2023 Silk Proteins and the Transition to Biotechnologies Gordon Research Conference

Gordon Research Conferences, East Greenwich RI

Investigators

Abstract

Project Summary The goal of this project is to support a Gordon Research Conference on silk materials. The objective of the conference is to cover research and technologies that are emerging utilizing silk-based biomaterials and to catalyze further translational efforts in the field. The plan is to bring together experts in the field of silk science from academia and industry from around the world to focus on current advances in the understanding and utilization of this unique family of proteins from silkworms and spiders, from both fundamental and applied perspectives, and to foster collaborations with the aim to give everyone an equal platform to showcase their science and technologies. Silk Biomaterials and Engineering Platform - Developing further fundamental and translational insight into silk protein self-assembly, bioengineering, chemistry, processing and new materials engineering provides the foundation for a wide range of advances in the field of protein-based biomaterials. These insights also impact broader needs in biomaterials science and engineering, utilizing silk as a unique model polymer due to its block copolymer structure, high molecular weight amphiphilic features, and aqueous processability. These insights should inform new ideas in biomaterials science and engineering, new silk protein-based products for medical needs, and new trainees excited and informed to join the field. Medical Interventions - Impact in the field of implantable, biocompatible and fully degradable medical devices is anticipated from the discussions at the GRC. We anticipate that the information gained at the meeting should facilitate new medical impact, from vaccine delivery to tissue reconstruction and implantable and wearable sensors. The conference emphasizes diversity and women with strong representation, while providing support for inclusion of under-represented groups with funding support for attendance. We also have scheduled a GRC power hour afternoon session, which will be run by women in STEM. Broader Impact - The use of silk in medically relevant areas is timely related to the push towards sustainable technologies and green chemistry, as silk is generated in an eco-friendly manner and harvested in water for use in textiles today. The transition toward medical needs with this novel protein-based material, along with broader implications in new environmentally related applications, offers to propel new silk technologies forward; utilizing water, exploiting degradability, and meeting energy and related requirements.