Spider silk fibers exhibit remarkable mechanical properties, making them promising biomaterials for medical applications. However, their long-term durability remains a challenge. This study explores the modification of the soft chain in recombinant spider silk (ADF-4) to enhance fiber strength and stability. By incorporating Dopa-containing motifs from mussel foot protein Mfp-3, we aim to improve inter-fiber interactions and crosslinking. Genetic constructs are being developed to express modified ADF-4 in E. coli, with subsequent evaluation of mechanical and biocompatible properties. This approach could lead to advanced silk-based scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Апрелкова А.П., Отинов Г.Д., Диб Н., Мохамед А. (науч. рук. Кошель Е.И.) Soft chain in the molecular structure of spider silk fibers is a target of high potential for introducing new features // Сборник тезисов докладов конгресса молодых ученых. Электронное издание. – СПб: Университет ИТМО, [2025]. URL: https://kmu.itmo.ru/digests/article/14861