Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Lin Gu, Yuanzhang Jiang, Larry M. C. Chow, Zhen Liu, Wei Gao, Yanting Han, Cong Wang, Jinlian Hu
Summary: In this study, peptide-polyurethane/urea hybrids with different peptide contents were synthesized based on the secondary structure of spider silk. These materials showed promising mechanical properties and shape memory effect, making them potential candidates for strain sensors.
MATERIALS & DESIGN
(2022)
Article
Polymer Science
Sinith Withanage, Artemii Savin, Valeria Nikolaeva, Aleksandra Kiseleva, Marina Dukhinova, Pavel Krivoshapkin, Elena Krivoshapkina
Summary: Novel antimicrobial natural polymeric hybrid hydrogels based on hyaluronic acid and spider silk show successful crosslinking, regular porous structure, hydrophilic properties, antimicrobial ability, and no significant cytotoxicity. These hydrogels could be a promising solution to overcome antimicrobial drug resistance and can be used in collaborative antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory drug delivery systems for external use.
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Jiatian Li, Sitong Li, Jiayi Huang, Abdul Qadeer Khan, Baigang An, Xiang Zhou, Zunfeng Liu, Meifang Zhu
Summary: Spider silk is a natural polymeric fiber with remarkable mechanical properties attributed to its hierarchical structure. Researchers have been motivated to develop artificial functional fibers mimicking spider silk, and this review provides insights into the biomimetic preparation of such fibers with interesting properties. Biomimetic studies have yielded noteworthy findings in artificial fibers aiming to exceed the properties of natural spider silk.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ali D. Malay, Hamish C. Craig, Jianming Chen, Nur Alia Oktaviani, Keiji Numata
Summary: In this article, recent findings on the material constituents, protein structures, and self-assembly mechanisms of spider dragline silk are discussed. The concept of biomimetics in artificial spider silk production, along with key practical aspects of design and evaluation, is also considered.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Wen-Chia Chen, Ruei-Ci Wang, Sheng-Kai Yu, Jheng-Liang Chen, Yu-Han Kao, Tzi-Yuan Wang, Po-Ya Chang, Hwo-Shuenn Sheu, Ssu-Ching Chen, Wei-Ren Liu, Ta- Yang, Hsuan-Chen Wu
Summary: Developing materials with structural flexibility for self-repair is challenging. Spider silk is used to create a novel self-healing material. The R2 and R2G proteins extracted from spider silk can be used for electronic applications, such as repairable logic gate circuits and re-configurable wearable probes. This research provides a new paradigm for developing future adaptive biomaterials.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Hua Wu, Xuming Wang, Xiaojun Zhou, Shaowen Chen, Wenhui Mai, Hui Huang, Zelin You, Suling Zhang, Xiuxia Zhang, Binghuai Lu
Summary: In melioidosis endemic areas like Hainan province, China, osteomyelitis and septic arthritis caused by Burkholderia pseudomallei are rare and fatal diseases, commonly affecting male patients with diabetes as a major risk factor. Imipenem and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole are frequently used antibiotics for treatment.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Maryam Ramezaniaghdam, Nadia D. Nahdi, Ralf Reski
Summary: Spider silk has exceptional mechanical properties and potential applications. Scientists have attempted to produce spider silk proteins on a large scale through recombinant production in various host organisms, with a focus on plant systems.
FRONTIERS IN BIOENGINEERING AND BIOTECHNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Simon Fruergaard, Marie Braad Lund, Andreas Schramm, Thomas Vosegaard, Trine Bilde
Summary: Spider silk is commonly believed to have antimicrobial properties, but studies show that there is no direct antimicrobial activity of spider silk, and live bacteria can be found on the silk surface. Previous studies claiming positive results are compromised by methodological shortcomings, which do not support the notion that spider silk is antimicrobial.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Qijue Wang, Patrick McArdle, Stephanie L. Wang, Ryan L. Wilmington, Zhen Xing, Alexander Greenwood, Myriam L. Cotten, M. Mumtaz Qazilbash, Hannes C. Schniepp
Summary: Nanofibrils are found to be important in spider silk and have a significant impact on the unique properties of this material. By using polarized Raman and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopies, the concentrations of six distinct protein secondary structures in spider silk are determined. This study provides valuable insights into the internal structure of protein materials.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
George Samonis, Christos Koutserimpas, Georgia Vrioni, Elsa Kampos Martinez, Panagiotis Kouloumentas, Kalliopi Alpantaki, George Saroglou
Summary: This case report describes an extremely rare case of Aspergillus septic arthritis in a 27-year-old patient following arthroscopic ACL reconstruction. Diagnosis requires histopathology, cultures, and multiplex PCR tests for early detection and a high index of suspicion is crucial.
