Studies of spider silk for biotechnology: From natural to synthetic fibres
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: School of Life Sciences
Abstract
Spider silk has many properties that are advantageous to a biomaterial. In addition to having remarkable tensile strength it is also biocompatible, which makes it an interesting candidate for both bioengineering and medical applications. Due to this, and the relative difficulty of farming spiders due to their cannibalistic nature, much interest has focussed on the recombinant production of synthetic spider silk. Optimisation of the design of recombinant silk proteins relies on our understanding not only of what is transcribed, but of translation and assembly of native silk proteins. Understanding the importance of each of these processes will allow a rational design approach to recombinant silks. This project will aim to shed light on the complex genetic regulation of spider silk genes and use this information to create synthetic silk proteins.
Organisations
Studentship Projects
| Project Reference | Relationship | Related To | Start | End | Student Name |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2015 | 31/03/2024 | |||
| 1944186 | Studentship | BB/M008770/1 | 01/10/2017 | 30/09/2021 |
| Description | Open Days |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an open day or visit at my research institution |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | National |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Increased interest in the research and encouraged more students to study research based subjects. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018,2019,2020 |
| Description | Pint of Science |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | Participation in an activity, workshop or similar |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Pint of Science event - linking animals to research and opening up debate about harnessing the power of natural materials in biotechnology. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2019 |
| Description | University of the Third Age |
| Form Of Engagement Activity | A talk or presentation |
| Part Of Official Scheme? | No |
| Geographic Reach | Local |
| Primary Audience | Public/other audiences |
| Results and Impact | Presentation on research area and focus on biotechnological research - leading to more interest in science and research. |
| Year(s) Of Engagement Activity | 2018 |