Final published version
Research output: Contribution to Journal/Magazine › Literature review › peer-review
<mark>Journal publication date</mark> | 23/09/2008 |
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<mark>Journal</mark> | Polymer |
Issue number | 20 |
Volume | 49 |
Number of pages | 19 |
Pages (from-to) | 4309-4327 |
Publication Status | Published |
<mark>Original language</mark> | English |
Silks are protein-based fibers made by arthropods for a variety of task-specific applications. In this article, we review the key features of silk proteins. This article initially focuses on the structure and function of silk proteins produced naturally by silkworms and spiders, followed by the biological and technical processing of silk proteins into a variety of morphologies (including capsules, fibers, films, foams, gels and spheres). Finally, we highlight the potential applications of silk-based materials.