Spider silk is a natural protein-based fiber produced by various species of spiders.

1. Spider silk
Mohammad Hassan Hassand

2. Contents
• Introduction
• Production
• Types of Spider Silk
• Strength and Toughness
• Lightweight
• Flexibility
• Biocompatibility
• Potential Applications

3. Introduction
Spider silk is a natural protein-based fiber
produced by various species of spiders.
Spiders use their silk to make webs or other
structures, which function as nets to catch
other animals, or as nests or sosoons for
protection for their children. They can also
suspend themselves from using their silk.

4. Production
Spiders produce silk from specialized
glands in their abdomen. These glands
secrete a liquid protein solution that
harden into silk threads as it's
extruded through spinnerets on the
spider's abdomen.

5. Types of Spider Silk
Different types of silk are produced by
spiders for various purposes, including
dragline silk, capture silk, and egg case
silk. Each type of silk has unique
properties suited to its intended use.

6. Strength and Toughness
Spider silk is incredibly strong. It has a
tensile strength like, or even greater
than, that of steel of the same
diameter. This property makes it one
of the strongest natural fibers.
Stress-strain curves of spider silk (MAS from A. trifasciata, see inset). FS, forcibly
silked fibers. NS, naturally spun fibers, i.e. fibers retrieved either from the web or
from the safety line. MS, maximum supercontracted fibers, i.e. fibers subjected to
supercontraction and subsequent drying. All tests in air were performed at 20°C,
35%RH and strain rate 0.0002·s-1. SCW, supercontracted fibers tested in water at
20°C and strain rate 0.0002·s-1 .

7. Lightweight
Despite its strength, spider silk is
extremely lightweight, which makes it
ideal for certain applications where
weight is a concern, such as in the
construction of spider webs or for
lightweight clothing materials

8. Flexibility
Spider silk is highly flexible and can
stretch up to five times its original
length without breaking. This flexibility
is particularly valuable in applications
requiring resilience and durability.

9. Biocompatibility
Spider silk is biocompatible, meaning it
is well-tolerated by the human body
and does not typically trigger immune
responses or allergies.

10. Potential Applications
Researchers have been exploring various
potential applications of spider silk,
including:
• Bulletproof Clothing: Due to its strength
and lightweight properties.
• Medical Sutures: As a biocompatible
material for sutures.
• Biodegradable Fishing Lines: Reducing
environmental impact.
• Artificial Ligaments and Tendons: For
medical and sports applications.

11. Potential Applications
Comparison of Golden orb spider silk with cultivated
silkworm moth bombyx mori

12. Spider silk Vs Cultivated silk

13. Thank
you
Professor: Abdimadiyeva A
Prepared by : Mohammad Hassan Hassand