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Mechanical Training-Driven Structural Remodeling: A Rational Route for Outstanding Highly Hydrated Silk Materials
Ting Shu1, Zhuochen Lv1, Chun-Teh Chen2
1School of Physical Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China.
Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|July 21, 2021
Summary
Engineered mechanical training enhances highly hydrated silk materials (HHSMs) by creating a reinforced structure. This self-reinforcement significantly improves mechanical properties, expanding applications in tissue engineering and soft devices.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Materials Engineering
- Polymer Science
Background:
- Highly hydrated silk materials (HHSMs) show promise in tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and soft devices.
- Limited mechanical properties of HHSMs hinder their practical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an engineered mechanical training-driven structural remodeling strategy (MTDSRS) for self-reinforcement of HHSMs.
- To improve the inherent mechanical properties and broaden the utility of HHSMs.
Main Methods:
- The MTDSRS involves repetitive mechanical training and solvent-induced conformation transitions.
- Solvent-induced transitions promote β-sheet physical crosslinks.
- Mechanical loading rearranges crosslinked proteins along the loading direction.
Main Results:
- Mechanically trained-HHSMs (MT-HHSMs) exhibit 8-fold higher fracture strength and 13-fold higher Young's modulus compared to as-prepared HHSMs.
- MT-HHSMs achieve fracture strength of 4.7 ± 0.9 MPa and Young's modulus of 21.3 ± 2.1 MPa (43 ± 4% water content).
- The resulting materials display stress-birefringence, humidity-induced actuation, and self-folding deformation.
Conclusions:
- Engineered MTDSRS effectively self-reinforces HHSMs, overcoming their inherent mechanical limitations.
- MT-HHSMs possess superior mechanical properties and unique functional features for advanced applications.
- This strategy offers a pathway to enhance silk-based biomaterials for diverse technological uses.
