Entrepreneurship has permeated various sectors, including science, where engineers and scientists are increasingly translating their research into marketable products or services, leading to the inception of new startups. A prime area for such ventures is bioproduction, which utilises living cells and organisms to develop products. Biomaterials, especially crucial in the pharmaceutical and vaccine industries, also find applications in diverse sectors such as packaging, textiles, agriculture, and food production.
Spider silk, renowned for its exceptional strength and elasticity, has particularly captivated the biomanufacturing industry. The material’s potential for scaling production economically has piqued interest for applications ranging from medical sutures to textiles. However, a comprehensive study by diverse students, including Ghita Guessous from the University of California San Diego, reveals numerous challenges within the spider silk sector. Their collaborative research, undertaken remotely and facilitated by the nonprofit Nucleate, was published in the ACS Biomaterials and Engineering journal.
Their methodical approach combined academic literature, patents, market analysis, and expert insights to form a nuanced understanding of the spider silk industry. Ghita Guessous, who spearheaded the study and recently earned a PhD in physics, mentioned that the team’s thorough literature review and market data analysis provided a clear picture of the industry’s landscape, far removed from the prevalent hype.
During their research, the team analysed over 2,400 patents related to spider silk, uncovering a treasure trove of scientific data. They also engaged with various experts, including scientists, industry veterans, and venture capitalists, which enriched their understanding of the sector’s dynamics. The initial buzz around spider silk as a revolutionary biomaterial gave way to a more grounded view as they delved deeper, learning from the diverse experiences of those entrenched in the industry.
A significant challenge identified was the difficulty of scaling spider silk production due to spiders’ territorial and cannibalistic nature, which makes large-scale farming unfeasible. The researchers explored alternative production methods, such as heterologous expression, where genes responsible for silk production are introduced into other organisms like goats, alfalfa, silkworms, yeast, and bacteria. Despite the innovative approach, toxicity issues in host organisms continue to be a significant hurdle needing further research.
The study aimed to assess the feasibility of various host organisms for spider silk production, seeking an optimal balance between cost and quality. This mirrors approaches in the pharmaceutical industry, where unicellular organisms are increasingly used for production in controlled lab environments or bioreactors. Despite some discouraging findings, the researchers highlighted that uncovering these challenges was vital, outlining areas where academic research could significantly contribute to resolving prevailing issues in the industry.
Their final discussion focused on the potential markets for spider silk, noting the tough competition it faces in the fashion industry from cheaper materials like polyester. However, the potential for spider silk in high-performance materials, such as bulletproof vests and automotive components, is promising. The cosmetic industry also shows potential for incorporating spider silk to enhance product textures.
Reflecting on their comprehensive study, the team remains cautiously optimistic about the future of biomanufacturing in spider silk. While their initial excitement has tempered, the insights gained have equipped them with a realistic perspective on the challenges and opportunities in the field. Their research sheds light on the complexities of spider silk production and serves as a valuable model for future scientific inquiry and entrepreneurial ventures in this cutting-edge area.
More information: Ghita Guessous et al, Disentangling the Web: An Interdisciplinary Review on the Potential and Feasibility of Spider Silk Bioproduction, ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering. DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00145
Journal information: ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering Provided by University of California – San Diego