Article
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Jingxia Wang, Tiantian Fan, Xi Li, Xiaoxia Hu, Weidong Huang, Wensu Yuan, Zhi Lin
Summary: A simple method has been developed to spin superstrong silk fibers using regenerated silkworm fibroins in a metal-ion coagulation bath. The artificial silk surpasses natural silks in terms of mechanical properties, with higher tensile strength and Young's modulus.
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Federico Spizzo, Gabriele Greco, Lucia Del Bianco, Marco Coisson, Nicola M. Pugno
Summary: This study presents a new hybrid material composed of spider silk thread and magnetostrictive FeCo alloy, which exhibits excellent mechanical and electrical properties. The durability, homogeneity, and response to magnetic and mechanical stimuli of the composite are validated. The material shows potential for magneto-electronics applications, including magnetic actuators and strain/stress sensors.
ADVANCED FUNCTIONAL MATERIALS
(2022)
Article
Engineering, Electrical & Electronic
Yaxun Zhang, Yangang Ning, Min Zhang, Huigai Guo, Yu Zhang, Zhihai Liu, XuHao Ji, JianZhong Zhang, Xinghua Yang, Libo Yuan
Summary: The proposed fiber sensor utilizes spider silk as a carrier and light guide material, combined with magnetic nanoparticles for high sensitivity magnetic field measurement. Experimental results show a maximum sensitivity of 1126.3 pm/Oe, with an average sensitivity of 400pm/Oe in the range of 0-120 Oe and a response time of 146.9 ms. The sensor has potential applications in military, environmental, and industrial fields due to its ease of manufacturing, environmental friendliness, and simple structure.
JOURNAL OF LIGHTWAVE TECHNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Materials Science, Multidisciplinary
Xi Liu, Lianxin Shi, Xizi Wan, Bing Dai, Yupeng Chen, Shutao Wang
Summary: This paper introduces the characteristics and application areas of spider silk as a natural adhesive, and summarizes the latest advances in artificial adhesive materials inspired by it. Studying the characteristics of spider silk is of great significance for the future development of adhesive materials.
ACS MATERIALS LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Physics, Multidisciplinary
Noy Cohen, Claus D. Eisenbach
Summary: This study proposes four length scales to explain the unique mechanical response of spider silk under high humidity, and develops a model to describe the microstructural evolution and response caused by water molecule diffusion. The model demonstrates excellent agreement with experimental findings and provides guidance for designing new materials with spiderlike properties.
PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raquib Hasan, Kambri Schaner, Pranothi Mulinti, Amanda Brooks
Summary: Current treatments for osteomyelitis are not effective in providing appropriate antibiotic concentration and bone regeneration support. A bioactive glass-based biodegradable antibiotic-releasing bone void filling putty has been developed to offer effective local antibiotic release and bone regeneration support.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Jordan L. Wilkes, Jessica N. Montalban, Brian D. Pringle, Devin Monroe, Adela Miller, Isain Zapata, Amanda E. Brooks, David W. Ross
Summary: This study assessed the incidence of opioid use based on geographic and population characteristics in the United States. The results showed variations in opioid use among different population center sizes and regions. Factors such as unemployment and diverse ethnicities were commonly associated with opioid use in metropolitan areas, but not in rural areas. Understanding these unique dynamics is essential for guiding future interventions to address the opioid crisis.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Daniel Sullivan, Allison Pabich, Ryan Enslow, Avery Roe, Donald Borchert, Keenan Barr, Bailey Cook, Amanda Brooks
Summary: EOAT often presents with pain and swelling around the Achilles Tendon, is more common in men, and may demonstrate specific molecular signaling patterns. Although there is no standard treatment regimen, conservative management for six months is recommended for patients without complications. Further research is needed to determine the best course of clinical treatment for EOAT injuries.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Kyle M. Pierce, William R. Miklavcic, Kyle P. Cook, Mikayla Sweitzer Hennen, Kenneth W. Bayles, Michael A. Hollingsworth, Amanda E. Brooks, Jessica E. Pullan, Kaitlin M. Dailey
Summary: Nanoparticles, oncolytic viruses, and oncolytic bacteria therapies have made significant progress in the treatment of solid tumors, with overlapping methodologies and breakthroughs in one modality potentially impacting the others.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Jordan A. Higgs, Alyssa P. Quinn, Kevin D. Seely, Zeke Richards, Shad P. Mortensen, Cody S. Crandall, Amanda E. Brooks
Summary: This review examines the relationship between insulin resistance and adrenal masses, discussing possible pathophysiological links and conflicting study conclusions. Further investigation into the mechanisms and timing of these two pathologies as they relate to one another is needed for prevention, detection, and treatment of both conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Justin T. Bradshaw, Telyn Peterson, Lawsen M. Parker, Zeke Richards, Chad J. Skidmore, Kevin Brighton, Maxton W. Muir, Alexandra Moody, Andrew Collyer, Isain Zapata, Amanda E. Brooks, Marcos Reyes
Summary: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. This study suggests that allowing medical students to perform community-based glaucoma screening events in medically underserved areas can decrease the cost burden associated with late diagnosis and raise awareness about glaucoma.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Demi Zapata, Jordan Higgs, Hunter Wittholt, Kishore Chittimalli, Amanda E. Brooks, Pranothi Mulinti
Summary: Infection remains a major threat to global health, and osteomyelitis, a difficult condition to diagnose and treat, is particularly troublesome. The challenges in diagnosing and treating osteomyelitis stem from the complexities of opportunistic infections, changes in host vasculature, and the heterogeneity of infectious presentations. Despite advancements in preclinical treatment, clinical strategies remain stagnant.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
JuliAnne E. Allgood, Avery Roe, Bridger B. Sparks, Mercedes Castillo, Angel Cruz, Amanda E. Brooks, Benjamin D. Brooks
Summary: Sleep disturbance can be caused by the disruption of sleep centers in the brain due to glioma growth or surgical resection. Although the correlation between specific sleep disorders and glioma growth is unknown, there are enough case reports to suggest a possible connection. This manuscript examines these case reports and reviews the existing literature on sleep disturbance and glioma diagnosis to identify a new and useful connection that requires further scientific investigation.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Zachary Vinton, Kevin Wolfe, Jensen Fisher, Amanda Brooks
Summary: Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) is a debilitating condition with limited therapeutic options. The potential impact of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), particularly celecoxib, on CAVD has been debated. We analyzed five studies and found discrepancies in methods and results. Celecoxib may impact CAVD development through multiple mechanisms, necessitating further research to clarify its role and inform treatment options.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kaitlin L. L. Williams, Ryan Enslow, Shreyas Suresh, Camille Beaton, Mitchell Hodge, Amanda E. E. Brooks
Summary: Autoimmune diseases are connected to various factors such as environment, genetics, microbiota, and diet. Gut dysbiosis, caused by elevated fat and sugar intake, is a common factor in autoimmune diseases and contributes to increased inflammation. This review explores the connection between gut microbiota, bone metabolism, and skeletal and joint destruction associated with autoimmune diseases, and introduces the concept of altering an individual's specific gut microbiota as a form of regenerative medicine and therapy for joint destruction.
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Pranothi Mulinti, Dorina Diekjurgen, Kristen Kurtzeborn, Narayanaganesh Balasubramanian, Shane J. Stafslien, David W. Grainger, Amanda E. Brooks
Summary: In this study, a small basic peptide known for its antimicrobial properties was genetically linked to a mechanically robust silk-like peptide. The fusion protein showed both heparin-binding and antimicrobial capabilities, creating a designer silk-like protein with improved hemocompatibility and antimicrobial properties.
BIOENGINEERING-BASEL
(2022)