Date of Award:

5-2014

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Biological Engineering

Committee Chair(s)

Randolph V. Lewis

Committee

Randolph V. Lewis

Committee

Jon Takemoto

Committee

Ronald Sims

Abstract

Spider silk has become a popular material due to its exceptional mechanical and biocompatibility properties. The project team has developed methods of producing and improving the properties of synthetic spider silk films. Other groups have been able to produce similar films having less than impressive mechanical properties using a toxic solvent. The spider silk team here at Utah State University has developed a new way of processing these films to more than triple their mechanical properties and has created a novel form of spider silk films produced from a water-based liquid, making it less expensive, more environmentally friendly, and more biocompatible. We have also been able to greatly improve the mechanical properties in both forms of production, surpassing those previously published. The physical properties of these films have also been examined to understand how these properties are being achieved.

With the support of USTAR, DOE (SC0004791), and NSF (IIP-1318194) at Utah State and the support of AFOSR (FA9550-14-1-0014) and NSF (DMR-1264801) at Arizona State we have been able to create a spider silk film that has proven to be stronger than other biocompatible materials and can still support cell growth.

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