Transmission X-ray microscopy of spider dragline silk

Int J Biol Macromol. 2007 Jan 30;40(2):87-95. doi: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2006.06.015. Epub 2006 Jun 21.

Abstract

We have investigated the structure of spider silk fibers from two different Nephila species and three different Araneus species by transmission X-ray microscopy (TXM). Single fibers and double fibers have been imaged. All images are in agreement with a homogenous density on length scales between the fiber diameter and the resolution of the instrument, which is about 25 nm.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Insect Proteins / radiation effects
  • Insect Proteins / ultrastructure*
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Silk / radiation effects
  • Silk / ultrastructure*
  • Spiders / metabolism*
  • X-Rays

Substances

  • Insect Proteins
  • Silk