Facile and versatile solid state surface modification of silk fibroin membranes using click chemistry

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Surface Chemistry
• Polymer Science

Background:

• Silk-based materials offer unique properties for various applications.
• Surface modification is crucial for tailoring material performance.
• Targeting specific amino acid residues allows for controlled functionalization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a fast and versatile protocol for surface modifying silk membranes.
• To functionalize silk membranes by targeting tyrosine residues.
• To achieve tunable surface properties, specifically water contact angles.

Main Methods:

• A protocol was developed to selectively modify pre-cast silk membranes.
• Tyrosine residues on the silk surface were targeted for modification.
• Alkyne groups were introduced onto the silk membrane surface.
• Click chemistry was employed to tether azide-functionalized molecules.

Main Results:

• A fast and versatile protocol for silk membrane surface modification was established.
• Alkyne-enriched silk membranes were successfully prepared.
• A range of functional groups were tethered to the membrane surface via click chemistry.
• The water contact angle of the modified silk membranes was tunable, ranging from 85 ± 3° to 34 ± 6°.

Conclusions:

• The developed protocol enables efficient and versatile surface modification of silk membranes.
• Targeting tyrosine residues and utilizing click chemistry provides precise control over surface functionalization.
• Tunable surface properties, demonstrated by varying water contact angles, open possibilities for diverse applications.