Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 22, 2025
Author Spotlight: Eco-friendly Photoluminescent Textile Authentication with Curcumin
Published on: December 22, 2023
Biocompatible Photoluminescent Silk Fibers with Stability and Durability
Yuan He1, Li Mei Zhang1, Yong Mei Chen1,2
1State Key Laboratory for Strength and Vibration of Mechanical Structures, International Center for Applied Mechanics, School of Aerospace Engineering, Collaborative Innovation Center of Suzhou Nano Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710049, China.
Researchers developed novel photoluminescent silk fibers (TPCA@SF) by modifying silk with a fluorescent molecule and a color-fixing agent. These biocompatible fibers exhibit stable fluorescence, offering potential for advanced biomaterials.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Organic Chemistry
- Textile Chemistry
Background:
- Development of photoluminescent biomaterials requires fibers with biocompatibility and stable fluorescence.
- Silk fibroin is a promising natural polymer for biomaterial applications due to its inherent properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate stable and durable photoluminescent silk fibers.
- To explore a facile and green method for modifying silk fibers with fluorescent molecules.
Main Methods:
- Modification of silk fibers with 5-oxo-3,5-dihydro-2H-thiazolo[3,2-a]pyridine-7-carboxylic acid (TPCA) and didodecyldimethylammonium bromide (DDAB).
- Fabrication in aqueous solution under mild conditions, avoiding toxic substances.
- Characterization of photoluminescent properties, mechanical strength, and biocompatibility.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated TPCA@SF photoluminescent silk fibers.
- Achieved high quantum yield, fluorescence water-fastness, and antiphotobleaching properties.
- Maintained good mechanical properties and biocompatibility of the modified silk fibers.
Conclusions:
- The developed TPCA@SF exhibits excellent photoluminescent properties, stability, and biocompatibility.
- The facile and green fabrication strategy is suitable for creating various durable photoluminescent biomaterials.
- This work advances the field of functional biomaterials for diverse applications.
