The Amphiphilic Properties of Spider Silks Are Important for Spinning

摘要

Over the course of 300 million years, spiders evolved to become outstanding silk producers. In contrast to insects, such as the silkworm Bombyx mori, orb-weaving spiders can produce up to seven different silks for different purposes. Of these silks, those produced in major ampullate glands are the most thoroughly investigated. Major ampullate silks (MAS) are employed for building the frame and radii of the orb web as well as the life lines used to escape predators.