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Biotechnological Production of Spider‐Silk Proteins Enables New Applications
Author(s) -
Vendrely Charlotte,
Scheibel Thomas
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
macromolecular bioscience
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.924
H-Index - 105
eISSN - 1616-5195
pISSN - 1616-5187
DOI - 10.1002/mabi.200600255
Subject(s) - spider silk , silk , biochemical engineering , spider , nanotechnology , protein engineering , polymer science , computer science , chemistry , biology , materials science , engineering , biochemistry , ecology , enzyme , operating system
The outstanding mechanical properties of spider silks have motivated many researchers to establish biotechnological production techniques which are necessary to provide sufficient amounts of silk proteins for industrial applications. Based on recent developments in genetic engineering, two strategies for the recombinant production of spider‐silk proteins have been established which are discussed in detail. Further, protein‐design strategies are described, enabling the combination of silk properties with additional biological, chemical, or technical features. We highlight the potential of engineered and recombinantly‐produced spider‐silk proteins to provide the basis for a new generation of biomaterials.