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Replicating shear-mediated self-assembly of spider silk through microfluidics

Author

Listed:
  • Jianming Chen

    (Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University
    The Hong Kong Polytechnic University)

  • Arata Tsuchida

    (Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN)

  • Ali D. Malay

    (Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science)

  • Kousuke Tsuchiya

    (Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku)

  • Hiroyasu Masunaga

    (Japan Synchrotron Radiation Research Institute)

  • Yui Tsuji

    (Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku)

  • Mako Kuzumoto

    (Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku)

  • Kenji Urayama

    (Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku)

  • Hirofumi Shintaku

    (Cluster for Pioneering Research, RIKEN)

  • Keiji Numata

    (Biomacromolecules Research Team, RIKEN Center for Sustainable Resource Science
    Kyoto University, Nishikyo-ku
    Keio University, Tsuruoka)

Abstract

The development of artificial spider silk with properties similar to native silk has been a challenging task in materials science. In this study, we use a microfluidic device to create continuous fibers based on recombinant MaSp2 spidroin. The strategy incorporates ion-induced liquid-liquid phase separation, pH-driven fibrillation, and shear-dependent induction of β-sheet formation. We find that a threshold shear stress of approximately 72 Pa is required for fiber formation, and that β-sheet formation is dependent on the presence of polyalanine blocks in the repetitive sequence. The MaSp2 fiber formed has a β-sheet content (29.2%) comparable to that of native dragline with a shear stress requirement of 111 Pa. Interestingly, the polyalanine blocks have limited influence on the occurrence of liquid-liquid phase separation and hierarchical structure. These results offer insights into the shear-induced crystallization and sequence-structure relationship of spider silk and have significant implications for the rational design of artificially spun fibers.

Suggested Citation

  • Jianming Chen & Arata Tsuchida & Ali D. Malay & Kousuke Tsuchiya & Hiroyasu Masunaga & Yui Tsuji & Mako Kuzumoto & Kenji Urayama & Hirofumi Shintaku & Keiji Numata, 2024. "Replicating shear-mediated self-assembly of spider silk through microfluidics," Nature Communications, Nature, vol. 15(1), pages 1-11, December.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:natcom:v:15:y:2024:i:1:d:10.1038_s41467-024-44733-1
    DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-44733-1
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
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