Abstract:In this study, we report for the first time a novel silk fibroin (SF) nanofibrous films with robust mechanical properties that was fabricated by directly dissolving silk in CaCl2-formic acid solution. CaCl2-FA dissolved silk rapidly at room temperature, and more importantly, it disintegrated silk into nanofibrils instead of separate molecules. The morphology of nanofibrils crucially depended on CaCl2 concentrations, which resulted in different aggregation nanostructure in SF films. The SF film after drawing ha… Show more
“…The tensile strength and elongation at break of GMSF films in dry and wet state were determined using standard testing machine (Zwick), equipped with a 100 N capacity load cell. The test samples (3 × 2 cm) were mounted between grips of the machine and pulled at cross head speed of 10 mm/min . Average tensile properties of five specimens were measured.…”
“…The tensile strength and elongation at break of GMSF films in dry and wet state were determined using standard testing machine (Zwick), equipped with a 100 N capacity load cell. The test samples (3 × 2 cm) were mounted between grips of the machine and pulled at cross head speed of 10 mm/min . Average tensile properties of five specimens were measured.…”
“…The special nanostructure of BSF lm was studied in our previous study. 23 The BSF lm showed nanobrous structure originated from the nanobril-preservation dissolution behavior of broin in CaCl 2 /formic acid. The preserved nanobril endowed the BSF lm with exceptional mechanical properties.…”
The possibility of using silk fibroin in biomaterials for tissue engineering is a subject of broad interest. In this study, Bombyx mori/tussah silk fibroin (BSF/TSF) blend films were prepared by solution casting using CaCl 2 / formic acid as a co-solvent and water as a rinse solvent. The morphology, crystallinity, thermal resistance, mechanical properties and water contact angle of the blend films as well as the biocompatibility were investigated. The BSF/TSF blend films displayed a smooth surface and specific nanostructure in their cross-section, originating from the nanofibril-preservation during fibroin dissolution. The water rinse process induced the formation of a stable b-sheet structure. The BSF film showed superior mechanical properties to the TSF film, and the blending with TSF led to a significant reduction in the strength and elasticity of blend films. However, adding the TSF component could regulate the hydrophilic properties and enhance cell growth on the blend films. The BSF/TSF blend films with specific nanostructure, stable secondary structure, appropriate mechanical properties, and good biocompatibility, are promising candidates for application in regenerative medicine.
“…Formic acid can be used to dissolve polyamides (e.g., nylon 66 and nylon 46) or silk to prepare fibers and membranes [81][82][83]. It is also a useful component in semiconductor cleaning solutions [84].…”
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