Dynamic Photo-cross-linking of Native Silk Enables Macroscale Patterning at a Microscale Resolution

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Optical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Reconstituted silk is a versatile material for optical and biomaterial applications.
• Understanding native silk's response to photoprocessing is crucial for unlocking its full potential.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the photoprocessing capabilities of native silk.
• To compare the performance of native silk with reconstituted silk in light-based structuring.
• To elucidate the mechanisms of silk structure development during processing.

Main Methods:

• Mask-less lithography
• Rheological measurements
• Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR)

Main Results:

• Native silk enables compound pattern production with superior resolution and image quality compared to reconstituted silk.
• Molecular weight of silk influences pattern resolution.
• Processing parameters can tune silk properties to replicate soft tissue characteristics.
• Transparent optical elements for data storage and labeling were fabricated using native silk.

Conclusions:

• Native silk offers advantages over reconstituted silk for advanced optical and biomaterial applications.
• Photoprocessing of native silk allows for tunable material properties.
• This method facilitates the creation of novel optical devices.