https://pages.htgaa.org/2026b/omar-mudher/week-01-hw-project-ideas/index.htmlTarget Product: Recombinant major ampullate spidroin (MaSp1/MaSp2-derived) monofilament surgical sutures. Motivation & Importance: Traditional surgical sutures present distinct trade-offs: synthetic absorbable polymers (such as polyglycolic acid) can cause localized inflammation via acidic degradation byproducts, while non-absorbable alternatives (like braided silk or nylon) carry risks of tissue drag, bacterial colonization within braided crevices, or permanent foreign-body reactions. Recombinant spider dragline silk provides a unique combination of extreme tensile strength (comparable to steel by weight), high elasticity, biocompatibility, and slow, enzymatic biodegradation into non-toxic amino acids. Biomanufacturing these proteins enables the production of fine, monofilament, ultra-strong sutures ideal for delicate, high-tension procedures—specifically ophthalmic, neurological, and plastic/reconstructive micro-surgeries where minimizing scarring, tissue trauma, and infection is critical. 2. Living System Chassis & Process Chassis: Escherichia coli (specifically engineered strains like BL21(DE3) or Rosetta 2(DE3) to support rare tRNA translation). System Inputs: Defined minimal/rich growth media supplemented with glucose or glycerol (carbon/energy source) and ammonium salts/yeast extract (nitrogen). Chemical inducers such as Isopropyl \beta-D-1-thiogalactopyranoside (IPTG) or auto-induction formulations. Trace minerals, dissolved oxygen, and supplemental amino acids (particularly glycine, alanine, and proline). Biological Processes:Hugoen