Harnessing the potential of spider silk proteins as emerging biomaterials for drug delivery: classification, comparative evaluation and future perspectives.

ObjectiveThe objective of this review is to consolidate the role of native and recombinant spider silk in drug delivery systems. It aims to classify and compare their performance with natural and synthetic polymers, and emphasises their potential biomedical applications. It also evaluates the limitations and technical challenges, while offering perspectives on future directions to advance the clinical practices of spider silk-based drug delivery systems.SignificanceSpider silk offers biocompatibility, biodegradability, high mechanical strength, low immunogenicity and stability, making it an outstanding candidate for an advanced drug delivery system. Its unique ability to self-assemble into nanoparticles, hydrogels and films allows for encapsulation of various drugs.Key findingsThis review highlights that recombinant silk proteins possess unique properties that make them superior to many natural and synthetic polymers for drug delivery. Recombinant production technologies allow precise control over amino acid sequences, enabling modification for targeted and sustained delivery. In drug delivery, recombinant spider silk-based systems have exhibited promise in cancer therapy, regenerative medicine, including wound healing in tissue engineering, and serving as carriers.ConclusionRecombinant spider silk protein represents a versatile and biocompatible platform for advanced drug delivery systems. Although challenges in scalability and clinical translation exist, advances in engineering emphasise spider silk as a next-generation drug delivery biomaterial.