Originally Published EMDM May/June 2002
TECHNOLOGY NEWS
MATERIALSResearchers Create Synthetic Spider Silk
The production of synthetic spider silk has long been a goal of materials science because of the organic material's enviable properties of toughness, elasticity, flexibility, strength, and biodegradability. Finally, researchers at Nexia Biotechnologies Inc. (Vaudreuil-Dorion, QC, Canada) have mimicked these properties and successfully created recombinant spider silk, trade named BioSteel. The artificial material has the potential for a range of applications in the medical industry.
Harvesting the silk proteins from goats' milk paves the way for applications in ophthalmology and neurosurgery. "We believe there are many potential applications of BioSteel within the medical device market. Applications where a flexible, tough, and strong fibre are desirable are the obvious targets," says Brad Cilley, vice president for medical devices at Nexia Biotechnologies. "One product market where these characteristics are desired is the specialty sutures market, which would include products designed for microsurgical and ophthalmic procedures. In this market, we believe BioSteel will yield a fibre with benefits relative to materials currently used," Cilley adds.
BioSteel, close to spider silk with respect to modulus, has advantages over other medical polymers for medical applications. The revolutionary man-made material will provide the flexibility needed for stitching in delicate medical operations. "The advantages of BioSteel over current polymer materials within the medical device field are its toughness, high tensile strength–to-weight ratio, flexibility, and fineness," Cilley explains.
During the first phase of BioSteel production, researchers created the material in bovine mammary epithelial alveolar cells. The second and current phase involves isolating the spider gene and then introducing it into a single-cell goat egg. Five months after the egg is placed inside the goat, the goat will give birth to a kid with one additional gene in its genetic makeup. The altered bucks will mate with female goats, producing foetal goats with the extra spider gene. Once developed, the female goats will produce the complete silk-protein chain in their milk, which will then be extracted, purified, and coagulated using chemical solvents, which will transform the liquid into solid fibres.
Nexia is pursuing application of BioSteel aggressively and is in the process of confirming the material's biocompatibility and absorption properties. The company is currently conducting preliminary tests of the fibres for medical use in tubular grafts, sutures, and surgical mesh. Nexia anticipates launching the first BioSteel medical product in 2004. "We may develop end-use products for some applications, but are very interested in collaborating with others as a supplier of the BioSteel fibre," explains Cilley. "Although we are planning to produce the fibre for sale to product developers, we would welcome inquiries regarding possible licensing as well."
Copyright ©2002 European Medical Device Manufacturer
