Spider Silk Inspires Next-Gen Medical Materials for Drug Delivery and Wound Repair

Spider silk is guiding the development of new medical materials. Researchers extract silk genes and produce engineered silk proteins in microbes to create particles, gels, fibers, and 3D-printed scaffolds for drug delivery and tissue repair. These silk-based systems can biodegrade and release medicines over time, while providing biocompatible scaffolds that support cell growth and healing, with applications ranging from wound coverings to bone regeneration. The process leverages room‑temperature, water-based manufacturing that contrasts with traditional synthetic fibers.