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Extensible and self-recoverable proteinaceous materials derived from scallop byssal thread
Xiaokang Zhang1,2, Mengkui Cui3, Shuoshuo Wang1,2
1Sars-Fang Centre, MOE Key Laboratory of Marine Genetics and Breeding, College of Marine Life Sciences, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, 266003, China.
Nature Communications
|May 18, 2022
Summary
Researchers developed new protein-based fibers inspired by scallop byssal threads. These bio-inspired fibers exhibit remarkable extensibility and self-recovery, even when wet, opening doors for advanced material applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomaterials Engineering
- Textile Science
Background:
- Biologically derived and inspired fibers offer unique mechanical properties for technical applications.
- Achieving high extensibility and self-recovery, particularly in wet conditions, remains a significant challenge for synthetic fibers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To engineer protein-based fibers mimicking the properties of native scallop byssal threads.
- To investigate the structure-property relationships governing the mechanical performance of these bio-inspired fibers.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of native scallop byssal thread (Chlamys farreri) mechanical properties.
- Identification and recombinant production of scallop byssal protein type 5-2 (Sbp5-2) as tandem repeat motifs (rTRM7).
- Organic solvent-enabled drawing process to fabricate rTRM7 fibers, followed by characterization of their structure and properties.
Main Results:
- Native scallop byssal thread exhibits exceptional extensibility (327±32%).
- Recombinant rTRM7 fibers demonstrate high extensibility (234±35%) and self-recovery in wet conditions.
- Mechanical properties are regulated by hydrogen bonding, disulfide bonds, and metal-carboxyl coordination.
Conclusions:
- Protein-based fibers derived from recombinant scallop byssal proteins can replicate the superior mechanical properties of native byssal threads.
- These bio-inspired fibers possess tunable properties suitable for advanced applications, including integration with graphene for sensors and electrodes.
