Identification and dynamics of polyglycine II nanocrystals in Argiope trifasciata flagelliform silk

摘要: Spider silks combine a significant number of desirable characteristics in one material, including large tensile strength and strain at breaking, biocompatibility, the possibility tailoring their properties. Major ampullate gland silk (MAS) is most studied properties are explained by double lattice hydrogen bonds elastomeric protein chains linked to polyalanine β-nanocrystals. However, many basic details regarding relationship between composition, microstructure still lacking. Here we show that this can be traced flagelliform (Flag) spun Argiope trifasciata spiders after identifying phase consisting polyglycine II nanocrystals. The presence consistent with dominant –GGX– –GPG– motifs its sequence. In contrast passive role assigned nanocrystals MAS, undergo growing/collapse processes contribute increase toughness justify ability Flag supercontract.