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Spider silks have received extensive attention from scientists and industries around the world because of their
remarkable mechanical properties, which include high tensile strength and extensibility. It is a leading-edge biomaterial resource, with a wide range of potential applications. Spider silks are composed of silk proteins, which are usually very large
molecules, yet many silk proteins still remain largely underexplored. While there are numerous reviews on spider silks from
diverse perspectives, here we provide a most up-to-date overview of the spider silk component protein family in terms of its
molecular structure, evolution, hydrophobicity, and biomedical applications. Given the confusion regarding spidroin naming, we emphasize the need for coherent and consistent nomenclature for spidroins and provide recommendations for preexisting spidroin names that are inconsistent with nomenclature. We then review recent advances in the components, identification, and structures of spidroin genes. We next discuss the hydrophobicity of spidroins, with particular attention on the
unique aquatic spider silks. Aquatic spider silks are less known but may inspire innovation in biomaterials. Furthermore, we
provide new insights into antimicrobial peptides from spider silk glands. Finally, we present possibilities for future uses of
spider silks.
Proteomic Evidence for Components of Spider Silk Synthesis from Black Widow Silk Glands and Fibers