Document Type
Poster
Journal/Book Title/Conference
College of Engineering Senior Design Projects
Publisher
Utah State University
Location
Logan, UT
Publication Date
2017
Abstract
Natural spider silks have long been recognized for their combination of incredible strength and elasticity. Spider silks are more elastic than nylon, tougher than Kevlar, and stronger than steel by weight. Due to an inability to farm spiders, much work has been done to produce spider silks in transgenic hosts for large–scale production. This work was done using recombinant spider silk proteins (rSSps) produced in transgenic goat milk.
Recently, spider silks have been recognized for their biocompatibility and lack of immunogenicity. Their incredible strength and ability to safely be in contact with the body makes them highly desirable for use in industry and the medical field. The purpose of this study was to develop a spider silk-based electrospun bandage and adhesive which would mimic the properties of skin, thus deemed “SpiderSkin,” capable of providing the environment necessary for natural repair while protecting the skin from further damage. The product was evaluated through testing of mechanical properties and cellular interactions. Burn victims and bead sores would be two ideal applications for such a bandage.
Recommended Citation
Gaztambide, Danielle A.; Licon, Ana Laura; Paskett, Michael D.; Briggs, Samuel T.; and Lewis, Randolph V., "Electrospun SpiderSkin Bandage for Epidermal Protection and Recovery" (2017). Biological Engineering. Paper 10.
https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/bioengr_srdesign/10