Spider Silk

[stark404.livejournal.com]

I am researching medicinal uses of spider silk, so was wondering if anyone either has used it him/herself, or know of someone who has, or can direct me to some resources to do more study on my own. I did a Dogpile search, but so far nothing I've run across is telling me what I'm looking for.

Also - is there a specific way to harvest spider silk, besides just winding it up on a stick for use later? Can spider silk be washed, or is it better to harvest the cleanest silk one can find?

I'll gladly read any more information, especially if there are questions someone recognizes that I didn't ask.

Thanks.

X-posted to various communities.

Comments

[stark404.livejournal.com]

Interesting. Thanks. Processing it through goat's milk???? That seems a bit way-out to me, but hey. I'm not the scientist.

[emerald-griffin.livejournal.com]

If you're still wondering... I have definitely heard of using spider silk to stop bleeding. I believe the method of application is to simply take a wad of the stuff and press it to the wound. Somehow it seems to act as a bandage as well, I think, if it's left on there.