Innovations in spider silk‐inspired artificial gel fibers: Methods, properties, strengthening, functionality, and challenges

Abstract

Spider silk, possessing exceptional combination properties, is classified as a bio‐gel fiber. Thereby, it serves as a valuable origin of inspiration for the advancement of various artificial gel fiber materials with distinct functionalities. Gel fibers exhibit promising potential for utilization in diverse fields, including smart textiles, artificial muscle, tissue engineering, and strain sensing. However, there are still numerous challenges in improving the performance and functionalizing applications of spider silk‐inspired artificial gel fibers. Thus, to gain a penetrating insight into bioinspired artificial gel fibers, this review provided a comprehensive overview encompassing three key aspects: the fundamental design concepts and implementing strategies of gel fibers, the properties and strengthening strategies of gel fibers, and the functionalities and application prospects of gel fibers. In particular, multiple strengthening and toughening mechanisms were introduced at micro, nano, and molecular‐level structures of gel fibers. Additionally, the existing challenges of gel fibers are summarized. This review aims to offer significant guidance for the development and application of artificial gel fibers and inspire further research in the field of high‐performance gel fibers.