Silk-inspired polymers and proteins.
The biocompatibility and biodegradability of natural silk fibres and the benign conditions under which they (with impressive mechanical properties) are produced represent a biomimetic ideal. This ideal has inspired people in both academia and industry to prepare silk-mimetic polymers and proteins by chemical and/or biotechnological means. In the present paper, we aim to give an overview of the design principles of such silk-inspired polymers/proteins, their processing into various materials morphologies, their mechanical and biological properties, and, finally, their technical and biomedical applications.
Hardy
John G
JG
Lehrstuhl für Biomaterialien, Universität Bayreuth, Universitätsstrasse 30, 95440 Bayreuth, Germany. john.hardy@bm.unibayreuth.de
Scheibel
Thomas R
TR
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry*; D012831:Bombyx; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D011506:Proteins / Q000737:chemistry*; D047011:Silk / Q000737:chemistry*; D013112:Spiders
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D011108:Polymers; D011506:Proteins; D047011:Silk