Silica spider silk fusion

Scientists at Nottingham Trent University have joined forces with two US universities to pioneer collaborative research in protein fusion.

The research, which will explore innovative ways of combining the toughness of spider silk with the intricate structure of silica, is being undertaken in a partnership with Tufts University and the University of Washington.

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) in America has recognised the potential of the work and the Nottingham Trent University team has secured grant aid worth more than $425,000 over five years.

Scientists from the University’s Biomolecular and Materials Interface Research Group, led by Professor Carole Perry, are now focusing on how the fusion of proteins - and the resulting novel nanocomposites - could be used for dental implants and repairs.

Both silica and silk are cleverly constructed and incredibly versatile. Silks form into fibres with remarkable mechanical properties. Silica is widespread in biological systems and serves different functions including support and protection in single-celled organisms through to plants and animals. The team believes that the proteins in these two natural products can be genetically tailored, with enormous potential for future applications.