Preface
Downloaded by 80.82.77.83 on January 10, 2018 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: December 3, 1993 | doi: 10.1021/bk-1994-0544.pr001
SILKS H A V E B E E N A SCIENTIFIC CURIOSITY F O R CENTURIES, and
new
insights about these polymers are surfacing with improved analytical methods and the tools of molecular biology. Silks include a broad range of primarily protein-based high-molecular-weight polymers often associated with insects, silkworms, and orb-weaving spiders. Spider silks are becoming as well studied as silkworm silks because of newly developed methods of study, their interesting mechanical properties, and the availability of a family of spider silks with functional properties tailored for a range of applications. Researchers in such diverse fields as biosynthesis, processing, and mechanical properties are interested in silks, and a great deal can be learned and mimicked from complex biological systems involved in silk production that will have broad implications for polymer science and materials science. The genetic control and tailorability of silk polymers during biosynthesis provides an unusual system for the study of structure-function relationships as well as tightly regulated gene expression. Processing of silk polymers in an aqueous phase under ambient conditions results in water-insoluble high-strength fibrous products, a process that is of interest from the standpoint of environmental compatibility. Mechanical properties of silkfibershave a unique combination of toughness and stiffness, and the fibers are environmentally stable yet biodegradable products. This book reflects the work presented at the 1993 International Workshop on Silk. The symposium was organized by the editors to provide a forum for the latest advances in the field and to promote interchange among researchers. The symposium and the book together represent the first compilation of information on the biology, structure, processing, properties, and genetics of silks. What is known about silk, and, just as important, what is not known is described clearly in this volume. The first section presents issues of general biology, genetics, and synthesis of native and synthetic silks and silklike materials. The second section deals with how these polymers are characterized and modeled and gives some of their properties. Finally, the third section describes the processing of silks, followed by current and potential applications. This interdisciplinary book will be of interest to many—from graduate students getting started in their research to museum curators concerned about preserving silk articles. Materials scientists and engineers, bioix Kaplan et al.; Silk Polymers ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1993.
Downloaded by 80.82.77.83 on January 10, 2018 | http://pubs.acs.org Publication Date: December 3, 1993 | doi: 10.1021/bk-1994-0544.pr001
chemists, biologists, chemists, molecular biologists, and protein chemists will also find it useful. The information on silks provided here will give newcomers and experienced researchers alike the latest information in the field We thank all of the participants in the symposium. The interchange and discussion held in the oval room of the Jefferson Rotunda resulted in one of the most enjoyable and productive scientific sessions with which we have been involved. We also acknowledge the contributions of Marlene Jewer, who took care of much of the correspondence; E. P. Socci, J. A. Young, E. K. KariKari, and J. S. Morris for help with the logistics of the symposium; Anne Wilson for coordinating the publication of the book; the University of Virginia Department of Materials Science for hosting and sponsoring the symposium; and the Air Force Wright Laboratory Materials Directorate, through a grant to Lawrence Associates, Inc., and the U.S. Army Research Office for co-funding the symposium. We dedicate this book to two of the inspirational pioneers and leaders in the field, Bob Work and Yoshiaki Suzuki. DAVID KAPLAN
Natick Research, Development, and Engineering Center U.S. Army Natick, M A 01760-5020 W . W A D E ADAMS
Materials Directorate, Wright Laboratory U.S. Air Force Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433-7702 BARRY FARMER
University of Virginia Charlottesville, V A 22903-2442 CHRISTOPHER V I N E Y
University of Washington Seattle, WA 98195 July 15, 1993
x Kaplan et al.; Silk Polymers ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1993.
xi
Kaplan et al.; Silk Polymers ACS Symposium Series; American Chemical Society: Washington, DC, 1993.
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