Yingshan Li

Abstract Biofilms formed by Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 are crucial for metal reduction, underpinning bioremediation and bioenergy applications, yet detailed structural insights into biofilm components remain limited. Here we show that MR-1 biofilms contain abundant filamentous networks, membrane vesicles, and distinct square-shaped aggregates, as revealed by cryo-electron tomography and cryo-electron microscopy.

Keywords spider silk cryoelectron microscopy silk biomaterials amyloid Introduction Spider silk, especially major ampullate silk (MaSp) produced by the greater ampulla gland of spiders, is one of nature’s most remarkable biomaterials.1,2,3 Its exceptional mechanical properties have made it a subject of extensive study, establishing it as one of the most advanced natural materials known to science.4,5 Spider silk uniquely combines high tensile strength, elasticity, low density, and...