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Photo-induced structural modification of silk gels containing azobenzene side groups
Michael J Landry1, Matthew B Applegate, Oleksandr S Bushuyev
1Department of Chemistry, McGill University, 801 Sherbrooke Street West, Montreal H3A 0B8, Canada. christopher.barrett@mcgill.ca.
Soft Matter
|April 4, 2017
Summary
Scientists created a new photo-responsive biomaterial called azosilk from silkworm silk. This material allows for 3D laser patterning, creating raised micro-blisters with tunable properties for advanced applications.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Polymer Chemistry
- Materials Engineering
Background:
- Bombyx mori silkworm silk is a natural protein-based biomaterial.
- Photo-responsive materials offer dynamic control over material properties.
- 3D laser patterning enables complex structure fabrication.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a photo-responsive silk biomaterial for 3D laser patterning.
- To investigate the properties of azobenzene-modified silk (azosilk).
- To explore potential applications in dynamic cell guidance and microfluidics.
Main Methods:
- Modification of Bombyx mori silk with azobenzene.
- 3D laser patterning of the modified silk.
- Characterization of the photo-responsive behavior and mechanical properties.
Main Results:
- Creation of a photo-responsive 'azosilk' biomaterial.
- Successful 3D laser patterning of azosilk, forming fluorescent regions.
- Observation of a 10-fold photo-softening effect and formation of fluid-filled 'micro-blisters' in patterned areas.
Conclusions:
- Azosilk is a versatile, photo-responsive biomaterial derived from silk.
- 3D laser patterning enables facile and tunable fabrication of microstructures.
- Azosilk holds promise for applications requiring dynamic and soft tunable materials.