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Related Concept Videos

Polymers02:34

Polymers

The word polymer is derived from the Greek words “poly” which means “many” and “mer” which means “parts”. Polymers are long chains of molecules composed of repeating units of smaller molecules, known as monomers. They either occur naturally, such as DNA and proteins, or can be constructed synthetically, like plastics. They have varied structural characteristics, such as linear chains, branched chains, or complex networks, that contribute to the properties that they exhibit. Additionally,...
Polymer Classification: Architecture01:14

Polymer Classification: Architecture

Polymers are classified as linear or branched on the basis of their chain architecture. The polymer chains in linear polymers have a long chain-like structure with minimal to no branching at all. Even if a polymer features large substituent groups on the monomer, which appear as branches to the skeleton, it is not considered a branched polymer. A branched polymer contains secondary polymer chains that arise from the main polymer chain. The branching occurs when the polymer growth shifts from...
Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers01:28

Classification and Mechanical Properties of Synthetic Polymers

Synthetic polymers are classified as elastomers, fibers, or plastics based on their crystallinity. Crystallinity, the degree of long-range order in the solid state, influences the mechanical properties (stretching or contracting) of elastomers. Elastomers are flexible polymers that can expand or contract easily upon the application of an external force. They have numerous crosslinks that pull them back into their original shape when stress is removed. Silicones, for instance, are highly elastic...
Bioplastics01:27

Bioplastics

Bioplastics derived from microbial processes present a sustainable alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. Among these, polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), particularly polyhydroxybutyrates (PHBs), have emerged as prominent candidates due to their biodegradability and biocompatibility. These polymers are synthesized by a variety of bacteria, such as Cupriavidus necator and Pseudomonas putida, which naturally accumulate PHAs as intracellular carbon and energy reserves, especially under...

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Shape Memory Polymers for Active Cell Culture
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Published on: July 4, 2011

Biopolymers: shape memory in spider draglines.

Olivier Emile1, Albert Le Floch, Fritz Vollrath

  • 1Laboratoire de Physique des Lasers, UMR CNRS 6627, Université de Rennes 1, 35042 Rennes, France. olivier.emile@univ-rennes1.fr

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|March 31, 2006
PubMed
Summary

Spider dragline silk exhibits remarkable torsional shape memory, fully recovering its original form without external stimuli. This biological filament possesses unique, dynamically changing torsional constants, outperforming synthetic fibers.

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Area of Science:

  • Biomaterials Science
  • Mechanics of Materials
  • Textile Engineering

Background:

  • Spider draglines are known for superior ductility and strength compared to synthetic fibers.
  • The torsional properties of spider silk, crucial for its mechanical performance, remain largely unexplored.
  • Spiders rarely twist when suspended by their draglines, suggesting unique torsional behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the unexplored torsional properties of spider dragline silk.
  • To determine if spider draglines possess any form of torsional shape memory.
  • To analyze the relaxation dynamics and torsional constants of this biological filament.

Main Methods:

  • Subjecting spider dragline silk to torsional stress and observing its recovery behavior.
  • Measuring the relaxation dynamics of the silk under torsion.
  • Analyzing the changes in torsional constants during the recovery process.

Main Results:

  • Spider dragline silk demonstrates a significant torsional shape memory effect, enabling complete and reversible recovery of its initial form.
  • The silk recovers its original shape without any external stimulus, solely through internal molecular mechanisms.
  • Observed relaxation dynamics reveal successively different torsional constants within the biological molecule.

Conclusions:

  • Spider dragline silk possesses an intrinsic ability to recover from torsional deformation, a property not observed in synthetic fibers.
  • The unique torsional shape memory and variable torsional constants contribute to the exceptional mechanical performance of spider silk.
  • These findings open new avenues for biomimetic material design inspired by spider silk's remarkable properties.