The variability and interdependence of spider viscid line tensile properties.
True stress-true strain curves of naturally spun viscid line fibres retrieved directly from the spiral of orb-webs built by Argiope trifasciata spiders were measured using a novel methodology. This new procedure combines a method for removing the aqueous coating of the fibres and a technique that allows the accurate measurement of their cross-sectional area. Comparison of the tensile behaviour of different samples indicated that naturally spun viscid lines show a large variability, comparable to that of other silks, such as major ampullate gland silk and silkworm silk. Nevertheless, application of a statistical analysis allowed the identification of two independent parameters that underlie the variability and characterize the observed range of true stress-true strain curves. The combination of this result with previous mechanical and microstructural data suggested the assignment of these two independent effects to the degree of alignment of the protein chains and to the local relative humidity, which, in turn, depends on the composition of the viscous coating and on the external environmental conditions.
Centro de Tecnología Biomédica, Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón, Madrid, Spain.
Gracia Belén
GB
Perea
Gustavo R
GR
Plaza
Gustavo V
GV
Guinea
Manuel
M
Elices
Beatriz
B
Velasco
José
J
Pérez-Rigueiro
D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials / Q000737:chemistry; D047011:Silk / Q000737:chemistry*; D013112:Spiders / Q000737:chemistry*; D013314:Stress, Mechanical; D013718:Tensile Strength
D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D047011:Silk
biomaterials; flagelliform silk; silk