3D ORGANIC POLYMER SILK
Spinning the Future of Technology
OUR BUSINESS
Welcome to the forefront of medical innovation! Led by a driven team of interdisciplinary researchers, 3D Organic Polymer Silk (3D-OPS) is on a mission to revolutionize biomaterials. Founded by three UC Davis undergraduates, we drew inspiration from nature's ingenuity, particularly the silk-spinning abilities of the Golden Orb Weaver spider.
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Our approach blends biomimicry and sustainable engineering, yielding reproducible, humane, and cost-effective products made out of spider silk. We're currently pioneering the development of next-generation surgical adhesives tailored for bone and nerve repair that will revolutionize musculoskeletal surgical fixation. But that's just the beginning.
Our vision extends far beyond mere adhesion – we're poised to revolutionize the field as a premier material mobilization platform. Imagine a world where biomaterial breakthroughs abound, where spider silk, with its limitless potential, becomes a cornerstone of transformative technologies. Join us on the frontier of innovation as we unveil a plethora of visionary applications for our groundbreaking biomaterials.
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A Web ofApplications
Biofilms
Spider silk's biocompatibility and antimicrobial properties make it well-suited for forming biofilm coatings on medical devices. These coatings can help prevent bacterial colonization, reducing the risk of infections associated with implanted devices and enhancing their longevity and effectiveness.
Bone Adhesive
Spider silk's exceptional adhesive properties make it an ideal candidate for bone adhesion in surgical procedures. Its ability to securely bond to bone surfaces promotes faster healing and better integration of implants, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced risks of complications.
Textiles
Spider silk's softness, breathability, and antimicrobial properties make it an excellent choice for medical gauze and textiles. Silk-based dressings can promote wound healing while minimizing the risk of infection, providing patients with comfort and protection during the healing process.
Silk Sutures
The strength and flexibility of spider silk make it an excellent material for surgical sutures. Silk sutures provide superior tensile strength, minimizing tissue trauma during closure and promoting optimal wound healing. Additionally, silk's biodegradability ensures that sutures break down harmlessly in the body over time.
Nerve Adhesive
Spider silk's similarity to nerve tissue and its adhesive properties make it a promising material for nerve repair and regeneration. By acting as a scaffold for nerve growth and facilitating the adhesion of severed nerve ends, spider silk can potentially improve outcomes in nerve repair surgeries and enhance functional recovery for patients with nerve injuries.
3D Printed Implants
Spider silk's biocompatibility and ability to mimic the extracellular matrix make it a promising material for 3D printing tissue implants. By precisely controlling the structure and properties of printed constructs, spider silk-based implants can closely resemble native tissues, offering customized solutions for tissue repair and regeneration in various medical applications.