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Polymorphic regenerated silk fibers assembled through bioinspired spinning

Author

Listed:
  • Shengjie Ling

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Tufts University)

  • Zhao Qin

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

  • Chunmei Li

    (Tufts University)

  • Wenwen Huang

    (Tufts University)

  • David L. Kaplan

    (Tufts University)

  • Markus J. Buehler

    (Massachusetts Institute of Technology)

Abstract

A variety of artificial spinning methods have been applied to produce regenerated silk fibers; however, how to spin regenerated silk fibers that retain the advantages of natural silks in terms of structural hierarchy and mechanical properties remains challenging. Here, we show a bioinspired approach to spin regenerated silk fibers. First, we develop a nematic silk microfibril solution, highly viscous and stable, by partially dissolving silk fibers into microfibrils. This solution maintains the hierarchical structures in natural silks and serves as spinning dope. It is then spun into regenerated silk fibers by direct extrusion in the air, offering a useful route to generate polymorphic and hierarchical regenerated silk fibers with physical properties beyond natural fiber construction. The materials maintain the structural hierarchy and mechanical properties of natural silks, including a modulus of 11 ± 4 GPa, even higher than natural spider silk. It can further be functionalized with a conductive silk/carbon nanotube coating, responsive to changes in humidity and temperature.

Suggested Citation

  • Shengjie Ling & Zhao Qin & Chunmei Li & Wenwen Huang & David L. Kaplan & Markus J. Buehler, 2017. "Polymorphic regenerated silk fibers assembled through bioinspired spinning," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 8(1), pages 1-12, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:8:y:2017:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-017-00613-5
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00613-5
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    Cited by:

    1. Jing Sun & Haonan He & Kelu Zhao & Wenhao Cheng & Yuanxin Li & Peng Zhang & Sikang Wan & Yawei Liu & Mengyao Wang & Ming Li & Zheng Wei & Bo Li & Yi Zhang & Cong Li & Yao Sun & Jianlei Shen & Jingjing, 2023. "Protein fibers with self-recoverable mechanical properties via dynamic imine chemistry," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 14(1), pages 1-13, December.
    2. D. Eliaz & S. Paul & D. Benyamin & A. Cernescu & S. R. Cohen & I. Rosenhek-Goldian & O. Brookstein & M. E. Miali & A. Solomonov & M. Greenblatt & Y. Levy & U. Raviv & A. Barth & U. Shimanovich, 2022. "Micro and nano-scale compartments guide the structural transition of silk protein monomers into silk fibers," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 13(1), pages 1-12, December.

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