Smologies #30: SPIDERWEBS with Randy Lewis | Ologies with Alie Ward

Intro

In this episode of “Ologies with Alie Ward,” Alie Ward interviews Randy Lewis, a spider silk expert, to explore the fascinating world of spiderwebs. They discuss the composition of spider silk, its potential medical uses, the different types of silk produced by spiders, and the innovative methods used to synthesize spider silk in labs.

Main Takeaways

Spider Silk Composition and Properties

• Spider silk is made up of spidroins, which are the main proteins in spider webs and are as strong as steel but more flexible.
• Spider silk is similar to collagen or keratin.
• Spider silk has unique mechanical properties, combining strength and elasticity.

Medical Uses of Spider Silk

• Spider silk has potential future medical uses, such as in tissue engineering, wound healing, and drug delivery systems.
• Spider silk can be used to create artificial tendons and ligaments.

Different Types of Spider Silk

• Different types of spiders make different types of silk with varying mechanical properties.
• Spiders produce six types of silk, including drag line silk, flagella form sticky silk, stiff egg sack business silk, and hardcore glue silk.
• Each type of silk has specific functions within the spider’s web.

Synthesizing Spider Silk in Labs

• Spider silk can be synthesized in labs using transgenic goats and gene splicing.
• Spider silk production is a time-consuming and expensive process.
• The spider silk gene has also been spliced into the DNA of silkworm moths and alfalfa for more efficient silk production.

Spiderwebs and Spider Silk Applications

• Spider silk can be used for more than just clothing and climbing ropes.
• Spider silk can be used in composite materials as a reinforcement material.
• Spider silk can be made into an amazing adhesive, with potential applications in various industries.

Summary

Spider Silk Composition and Properties

Spider silk, composed of spidroins, is incredibly strong yet flexible, similar to collagen or keratin. Its unique combination of strength and elasticity makes it a valuable material with potential medical uses. Spider silk’s mechanical properties allow for applications in tissue engineering, wound healing, and artificial tendons and ligaments.

Different Types of Spider Silk

Spiders produce different types of silk with varying mechanical properties. These include drag line silk, which is used for webs spokes and the non-sticky outer rim, as well as flagella form sticky silk, stiff egg sack business silk, and hardcore glue silk. Each type of silk has specific functions within the spider’s web and contributes to its overall structure and functionality.

Synthesizing Spider Silk in Labs

Due to the time-consuming and expensive nature of spider silk production, researchers have explored innovative methods to synthesize spider silk in labs. This includes using transgenic goats and gene splicing to produce liquid spider silk in their milk, which is then filtered and stretched. The spider silk gene has also been spliced into the DNA of silkworm moths and alfalfa for more efficient silk production.

Spiderwebs and Spider Silk Applications

Spider silk has a wide range of applications beyond clothing and climbing ropes. Its unique combination of strength and stretch makes it an ideal reinforcement material for composite materials. Spider silk can also be transformed into an adhesive with potential uses in various industries, from medical to defense. The exploration of spider silk’s capabilities and potential applications continues to expand.

Conclusion

Spider silk, with its remarkable properties and potential medical uses, is a marvel of nature. Understanding the composition and production of spider silk opens up possibilities for innovative applications in various fields. As researchers continue to unlock the secrets of spiderwebs and spider silk, the potential for advancements in materials science and medicine grows.