Summary
Silks are intriguing biopolymers that have evolved several times independently in a wide range of arthropods. Spiders can produce - at ambient temperature and pressure - silks that resemble the best man-made fibers in toughness. Biomimetic analysis of silks and related structural fibrous proteins such as tubulins, elastins, resilins and collagens will enhance our understanding of these fascinating materials, their production and evolution. The ESF is funding a 3 year network of workshops and exchange visits to focus on the different aspects of silk and silk production with an open mind towards similar biomaterials. MORE
Duration
Three years, from October 1998 to December 2001.
