The effect of ingested copper on the structural and cytotoxic properties of Steatoda grossa (Theridiidae) spider silk

• Published in: Zoology (Jena) 2024-01, Vol.162, p.126143-126143, Article 126143
• Main Authors: Wilczek, Grażyna, Surmiak–Stalmach, Kinga, Morenc, Małgorzata, Niemiec–Cyganek, Aleksandra, Rost–Roszkowska, Magdalena, Karcz, Jagna, Skowronek, Magdalena
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Animals; Apoptosis; Biocompatible Materials; copper; Copper - toxicity; Cytotoxicity; direct contact; fibroblasts; Fibroblasts necrosis; Humans; indirect contact; necrosis; Scaffold; Silk; Silk - chemistry; Spiders; spidroins; Steatoda grossa; ultrastructure
• ISSN: 0944-2006; 1873-2720
• DOI: 10.1016/j.zool.2024.126143

Spiders, assigned to macroconcentrators of heavy metals, are particularly threatened by the toxic effects of these chemicals. Until now, it has not been specified to what extent metals alter the processes proceeding in silk glands and if such changes could consequently influence the chemical and structural properties of the spun web threads. In the present study selected biological properties of Steatoda grossa (Theridiidae) silk yarn after nutritional exposure to copper at sublethal doses (0.234 mM CuSO4) were assessed. It was determined both changes in ultrastructure of ampullate glands and hunting web’s architecture as well the cytotoxic effect in model cells (fibroblasts: line ATCC® CCL–1 NCTC clone 929), that were in contact with the analyzed biomaterial. The exposure of spiders to copper caused the occurrence of apoptotic cells in the ampullate glands as well as a significant reduction in the diameter of single fibers in double and multiple connection complexes as compared with control. At both 24 and 72 h of incubation, intensification of apoptotic and necrotic processes was observed in the fibroblast cultures that were remaining in indirect contact with the webs produced by copper–contaminated individuals. In the case of fibroblasts in direct contact with silk from the copper group, a clear cytotoxic effect resulting in an increased frequency of necrosis was observed after 72 h of incubation. The results indicated that copper may change the biological properties of spider silk and compromise its biomaterial properties. [Display omitted] ●The biological quality of spider silk is strongly influenced by copper, even in sublethal doses.●Copper indirectly alters the architecture of spiders' hunting webs, damaging the silk glands.●Short-term oral administration of copper weakens the properties of silk as a potential scaffold for cell cultures.●Identifying the effects of metals on the biological properties of spider silk is important for its potential applications in tissue engineering.