Aqueous-based spinning of fibers from self-assembling structural proteins

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Textile Engineering

Background:

• Structural proteins, like dragline spider silk, offer a unique combination of stiffness, strength, and extensibility.
• Mimicking these natural properties in synthetic fibers, particularly via aqueous-based spinning, presents significant challenges.
• Recombinant silk proteins offer a promising avenue for creating biomimetic materials.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and detail a multivariate approach for aqueous-based spinning of recombinant silk proteins.
• To optimize fiber processing and spinning parameters to achieve mechanical properties comparable to natural dragline silk.
• To provide a foundational method for spinning other structural proteins.

Main Methods:

• A multivariate approach was employed, analyzing numerous solution, spinning, and post-spinning variables.
• Protein solution processing and fiber spinning parameters were systematically optimized.
• Mechanical properties of the resulting fibers were correlated with processing variables to guide iterative refinement.

Main Results:

• The developed method facilitates the formation of fibers with mechanical properties approaching those of natural dragline silk.
• An iterative variable analysis process was crucial for maximizing fiber mechanical integrity.
• Key lessons learned from optimizing processing and spinning parameters are detailed.

Conclusions:

• A robust aqueous-based spinning method for recombinant silk proteins has been established.
• This approach enables the creation of high-performance biomimetic fibers.
• The methodology can be adapted for the aqueous-based fiber spinning of other structural proteins.